The soundtrack to Pulp Fiction can be described as a collection of popular 1960’s B-sides; the soundtrack is unlike those movies, however, where music is secondary to the film. In Pulp Fiction, music was essential to the movie itself. When it comes down to producing a soundtrack to buy in the stores, the question arises on how to best produce one without it becoming just another compilation of popular 1960’s B-sides?

The answer was to add some original movie dialog, actually just a few brief phrases here and there. Without the dialog, one would be hard pressed to understand Pulp Fiction without actually seeing it. The dialog helps a bit by bringing out the attitude and ferocity of the film to the listener.

A lot of the dialog point to key moments within Pulp Fiction, and are comprised of witty remarks or memorable lines. The audio quality of the soundtrack is good, so was the mixing; Quentin Tarantino did a good job.

In Track 1, Pumpkin and Honey Bunny, the Bonnie and Clyde robbers of the diner in Pulp Fiction open up the soundtrack by announcing their threats and intentions, quickly thereafter, the opening bars of Misirlou, the surf guitar anthem of Pulp Fiction.

In Track 16, the soundtrack ends with Jules’s (Samuel L. Jackson) twisted recital of a passage in the bible followed by gunshots.

Tracks 1 and 16 in between bring out the flavor of the movie, the results are good. There is dialog between Vincent (John Travolta) and Jules scattered throughout. There is “Bring out the Gimp” on Track 12, where they get to meet the gimp. The addition of the dialog to the soundtrack album makes it worth buying/borrowing.

Track Listing:
01 Pumpkin And Honey Bunny -- Dick Dale & His Del-Tones - Misirlou
02 “Royale With Cheese”
03 Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie
04 Al Green - Let's Stay Together
05 The Tornadoes - Bustin' Surfboards
06 Ricky Nelson - Lonesome Town
07 Dusty Springfield - Son Of A Preacher Man
08 “Zed's Dead, Baby” - The Centurians - Bullwinkle Part II
09 Jack Rabbit Slims Twist Contest -- Chuck Berry - You
Never Can Tell
10 Urge Overkill - Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon
11 Maria McKee - If Love Is A Red Dress (Hang Me In Rags)
12 “Bring Out The Gimp” -- The Revels - Comanche
13 The Statler Brothers - Flowers On The Wall
14 “Personality Goes A Long Way”
15 The Lively Ones - Surf Rider
16 “Ezekiel 25:17”


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends