Few singles capture the adventurous spirit of early 1970s rock quite like Babe Ruth's The Mexican. Even in its edited 7-inch form, the A-side remains an exhilarating collision of hard rock, Latin rhythms, funk, and jazz influences. Jenny Haan's commanding vocal performance rides over Alan Shacklock's razor-sharp guitar work, while the band's tight rhythm section gives the track a relentless sense of momentum. The result is a song that feels both theatrical and fiercely groove-driven.
Although the single version trims some of the expansive feel of the original album cut, it loses surprisingly little of its impact. The iconic guitar riff and infectious percussion are front and centre, making it easy to understand why the track has enjoyed a long afterlife with DJs, hip-hop producers, and breakbeat fans.
The B-side, Theme From For A Few Dollars More, offers a striking contrast. Rather than trying to outdo Ennio Morricone's famous composition, Babe Ruth inject it with their own muscular rock sensibility. The familiar melody is retained, but it's wrapped in heavy guitar, dramatic dynamics, and a cinematic swagger that suits the band's style perfectly. It's less a faithful cover than a reinterpretation, and it works remarkably well.
As a pairing, the single showcases two sides of Babe Ruth's identity: inventive, genre-blending rock on one side and bold, film-inspired instrumental drama on the other. Neither track feels like filler, making this a 7-inch that rewards repeated spins rather than simply existing as a vehicle for its hit side.
For collectors, it's an especially satisfying release. The Mexican has earned its reputation as a cult classic, while the Morricone cover makes the record feel like a thoughtfully assembled package rather than a standard single with an afterthought B-side. Whether you're a fan of classic rock, crate-digging funk, or cinematic instrumentals, this remains a memorable and highly enjoyable slice of 1970s vinyl.