Genre: rock
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title:  Soundtrack "Performance"
Company: Warner Brothers
Catalog: BS-2554
Year: 1970
Grade (cover/record): VG+ / VG+
Comments: minor ring wear
Available: 1
Catalog ID: 105
Price: $20.00

Sporting a cover showing Mick Jagger in lipstick and eyeliner, it's common to see this soundtrack album listed as a Jagger effort (witness my listing). The truth of the matter is that while Jagger starred in the namesake film (essentially playing himself in the role of Purple Turner - a reclusive, druggy rock star who's home is invaded by a criminal on the run), his musical contributions to the soundtrack were limited to the decent, if under-whelming 'Memo from Turner'. That may be a disappointment to Jagger fans, but shouldn't be given the all-star collection of artists who populate the rest of the LP - Merry Clayton, guitarist Ry Cooder, Randy Newman and Buffy Sainte Marie.

Interestingly, in spite of the all-star cast, the prime mover on 1970's "Performance" was the late Jack Nitzsche. In addition to producing, Nitzsche was responsible for writing the majority of the material. Like many soundtracks, the album featured more than its share of spacey incidental instrumentals including the title track, the heavily orchestrated 'Harry Flowers' and the Indian flavored 'The Hashishin'. The good news is that there are several first rate tracks. Among the highlights, what has to be Randy Newman's most rock-oriented performance ('Gone Dead Train') and Ry Cooder turning in some tasteful acoustic and electric slide guitar ('Get Away' and 'Powis Square'). The album certainly won't change your life, but is surprisingly diverse and enjoyable. A good investment if you can find it cheap (yes, that was a sales pitch).  
   
Sound track "Performance" track listing
(side 1)
1.) Gone Dead Train (Jack Nitzsche - Russ Titleman) - 2:55
2.) Performance (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 1:47
3.) Get Away (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 2:05
4.) Powis Square (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 2:23
5.) Rolls Royce and Acid (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 1:47
6.) Dyed, Dead, Red (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 2:32
7.) Harry Flowers (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 4:00

(side 2)
1.) Memo from Turner (Mick Jagger - Keith Richards) - 4:02
2.) The Hashishin (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 3:35
3.) Wake Up Niggers (Jack Nitzsche) - 2:43
4.) Poor White Hound Dog (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 2:45
5.) Natural Magic (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 1:37
6.) Turner's Murder (instrumental) (Jack Nitzsche) - 4:15