I just watched Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown for the first time a few days ago (yes, I’m aware I’m a little late to the party) and as anyone who has seen the movie before is aware, The Delfonics played a massive role in the movie. They effectively serve as the soundtrack throughout the film for the slow-burn will-they-or-won’t-they love story of main protagonist Jackie Brown (played by the iconic Pam Grier) and Max Cherry (played by one of my personal cult-favorites Robert Forster). From their first sit-down in Jackie Brown’s kitchen, to the cassette store where Cherry picks up a tape of the band, to numerous driving scenes, The Delfonics are everywhere in the movie and help to tie Cherry’s somewhat nebulous intentions together as it relates to his burgeoning romantic feelings for Brown. 70’s soul music is a hallmark of Tarantino films and a key ingredient to what make them great– Jackie Brown was no exception.
The Delfonics 1968 debut La La Means I Love You was one of the first albums to bring the world the sweet sound of Philadelphia soul, merging lush symphonic pop arrangements that featured sweeping strings and piercing horns, the vocal stylings of doo-wop, and a dose of funk all together in one distinct offering. Philadelphia soul was primarily known as a producer’s genre considering the density of the musical arrangements, which meant that the vocal trio comprised of Randy Cain and two brothers William Hart and Wilbert Hart partnered with producer Thom Bell to write the album. Bell went on to find great success as one of the producers known for his work in the sub-genre. La La Means I Love You is a tidy album filled with pretty little numbers that instantly transport you back to the sounds of the late 60’s and early 70’s. And it’s a perfect pairing with Tarantino’s Jackie Brown.
Standout Songs: “Break Your Promise”, “La-La Means I Love You”, “You Are Gone”, “Hurt so Bad”
