Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 100 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of films and musical genres. Click “Next Soundtrack” below to explore each soundtrack in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & soundtrack index here.
Performance
Warner Bros. (1970)
Selected by Mike Elliott
Performance is one bizarre film. Listening to its soundtrack doesn't fully illuminate that point, although one could hear that it's at least unconventional. Nevertheless, the first soundtrack that features Randy Newman rocking out over Ry Cooder's guitar (as he did on 12 Songs released just months before) before they both went on to score dozens of films over the next several decades is worth its place on any list of notable soundtracks.
Oh, and then there's "Memo From Turner," a filthy, decadent romp by the film's star (Mick Jagger) over Ry Cooder's devilish, sly, slide.
Better than the film? You betcha.
LISTEN & WATCH:
