After an extended hiatus, I’m back! And what better time to return than when the weather’s getting warmer, days are getting longer, and adult refreshments are flowing freer. If you’re anything like me—which, if you’re spending time on a website dedicated entirely to film music, I think is a fair assumption—any worthwhile summer activity is incomplete without the right movie music to set the mood. Be it for barbequing in the backyard, chilling at the beach, or hosting a party fit for a ‘70s exploitation film’s wrap party, I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite soundtracks to plump up your playlists that aren’t as ubiquitous as, say, Jaws or Top Gun.
Some are off the beaten path, others may be a little more familiar, but all have an incredible ability to transport you into a uniquely summer state of mind—whether on their own musical merits or in combination with the memories of the pictures they accompany on screen. From conjuring images of exotic locales, reviving bygone eras, or setting a sultry atmosphere, I’ve intentionally chosen soundtracks that I feel fit a variety of seasonally-relevant moods and settings. So, settle in, grab your Tiki drink of choice, or a neat glass of J&B Whiskey, and enjoy this compilation of sublime summer soundtracks.
5. Emanuelle Around the World by Nico Fidenco (1977)
Or Emanuelle – Perché violenza alle donne? aka The Degradation of Emanuelle
Starting off with a bang (pun definitely intended), the score to this globe-trotting, sexploitation thriller is one of my more recent discoveries and has been on heavy rotation ever since. Having no prior experience with the Black Emanuelle/Emanuelle franchise, this film (starring the stunning Laura Gemser and directed by the ever-salacious Joe D’Amato) and its soundtrack were an amazing, suitably bizarre, entry point. The title theme wooed me with its ‘70s-pop-kitsch vibes, before the lounge-funk stylings of the remaining cuts sealed the deal by perfectly evoking the exotic locations and very erotic scenes. Whether you’re looking to take a trip without booking a flight, or set the mood for the night, this soundtrack is just the ticket. Just a warning for those looking to explore Emanuelle for the first time, this picture is definitely NSFW.
4. The Case of the Scorpion’s Tail by Bruno Nicolai (1971)
Or La coda dello scorpione
Of course, it wouldn’t be one of my lists without a sprinkling of horror. This sun-soaked giallo, directed by Sergio Martino and scored by frequent Morricone conductor/collaborator Bruno Nicolai, is one of my favorites in the genre. The score plays a large part of my enjoyment, while also playing into many of the genre’s musical tropes, with an equally catchy and tense main theme along with more dissonant, avant-garde cues that masterfully ratchet up tension. But it’s when the score is playing off of the film’s Greek locale that it soars highest for me, whether via a picturesque, waltzing orchestral cue or with Santorini-inspired strings. Add a dash of suspense and Mediterranean splendor to your summer with this top tier giallo score.
3. Death Proof by Various Artists (2007)
Okay, before you drag me out to your car and force me to play ‘Ship’s Mast’ because this isn’t obscure enough to make this list, hear me out. Death Proof is one of my favorite Tarantino films and, I think, one of his best—an opinion I know I’m in the minority on. And this soundtrack, in my humble opinion, is one of his finest compilations thanks to the absolute insanity of the deep cuts he manages to wrangle into his stuntman serial killer super homage. Take for example, “Paranoia Prima” by Ennio Morricone from the giallo The Cat o’ Nine Tails or “Sally and Jack,” the Pino Donaggio love theme from Brian De Palma’s Blow Out. Whether in the film, or on the record, when either track pops on my brain immediately transports me to a midnight drive-in double-feature—can you picture a better summer night than that? Coupled with Tarantino’s usual affinity for surf-rock-adjacent cues like Jack Nitzche’s “The Last Race” or barn burner “Down in Mexico” by the Coasters, you have the perfect soundtrack for booze sipping, dive bar stripping, or summer road tripping (just make sure to wear your seatbelt…).
2. Dragged Across Concrete by Jeff Harriott & S. Craig Zahler (2019)
Continuing the “various artists-style” soundtrack train, here’s a fascinating find. From modern exploitation mastermind S.Craig Zahler comes this hard boiled cop flick, complete with controversial casting, questionable politics, and polarizing pacing. If there is one thing about the film that’s indisputable, however, it’s the incredible and (if you can believe it) original soul and funk soundtrack. The tracklist features a who’s who of authentic soul icons and heavy hitters including Butch Tavares, Adi Amour, and the freakin’ O’Jays. But, in an equally impressive and head-scratching turn, all songs are actually written by S.Craig Zahler himself, alongside Jeff Harriott. Whenever I hear the too-funky-to-be-described opener “Street Corner Felines,” bass-bopping closer “Shotgun Safari,” or after-hours banger “Sneaking Around at Night,” Zahler (and his cast of soulful musical characters) make me feel like I’m sitting in a hot n’ sticky 42nd Street grindhouse in 1972, not my apartment living room in 2023. I love the way this soundtrack blends the old with the new to deliver a sonic palette that perfectly evokes hot, humid summer nights in the concrete jungle.
1. La Novizia by Berto Pisano (1975)
Or The Novice
I won’t leave you in suspense—this is hands down my most listened to summer soundtrack. Unearthed by the folks at Four Flies Records (whose mandate of “rescuing Italian golden age soundtracks from oblivion” I feel compelled to share with you), La Novizia is everything I want and more when I want to set immaculate summer vibes. Compared to the film itself, an erotic comedy starring Gloria Guida as a sexy nun and directed by Giuliano Biagetti, this soundtrack punches significantly above its weight. Cues composed almost exclusively of brushed drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano float with a beautifully dreamy quality, in a lounge-style that is just so damn listenable. Oh, and did I mention the record also features Ennio Morricone mainstays Edda Dell’Orso and Alessandro Alessandroni, whose gorgeous voice and unmistakable whistle (respectively) helped define many of the Maestro’s most iconic scores? Whether channeling bossa nova, psych-rock, or more traditionally cinematic sounds, La Novizia captures my imagination of what it would be like to exist in a picturesque 1970s Italian villa in the countryside—aka, my idea of everything summer could and should be.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading. I’m glad to be back and hope to bring you more soundtrack selections and musings soon. Until then, happy listening.
Author’s note: If you would love to read more about any of the soundtracks listed, let me know by sending me a message on Instagram or Twitter. I’d happily look into writing more in-depth on any of the incredible music curated here.
About the Author: Hey, I’m Sam. I like violent movies with synth scores and listening to library music on the beach. My perfect idea for a date is taking a trip to 1970s Italy where I can stumble into a stylish murder mystery involving a black-gloved killer featuring music by Ennio Morricone. I live in Vancouver, B.C. and think too hard about what I write on my Letterboxd. Twitter: @mondosammi