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.
Snatch
TVT (2001)
Selected by Sarah Paolantonio
The Snatch soundtrack introduced me to a lot of music: The Specials, 10cc, The Stranglers, and Massive Attack. Guy Ritchie’s black comedy caper turns 20 this year and its wide cast of characters each have a hilarious nickname I don’t have the space to list. The plot surrounds a 20 carat diamond, who has it, who wants it, and the boxing promoters who (spoiler) find it lodged in a dog’s stomach.
A few of the tracks are dialogue from the movie which is a welcome way to remind soundtrack listeners of the story at hand. The opener is an indecipherable mumble from Brad Pitt who plays one of his most memorable and comedic roles as a bare-knuckle boxer. It’s literally five seconds long. Ritchie’s signature snappy sequences and jarring camera motions are matched by electronic instrumentals from English DJ Klint (AKA Hervé), the English jazz hip-hop duo The Herbaliser, and the French producer Mirwais. For good measure, Madonna’s “Lucky Star” shows up in the most unexpected scenes. If you need a Friday night flick, Snatch is it.
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