Joanna’s Top 5 Favorite Songs from Quentin Tarantino Films
The ninth film by Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is officially out! I have not seen it yet so you don't have to worry about spoilers here. The film is opening up to pretty good reviews, Rotten Tomatoes has certified it fresh with an 83% audience score and an 88% critics score. If you haven't been able to tell, I'm a huge fan of Tarantino films, the style and storytelling, one of the things that I think make his films great is his use of music.
Every time I see a Tarantino film, the music is always enjoyable, and sometimes I end up loving a song I'd never heard before. It really makes me feel like Tarantino and I have the same taste in music therefore we would be great friends! Tarantino has said that one of the first things he does when he's writing a movie or has an idea for one is find the music:
"I go through my record collection and just start playing songs, trying to find the personality of the movie, find the spirit of the movie. Then "boom" eventually I'll hit one, two or three songs“ or one song in particular, oh this will be a great opening credit song."
I think we can all admit that the music he's used in his films is as iconic as his films are. At least I like to think so. So I cannot wait to see Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and check out what songs he chooses; so far we know he's using Paul Revere & The Raiders, Deep Purple, and Neil Diamond! Here are five of my favorite songs from his films.
- 5
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)
Nancy SinatraKill Bill Vol. I
Kill Bill Vol. I's intro send chills. Her baby LITERALLY shot her down!
- 4
Misirlou
Dick DalePulp Fiction
The first time I ever heard "Misirlou" was watching this movie. The intro and the song stick with me to this day. Many associate Pulp Fiction to "You Never Can Tell" but to me, Pulp Fiction is iconic because of that opening scene and "Misirlou"
- 3
Strawberry Letter 23
Brothers JohnsonJackie Brown
This is one those songs used in a scene that really leads nowhere but, still, you're hooked to watching. It's relaxing and just really sets the scene.
- 2
Stuck in the Middle with You
Stealers WheelReservoir Dogs
I love this song just because of the juxtaposition with the scene. The song is so light and breezy and bam! Torture! I can't hear "Stuck in the Middle with You" without thinking of this scene.
- 1
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Santa EsmeraldaKill Bill Vol. I
I'll just admit it, I LOVE the soundtrack to Kill Bill Vol. I. This scene was just so badass and the song was perfect. My dad used to play this version of the song many times so when I first heard it used in the movie I was stunned.
- 0
Honorable Mention: "Hold Tight"
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & TichDeath Proof
I friggin' love Death Proof. Many people aren't fans of it, Tarantino has said it's his worst movie. I love the cars and the badass women. This scene forever makes me scared of hanging my leg out the window.