Let’s face it, the soundtracks of Tarantino movies are nothing short of iconic. Groundbreaking yet retro, the movies seem to drag obscure hits from yesteryear into the populus mainstream. The impending release of “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” has us excited for a whole host of reasons, none more so than the anticipation of what hidden gems may be uncovered on the journey. It’s set in late 1960’s California, what’s not to love.
Imagine if you were given the “keys” to curate the soundtrack of this star studded blockbuster. Would you stick with songs from the era and setting, or throw caution to the wind and mix it up? Get the engine started as we take you on a journey of what would be our picks and why if the choice was in our humble hands. Be there or be square..daddio.
You can also listen to our latest mix featuring these tracks here https://www.mixcloud.com/johnwleather/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-fantasy-soundtrack-tarantino-disco-mix/
Purple Disco Machine – Body Funk
There is always a love and a tribute of disco across the board of the early movies, culminating in my personal favourite, the use of Santa Esmerelda’s mix of “Don’t Let Me Be Misundserstood“. New music is a common theme in his movies, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to me if we were to hear the use of this disco absolute banger in this movie from German composer Purple Disco Machine. It’s range could offer much is an epic soundtrack – check it out here in 7 minutes 24 seconds of full glory –
Dion – Runaround Sue
60’s hits could feature heavily in this movie and it’s always good to have a narrative behind a song. According to this article , tenuous as it may be Brad Pitt graduated from Missouri University and drove to California in a Datsun named “Runaround Sue”. Coincidence or credible track in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood?
Roy Orbison – Penny Arcade
The big O featured in Hateful Eight for that excellent closing scene soundtrack which felt it was written for the movie. This track has more of a California feel to it, and would be a leftfield choice to feature.
Sly and The Family Stone – Everyday People
Soul Music has featured throughout Tarantino movies, and this track fits perfectly with the period. Just exactly how it would fit is a difficult call but it makes all the right noises.
Andy Kim – Baby I Love You
A sickening feel good song which could defer double meaning, this 1969 hit from Andy Kim could really work on a number of levels. It works for the period, the era, setting and style.
Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Child – Slight Return
Perhaps the coolest man alive on the planet in 1969 is Jimi Hendrix and his album release is Electric Ladyland. Woodstock hears an era defining performance. This track features an unreal rock n roll intro with lyrics of “I stand up next to a mountain, and I chop it down with the edge of my hand”. This is a guy peaking his powers right there and then. For this reason alone an Electric Ladyland or Hendrix track would fit perfectly into a stylish soundtrack choice.
Crazy World of Arthur Brown – Fire
Returning to what we know at this stage, a movie set around the time of the Mansun murders set in California. This song seems to epitomize chaos and voodoo in the late 60’s, within a rock and roll setting. Just look, listen and try to argue why this wouldn’t be an amazing call.
Beach boys – Heroes And Villains
This is a link which won’t go away whichever way you look. Beach Boys Dennis Wilson was a rumoured friend of Charles Mansun and the pair apparently spend some studio time together in the late 60’s. A movie set in late California would warrant a Beach boys hit accompaniment alone, but the fact the backdrop of the mansun murders prefix lies leaves no blur that a Beach Boys track will feature.
PJ and Artie – Squad Car
And so we enter the scene of Surf Rock. Never in any good Tarantino movie (set in 20th century) are you far away from a Surf Rock stunner? This little squad car number seems to fit the bill perfectly with the setting we have so far.
Ronny and the Daytonas – G.T.O
Keeping with the Surf Rock motor theme, this obscure track gives us much we are looking for with car overtones, the right sounds and the right era it feels like something our stunt car drivers could easily be getting down to!
Tom Jones – Treat Her Right
Sometimes hits of the crooners can come out in legendary movies. Are there any other crooners more worthy than Tom Jones? Treat her right could bring a bag full of connotations and for that reason here it is on the playlist.
Santana – Soul Sacrifice
The whole feel is so tribal, hypnotic and captivating. It’s a wiry web that once it gets you won’t let you go. Once you’re on the web your soul belongs to Santana? It’s an absolute classic from one of the greatest players of all time undoubtedly. It captures spirit passion, talent and there feels a scorpion tackle in here somewhere of danger. Dare you listen?
Rage Against The Machine – Killing in the Name
Admittedly this is placed in a difficult timeline, but the lyrics, style and everything about this song just seem right for the movie. See the intro “They use force to make you do, what the deciders have decided you must do”. Grunge at it’s undoubted finest. There is certainly a reason Tarantino should go here.
Johnny Cash – General Lee
Do we have any rights to ignore maybe the most famous stunt car of all time? Johnny Cash presents the Dukes of Hazard my friends, the proudest stunt car on the circuit. Old Glory Number 1, Pride of the South! Tarantino has a knack of using history in his favour with the casting of David Carradine aka Kwai Chang Kane – the shaolin monk martial arts expert from 70’s hit TV show “Kung Fu”. With this in mind a tribute to General Lee seems a possibility.
Brian Setzer – Who Would Love This Car But Me
This is a direction towards the vanity of the stock car. No one loves it like the driver itself no matter how bad or good it may be. Are we set to see the 21st century greased lightning or something even better here at this time? We simply cannot wait to see relationship between driver, coach and car in this movie. From The Pussy Wagon, to DeathProof, vehicles have played vital roles in previous movies, the excitement is building as to what will be on offer to the viewer.
James Holt – Come Out To Play
Another new hit, but this song fills a huge hole for us. Perhaps the most famous album of the period, Revolution recorded by The Beatles, and exploited as an influence by Charles Mansun. Choosing a beatles track feels a little cliche, hence the reason for the choice of this brand new track from James Holt. With haunting Mccartneyesque upbeat melody, catchy enough to be upbeat, cool fresh and new enough to be original.
Thanks so much for taking the time out to check out this mix and hope you enjoy the selections. What would you like to feature here? Remember this is all just a bit of fun, in no way are we suggesting any inside knowledge or the intent to post any spoilers. As always be bow to the superior knowledge and supreme skills of Quentin Tarantino. We’d love to hear your feedback on your picks, feel free to leave comments below.
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