Across 110th Street: Original MGM Motion Picture Soundtrack

 (7 customer reviews)

If you have any questions about what an incredible CD this is, go rent the movie, which is equally amazing. A film that walks the fine line between "gritty urban drama" and '70s blaxploitation, the story of good cop/bad cop, racial tensions, and people trying to make do features Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Koto, and everyone's fave, Anthony Fargas - - like Shaft and Superfly, the music resonates throught he film and is part of the vital backdrop. It ranges from funky to soulful, with Womack's gritty voice telling some great stories. The highlight tune of the movie is IF YOU DON'T WANT MY LOVE. - - Bobby Womack is an incredible singer/songwriter with a gritty and powerful voice who's songs sometimes mix a bit of folk, into sweet soul and funk. Though no one is comparable to Womack (he's an institution in his own right) I think some comparison's can be made to Terrence Callier... The soundtrack features some funk as well - - for an example a slick instrumental...Read more

I borrowed this record from a friend of mine just for plain curiosity. Then the curiosity turned into enthusiasm as I heard Bobby Womack's voice. I already knew the first track, "Across 110th Street" from the "Jackie Brown" soundtrack, but I wasn't aware that Womack was such a talented musician. Then, my enthusiasm turned into admiration when listening the wonderfully played "Quicksand", surely the best song on this soundtrack. But J. J. Johnson's score also manages to capture the gritty realism of the streets and its surroundings, and the incidental dialogue that we keep hearing through the entire record helps us establish the link between Womack's words and the context of the film. Strongly recommended.

J.J Johnsons score, and Bobby womacks vocal delivery make this a top funk soundtrack to own. Most def in the same league as Mayfields Superfly. Wonderfully powerful instrumentals sit comfortably next to the vocal tracks. The chase scene and laments are all in order. But it is the conceptual feel that holds this beauty together. J.J's full orchestral arrangements are funky and sophisticated, hot and cool as hell. I especially dig the title track and "If you dont want my love", and "quicksand". Both tracks are strangely depressing and deeply soulful.Respect the funk, Baby.