Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Chick Habit


Song: Chick Habit
Artist: April March
Album: Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof




I’m a pretty big Quentin Tarantino fan, have dug the majority of his films since “Reservoir Dogs” and also have great respect for the soundtracks he builds for his movies. While “Death Proof,” half of the double feature “Grindhouse” from this year, may be my least favorite of his films, once again the music he picked was top notch.

I recently heard both “Flowers on the Wall” by the Statler Brothers and “Miserlou” from Dick Dale & His Deltones and immediately thought of “Pulp Fiction” and the scenes the songs were placed in. I often find music has just that power, when played at the right moment either in film or real life… the song becomes married to the memory, either the image you see or the feeling you get. Just another example of the power of music.

Death Proof” is no exception and the closing credits tune “Chick Habit” by April March is once again that just perfect fit. The film is cast mostly with women, bad-ass women to be specific, and the 60’s girl-group vibe fits with the memory of the film. The song is actually from 1995, which I found after some research, as I had convinced myself this was some lost nugget from the 60’s. Also, it is a bit of a remake, based on the Serge Gainsbourg penned song “Laisse Tomber Les Filles” as sung by France Gall (see below.) April March did a straight cover in French, and then penned English lyrics for this version. March is a bit of a music eccentric as well, singing mostly in French by way of New England. She’s also a cartoon animator and has worked on a variety of shows and movies including “Ren & Stimpy” and the Madonna disaster “Who’s That Girl.”

The rest of the “Death Proof” soundtrack is recommended. It’s one obscure song after another all pretty good. Another favorite is the sexy “Baby, It’s You” by Smith, which is actually a Shirelles cover.

Enjoy.


The trailer to “Death Proof”


Laisse Tomber Les Filles


A video of sorts with “Death Proof” footage

2 comments:

Unknown said...

My friend Andy who did the music for MooBeard plays the drums on that track! Actually, he recorded a bunch of great songs with her that haven't seen the light of day. I highly recommend all of April's albums.

Anonymous said...

I must admit I thought this was a lost 60's gem when I first heard it too. The production is really authentic. I have heard of April March, but seem to have gotten her confused with 60's singers like April Young & Peggy March.