It turns out that Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror steals the show from Tarantino's Death Proof in the new double feature Grindhouse, except of course in the music department. Grindhouse starts out with the blood, gore and hilarity of Planet Terror, but I found Death Proof to be a bit of a disappointment. Luckily there's a gnarly car chase for the whole last quarter of the film that manages to save it from being a total disaster. This is just my humble opinion, of course.

The music selected for Death Proof does provide a decent soundtrack, as if we needed any further proof that QT is a total music nut. The cd is in stores now, and also if you head over to DeathProof.net you can hear selections from the album, order the standard release, download a digital copy, or even get a special edition with 12-page picture booklet or a collection of 7'' 45's in art sleeves with a collector's carry case. The two tracks below are included, of course.




Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Titch - "Hold Tight"


April March - "Chick Habit"





Via the BBC: "Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich hailed from Wiltshire, England and formed their eponymously-named band in 1961. After undergoing the dance hall circuit and supporting successful acts such as the Honeycombs, they were signed to Fontana records in 1964. They hit the charts with 'You Make It Move' and enjoyed a succession of memorable singles including 'Bend It', 'Zabadak' and 'The Legend of 'Xanadu'. Their combination of colourful rhetoric, extravagant costumes and camp theatrics secured their fame throughout the sixties and, apparently, a legion of imitations in the fashion outlets of Carnaby Street.

Whether it was the accident with the bullwhip or a desire to go solo, in 1969 Dave Dee packed his bags and moved on to pursue careers in acting, presenting and A and R. The remaining four continued for a short period, releasing a minor hit, 'Mr President', but eventually disbanded."

A bit more info is found at 45-rpm.org.uk, and after a little more searching I found video of the lads performing "Hold Tight" in 1965.

April March is the stage name of Elinor Blake, who is a cartoon animator and a little-known indie pop singer/songwriter who was a member of bands such as Pussywillows and the Shitbirds. Her contribution to the Death Proof soundtrack is actually a cover of a 1964 French pop song titled "Laisse Tomber Les Filles."

The charmingly named Shitbirds started in 1991 after Blake moved to Los Angeles to work as an animator for Spumco, the company that produced the cartoon series Ren and Stimpy. While working for Spumco, Blake simultaneously began her career as April March and formed the Shitbirds, named for Vietnam-era Army slang for new enlisted men chosen for the worst duties. If you're curious, you can check out some Shitbirds sounds at eMusic.

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