Following in the footsteps of many, the soundtrack for
Martin Scorcese's
Goodfellas (based on
Nicholas Pileggi's Wiseguy) uses period music for definition -- in this case, however, music from the '40s through the early '70s is utilized. The selections themselves are all good -- well chosen and not overused songs that range from "Rags to Riches," sung by
Tony Bennett, to "Layla (Piano Exit)" from
Derek & the Dominos, passing through "Speedo" from
the Cadillacs, "Life Is But a Dream" from
the Harptones, "Baby I Love You" from
Aretha Franklin (in fine voice here), and "Sunshine of Your Love" from
Cream. It's a little on the short side at 38 minutes. Other than that, it's an even dozen songs, from good to great, and particular care seems to have been taken with the remastering -- standouts in that respect are the opening "Rags to Riches," the
Franklin and
Cream numbers, and
Muddy Waters' stomping, snorting rendition of "Mannish Boy." One of the better oldies-oriented film scores. ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide