Review of Tarantino's 'Kill Bill Vol. 1' Soundtrack

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I love 'Kill Bill'; I’ve watched both movies so many times, but today I am reviewing only the soundtrack of Vol.1. Tarantino is a masterful movie maker; I think now I’ve seen all of his movies at this point, at least once, some much more. So, I can say a couple of things about his career. You know it's a Tarantino movie when you see and hear one. His style is recognizable, as well as his incredible choice of soundtrack.

Review of Tarantino's 'Kill Bill Vol. 1' Soundtrack:

And here we start the soundtrack with the big guns. 'Bang Bang' by Nancy Sinatra is one of the most memorable parts of this movie. Although I can now go without listening to this song for years, it is a great addition to the movie. I've always liked Nancy Sinatra; she has the crazy boots. Hearing her one more time certainly won't kill me. Tarantino often relies on the soundtrack and even constructs his scenes on top of the soundtrack (Jackie Brown). 'Bang Bang' is a classic, and it is a good opening for the album.

Another typical tune of Tarantino's repertoire starts directly after Nancy, "That Certain Female" by Charlie Feathers, is a melodic, uplifting continuation that carries the soundtrack to the next level.

The next masterpiece is by Argentine-born film composer Luis Bacalov. Bacalov sounds familiar I had to check it. He was born in Buenos Aires to a family of Bulgarian Jewish origin. Now it makes sense. He also worked on 'Django' and a ton of other movies. The melody reminds me of the greatest westerns and captures the soul of the movie.

'Twisted Nerve' by Bernard Herrmann is another symbol of "Kill Bill" that immediately teleports you into the middle of the story. By now, I know it like the back of my hand, just like most of Tarantino's fans. After all, that is the huge problem of consumerism. Having everything so close often leads to overexposure and fatigue. Not that I am fatiguing for this movie, but knowing something line by line makes you wonder if you want to see it one more time or just find something else. It is simple as the law of diminishing marginal utility.

The next monologue, ‘Queen of the Crime Council,’ is one of the greatest monologues in the history of movies, so I'll put it right here. It is performed by O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu) and just shows how good of a writer Tarantino is. When I took the album, I didn’t realize that it would be on it. And it was such a great surprise.

O-Ren Ishii: "As your leader, I encourage you to -- from time to time and always in a respectful manner -- to question my logic. If you're unconvinced a particular plan of action I've decided is the wisest, tell me so. But allow me to convince you. And I promise you, right here and now, no subject will ever be taboo... except, of course, the subject that was just under discussion. The price you pay for bringing up either my Chinese or my American heritage as a negative is, I collect your fucking head. (holds up a decapitated head) Just like this fucker here. Now if any of you sons of bitches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE FUCKING TIME!! ... I didn't think so."

‘Ode to O-Ren Ishii (Aka 7 notes in black) describes the story of this great character created by Tarantino. The song is performed by Vince Tempera and Orchestra feat. The RZA.

‘Run Fay Run’ by Isaac Hayes and ‘Green Hornet’ are the next dynamic tracks of the album. You can just play them and have a great workout or transport yourself on an imaginary plane to Japan to find a Hattori Hanzō sword.

The next song starts, and you are part of 'the Crazy 88' walking with O-Ren Ishii in that Japanese restaurant in slow motion, feeling yourself. This can easily become a part of the soundtrack of my life when I want to bring myself to the desirable level. Sometimes no words are needed; only music is enough to transcend the feeling through space and time. The first chapter of this volume ends with ‘Battle without Honor or Humanity’ by Tomoyasu Hotei.

                                                          

The first song of the second chapter hits, and it is the matchup between O-Ren Ishii and The Bride. You know that song ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ / ‘Esmeralda Suite’ by Santa Esmeralda, starring Leroy Gomez.

‘Woo Hoo’ by The 5, 6, 7, 8’s is another hit from the movie that you know by heart now. I love how versatile this soundtrack is, and that must be said for Tarantino. The 5, 6, 7, 8’s are a Japanese rock band, and they are a great addition to this album.

The next mashup 'Crane/White Lightning' by The RZA/Charles Bernstein travels quickly. And then we stop once more in Japan with ‘The Flower of Carnage,’ a song by Meiko Kaji, and these days I am so open to new adventures in music history and in general. Love this genre and the Japanese language. I really love to go there someday and discover this culture for myself. Lately, I am watching a lot of Takashi from Japan videos, and one of my favorite songs ever is by Hako Yamasaki - 'Help Me (Tsunawatari).'

‘The Lonely Shepherd’ is a masterful calm tune that carries so many emotions that could just be on for a while without switching it up. Another piece that is perfect for the puzzle here.

'You Are My Wicked Life’ is the other amazing monologue that concludes this album, this time the monologue is mainly delivered by the Bride, aka Uma Thurman. She nails it:

Bill: "If you had to guess why she left you alive, what would be your guess?"

Sofie Fatale: "Guess it wouldn't be necessary. She informed me... She said I could keep my wicked life for two reasons."

The Bride: "As I said before... I've allowed you to keep your wicked life for two reasons. And the second reason is, so you can tell him, in person, everything that happened to you tonight. I want him to witness the extent of my mercy by witnessing your deformed body. I want you to tell him all the information you've just told me. I want him to know what I know. I want him to know what I want him to know. And I want them all to know they'll all soon be as dead as O-Ren."

This ending just makes me want to watch it again. I would love to continue the story with Vol. 3; where is it? I know Quentin Tarantino and Uma Thurman are not the best pals, and I know sometimes two is enough, and that Hollywood tends to overmilk everything until it's not profitable, but this one I'll allow. It is not just one but two of my favorite movies, and certainly an amazing story with a great soundtrack. All I am saying is, Kill Ego.


Iliya Badev

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