"Mind-bending." --Michael Fox, San Francisco Weekly
"Sheer joy! Like having Burt Bacharach stuff cotton candy in your ears while
Anita Ekberg gives you a h*ndj*b." --Mark Johnston, Shocking Videos
To download or listen to the featured episode, go to the podcast page.
(Show changes every two weeks!)
Welcome to the Groovie Movie Soundtracks site. This show, featuring freaky 'n' funky movie scores, aired from 1997 to 2002 on KUSF 90.3 FM, San Francisco. To carry on the Gospel of Groovie, the episodes are being put into rotation for you to hear on the podcast page.
See the complete A-Z Playlist of everything ever played on the show. Almost 600 items!
Below is the original archive of program information. Dates refer to original broadcasts.
1997 (Shows 1-26)
1998-2002 (Shows 27-57)
1997
DEBUT PRESS RELEASE
KUSF announces the debut of GROOVIE MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS, a weekly, hour-long show hosted by RATSO RUSSO.
Radio's rabid rodent returns to the air with a scandalous mix of wild movie music! Not content to be a revue of boring orchestral scores from the latest Hollywood blockbusters, GROOVIE MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS declares itself a pop-cultural orgy that lives up to this hyperbole! Rare 60s & 70s exploitation and genre films, offbeat new releases, phat jazz tracks, spies & private eyes, foreign curios, trailers, singing celebrities, trash TV and other mayhem bubble over the bathtub like a Roger Corman party scene!
KUSF was on the receiving end of many promotional soundtrack recordings during its day as an AM station. This collection, which has been locked up for over twenty years, is a treasury of rare comic, horror, psychedelic and blaxploitation soundtracks. Add to the mix Ratso's own large collection and a stream of new and re-issued releases.
Host "RATSO" RUSSO has been a producer, programmer and air personality variously at KUSF since 1990. He has written about film for the Oakland Tribune, Film/Tape World and IndieWIRE.com. His short film HELP, I'M HITLER! was screened at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
SHOW 1: July 6
Our debut episode kicks off with the music of two cheesy pseudo-documentaries. Peter Thomas Sound Orchestra's spaced-out score for CHARIOTS OF THE GODS? (1974) asks the musical question: "Were the first men on earth from outer space?" No mystery to the marketing of 1969's sexploitation film SWEDEN, HEAVEN AND HELL, which exposes "Meter-maids by day, models at night!" Composer Peter Umiliani got a hit out of the deal called "Mah Na Mah Na." Also Lalo Schifrin's action-packed score from KELLY'S HEROES (1970), EAST SIDE WEST SIDE (1963-4), and HELL UP IN HARLEM (1973).
SHOW 2: July 13
The ultimate After-School Special! Muhammad Ali teams up with Howard Cosell, Frank Sinatra, Richie Havens and a cast of city kids to fight cavities in ALI AND HIS GANG VS. TOOTH DECAY, a classic bicentennial bout. Tune in and turn up Peter Fonda's brainwaves from THE TRIP (1967), performed by The Electric Flag. Plus two soundtracks imported from Italy: Riz Ortolani's "fuzz beat-n-funk" theme from the nudie flick MONDO CANDIDO (1975) and Armando Trovajoli's brassy, incidental intrigue from SEVEN GOLDEN MEN (1965). Includes IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (1967), OH DAD, POOR DAD... (1967) and PERFORMANCE (1970).
SHOW 3: July 20
Not a movie but a forgotten stage play based on America's greatest folk anti-hero: R. CRUMB, THE MUSICAL (1985) features the words of the famed underground comix artist set to music by Michael H. Price. Crumb hated the results when his creation FRITZ THE CAT (1972) was turned into an X-rated animated feature, but at least Mighty Mouse creator/shark producer Ralph Bakshi filled its soundtrack with hip, urban jazz cuts. Followed up with music from Bakshi's other naughty cartoon, HEAVY TRAFFIC (1973). Includes THE IPCRESS FILE (1965), AFTER THE FOX (1966) and UP IN SMOKE (1978).
SHOW 4: July 27
The Joes have it! 1970's drama JOE captured the hectic state of the nation with heart-warming songs like "It's a Crock" and "Send the Hippies to Hell." Barry Gray's bubbly theme from JOE 90 (1968) recalls a more innocent world of goofy crimefighters of the BBC variety. The French electronic instrument known as the Ondioline had some of its first exposure in the themes of MONDO CANE 2 (1964); Kai Winding and Claus Ogerman provide haunting melodies to accompany cannibal feasts and priests on fire. Includes CACTUS FLOWER (1969) and SCHULMÄ„CHEN REPORT (1968-72).
SHOW 5: August 3
Besides being Roger Ebert's best writing, BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (1970) brought together Hollywood's grooviest girl band, The Carrie Nations. Mario Molino's funky Moog from GLI ANGELI DEL 2000 (1969) brings to mind a Mafia stag party. Plus a dynamic duo of British dicks: Alex Stone's MAN IN A SUITCASE (1968) and Roy Budd's GET CARTER (1971). Includes FOXY BROWN (1974), THE GAUNTLET (1977), GOLD (1974), and Clint Eastwood singing!
SHOW 6: August 10
On the streets or in the sheets, he's SAVAGE! (1973) and so is Don Julian's bad-ass score. The Aladdins generate music to jiggle by in Russ Meyers' MONDO TOPLESS (1966). Gibson Kemp whistles while he works in the German hippie flick MAKE LOVE NOT WAR (1968). We add a GUMBY tribute featuring Frank Sinatra, Jr. and ex-Turtles/Mothers of Invention pals, Flo and Eddie. Plus Trini Lopez' THE DIRTY DOZEN (1967).
SHOW 7: August 17
1968 musical flashbacks: The youth-gone-mad satire WILD IN THE STREETS much resembles the "realistic" documentary YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. Meanwhile, Groucho Marx was making his final exit playing God in the outrageous SKIDOO (Harry Nilsson sings the credits!). Also Jack Elliott's bittersweet theme for crazy Ruth Gordon in the cult classic WHERE'S POPPA? (1970). Includes ESCALATION (1968), GRAND THEFT AUTO (1977) and TETSUO II (1992).
SHOW 8: August 24
On the 30th anniversary of THE PRISONER TV series, we present a medley of Ron Grainer's pieces while you ponder the cosmic question: Who the hell is Number One, anyway? The Dario Argento blood opera DEEP RED (1975) is made a little more bearable by Goblin's acid-jazzy score. Includes excerpts from another Russ Meyers' breast-travaganza, FINDERS KEEPERS, LOVERS WEEPERS (1968) and COME BACK CHARLESTON BLUE (1972).
SHOW 9: August 31
When Sinatra stumbles across a LADY IN CEMENT (1968), composer Hugo Montenegro turns it into a swingin' affair. But things are bad all over: take VIOLENT ROME (1975) and VIOLENT NAPLES (1976), cities with their own suspenseful themes by the De Angelis Brothers. Back in Gotham City, The Penguin (Burgess Meredith) and The Riddler (Frank Gorshin) plan BATMAN's demise! Includes HAND OF POWER (1967) and THE NAKED APE (1973).
SHOW 10: September 7
Opal Butterfly's theme from GROUPIE GIRL (1969) glamorizes the go-go world of backstage "freak scenes" while record producer Alan Lorber interviews real-life randy rockers on the exploitation album THE GROUPIES (1969). Also eager to cash in on the sexual revolution was CANDID CAMERA's popular host Allen Funt whose voyeuristic antics hit the big screen in WHAT DO YOU SAY TO A NAKED LADY? (1970), featuring the music of Steve Karmen. Includes 77 SUNSET STRIP (1958-64) and THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR (1975).
SHOW 11: September 14
Pint-sized patrolman Robert Blake can rev up a Harley like the big boys in ELECTRA GLIDE IN BLUE (1973), with scenes of hot pursuit scored by the film's director, James William Guercio. British Wavers Traffic lead us on a mod romp through swingin' England in HERE WE GO ROUND THE MULBERRY BUSH (1968). Composer Dominic Frontiere rips off Morricone with a vengeance matched only by Clint Eastwood's search for his lynchers in HANG 'EM HIGH (1968). Includes the kinky exploiter DE SADE (1969).
SHOW 12: September 21
Home Girl Makes Bad! Broadcasting a few blocks from the SLA's eight-month hideout, KUSF is pleased to present Scott Johnson's theme from PATTY HEARST (1988), with Natasha Richardson recreating our revolutionary sweetie's recorded rant to her media magnate dad. Ray Dennis Steckler's cult trash flick RAT PFINK A BOO BOO (1966) gets sleazed up with the help of garage stompers Ron Haydock and the Boppers. Also MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (1964-68) spy tracks. Includes THE BABY MAKER (1970) and amazing HAIR cover songs.
SHOW 13: September 28
Hollywood misogyny reached a new low with the release of LIPSTICK (1976), though Michel Polnareff's eerie score is worth a listen. The suave burglar from TV's IT TAKES A THIEF (1968-70) is a lady killer of a different sort as Chaquito's version of the theme indicates. The girls turn the tables in Russ Meyer's MOTOR PSYCHO (1965), which boasts "reckless women gambling with more than they could handle," and a psychotic soundtrack by Bert Shefter and Paul Sawtell. Includes THE PLASTIC FANTASTIC MACHINE (1969), VANISHING POINT (1971) and Isaac Hayes' THREE TOUGH GUYS (1974).
SHOW 14: October 5
Good thing it's only radio because money-shots abound with the music of two X-rated blockbusters: Thomas "Fingers" Chelsea and band cover the theme from BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR (1972) and Alden Shuman brings out THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES (1973). Johnny Gray jazzes up SHALAKO (1968) till it's no longer recognizable as a pulp western. Plus "nervous jazz" maestro Elmer Bernstein then and now: THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (1955) and BULLETPROOF (1996). Includes THE EDUCATION OF SONNY CARSON (1974) and Lalo Schifrin's MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (1966-73).
SHOW 15: October 12
The hyper, genre-blurring films of India carry over into their soundtracks. Straight from the heart of Bollywood Babylon comes singer Usha Uthup's crazed cha-cha from SHALIMAR (1978) and popster Vijaya Anand's speedy dance number from THE EMPEROR AND THE PRINCE (1989). Back in the crumbled Empire, blokes set their sights on colonizing the local "birds" in THE KNACK...AND HOW TO GET IT (1965), with music by John Barry. Includes a mondo Ennio Morricone birthday salute.
SHOW 16: October 19
Lalo Schifrin's breakneck beats in BULLITT (1968) take gratuitous San Francisco chase scenes to new heights. Middle America's grooviest schmaltzmeister Mike Curb sets the scene for runnin', lovin' and moonshinin' in the chain-gang escape flick, THE DEVIL'S 8 (1969). And in anticipation of next week's on-air Halloween bash, Barnabus Collins (Jonathan Frid) rises from the grave for a 30th anniversary celebration of the Gothic TV vampire soap DARK SHADOWS (1966-71). Includes THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR (1970) and Tangerine Dream's SORCEROR (1977).
SHOW 17: October 26
A groovie ghoulie Halloween special that will inspire you to spike the kiddies' apples with Gillettes! As if delivering Satan's spawn wasn't enough, Christopher Komeda's creepy lullabies in ROSEMARY'S BABY (1968) may have driven star Mia Farrow to take up child adoption. Lon Chaney, Jr., howls the theme from the twisted shocker SPIDER BABY (1964). Also Les Baxter's voodoo rhythms from THE DUNWICH HORROR (1970), Hüber & Siegfried Schwab's VAMPYROS LESBOS (1969), THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE (1969) and more.
SHOW 18: November 2
The bug-eyed delinquents of cult fave THE FORBIDDEN ZONE (1980) hail The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo with harmonized shrieks and gastric offenses. But the soothing lulls of Shirley Bassey over John Barry's score can turn a rugged jewel thief into a reformed Romeo in DEADFALL (1968). And Quincy Jones funks it all up with action music from THE LOST MAN (1969). Includes TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME, JUNIE MOON (1970).
SHOW 19: November 9
Suffer the post-industrial fever dream known as ERASERHEAD (1978), with soundscapes by the film's once-brilliant creator, David Lynch. Soul Brother Number One (James Brown) helps out Public Enemy Number One (Jim Brown) in SLAUGHTER'S BIG RIP-OFF (1973) with a booty-bumpin' soundtrack. Ann-Margret pulls double duty, too, singing and playing the brassy siren in THE SWINGER (1966). Includes THE WILD RACERS (1968) and SICK: THE LIFE & DEATH OF BOB FLANAGAN, SUPER-MASOCHIST (1997).
SHOW 20: November 16
Mod clubbers and lounge lizards will spill their drinks over the Now Sounds to be found in BUONA SERA, MRS. CAMPBELL (1969) and THE GRASSHOPPER (1970). The James Taylor Quartet charges up the old '76 Ford Gran Torino with their theme to STARSKY AND HUTCH (1975-79). Gianni Ferrio's unsettling strains make us think twice about entering THE EMPTY APARTMENT (1973). Includes ROBBERY (1967) and Goblin's DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978).
SHOW 21: November 23
Hard to imagine a 1970s-era John Williams sans strings, but his music from the gritty CINDERELLA LIBERTY (1973) positively belongs on Motown! Richard Rodney Bennett's spooky theremin jolts the cortex in the British espionage thriller THE BILLION DOLLAR BRAIN (1967). Plus an early turn for the worse in the career of Elvis Presley: SPINOUT (1966) and CLAMBAKE (1967). Includes Neil Hefti's THE ODD COUPLE (1968) and L. Ron Hubbard's BATTLEFIELD EARTH (1984).
SHOW 22: November 30
"You�ll listen to the sound of green!" promises the trailer for PSYCH-OUT (1968), featuring the most mind-blowing rock groups of the Hallucination Generation. The good vibes flow into the suburbs of New Orleans in HIS WIFE'S HABIT (1969), thanks to Jim Helms' groovie soundtrack. And Robert De Niro asks the eternal question, "Aw you talkin' ta me?" in TAXI DRIVER (1976). Includes DIE TOTE AUS DER THEMSE (1967) and HELLO-GOODBYE (1970).
SHOW 23: December 7
Rock visionary Frank Zappa passed on to the yellow snows of heaven four Decembers ago, but his inspired raunch lives on (with help from The Mothers of Invention) in the feature-length freak-out, 200 MOTELS (1971). Composer Stanley Myers described his score for KALEIDOSCOPE (1966) as "profoundly switched-on," which is all we demand of a Warren Beatty sex caper. Freddie Perren's street-wise soundtrack bounces a groove off the walls of inner-city COOLEY HIGH (1975). Includes Jack Arel's cool production music.
SHOW 24: December 14
While Bond and Blofeld fight gadget with gadget, Nancy Sinatra steals the scene in her slinky number, THE SPY WITH A COLD NOSE (1966). David Shire's driving rhythms are powerful enough to blast a hijacked subway car to certain doom in THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE (1974). Big blasts weren't in the budget for the sci-fi series DR. WHO (1963-83), but a lot of mayhem can be suggested with the music of Ron Grainer. And THE HAWAIIAN EYE (1959-63) spies bad guys. Includes THE MYNX (1969).
SHOW 25: December 21
While you're sipping eggnog and feigning gratitude for your new crap, the Bionic Man is battling terrorism, global warming, and sweatshop conditions in the North Pole! The show includes seasonal offerings from Monty Python, the Flintstones, the Brady Bunch, Cheech and Chong, Wink Martindale and worse. And for you church-going folk there's MARJOE (1972), the Oscar-winning documentary about child evangelist-turned-hippie comic, Marjoe Gortner.
SHOW 26: December 28
Groovie Movie Soundtracks presents The Best Soundtrack Re-issues of 1997! SEVEN GOLDEN MEN (1965), BATMAN (1966-68), SWEDEN, HEAVEN AND HELL (1969), GROUPIE GIRL (1969), SAVAGE! (1973), SLAUGHTER'S BIG RIP-OFF (1973), FOXY BROWN (74), Russ Meyer's soundtracks, Italian film compilations and much more! Plus two new re-issues never before aired: Willie Hutch's THE MACK (1973) and Henry Mancini's THE PARTY (1968). A taper for sure!
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