The soundtrack to Desperado (sequel to El Mariachi -- artist/musician hero in black sports guitar case full of weapons) desperately sought to capture the style of
Pulp Fiction, with its Latin-flavored, Tarantino-meets-
Morricone mood. It partially succeeded, integrating movie dialogue with choice contributions from
Los Lobos and uncentered offshoot band
Latin Playboys and vintage instrumental kickers courtesy of
Link Wray's "Jack the Ripper" and the obscure "Pass the Hatchet" by
Roger & the Gypsies. Salma Hayek's steaming "Quedate Aqui" and
Dire Straits' "Six Blade Knife" stay in character, but the mood is lost to bombastic blues rockers by Tito (Larriva of The Cruzados) and Tarantula,
Carlos Santana, and one uncharacteristic
Los Lobos miscue (the dire "Let Love Reign"). ~ Roch Parisien