I had to go on the Internet to find out about this new Tarantino movie, which seems to be about a guy who chases people down with his 200mph Chevy. The skull and cross-bones on the car bonnet lid imply that those found meet a gory end, while the cast of characters includes a bunch of stuntmen and women.

It’s usual for Tarantino to produce his own movie soundtracks that include songs old and new, with Tex-Mex brass and guitar never too far away. In line with the ambience of his films he manages to impart both hell and humour through his soundtracks. So it’s a familiar formula but one that works so well with his movies, as no doubt it works with his newest venture. The album opens with a very threatening instrumental The Last Race (introduced by a huge V8 roar) performed by Jack Nitzsche and then, in complete contrast, a strong cover of Baby It’s You by Smith. On the other hand it struck me that the latter may just be a point in the film when a target has been located and has just a few more minutes on this earth… Paranoia Prima by Ennio Morricone is a ghostly affair which provides the impression of a car gliding silently though the night seeking out its next victim. Planning & Scheming is a short and nasty dialogue between Eli Roth and Michael Bacall before the familiar tones of Jeepster by T Rex chimes in. Another short dialogue takes place between Rose McGowan and Kurt Russell before funky, country ditty Staggole by Pacific Gas & Electric cheers up proceedings a tad. Other musical players include Joe Tex (The Love You Save), Eddie Floyd (Good Love, Bad Love), The Coasters (Down In Mexico), Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich (Hold Tight), and Willy DeVille (It’s So Easy). Then amongst all this (good) noise appears an enchanting, gentle and romantic piano tune from Pino Donaggio. I have all Tarantino’s soundtracks and this has to be one of the most descriptive in a contextual sense. Can’t wait for the movie… Job done?

4/5