It is named after mystery writer Mickey Spillane, whose novels featuring detective Mike Hammer provided the basis for the album's title track.

One card states: "Scene of the crime #1 -- high harp harmonics, basses and trombone drone, guitar sonorities, sounds of water dripping and narration on top.

"[1] Thus, the musicians are not given traditional sheet music, but a series of cues or outlines that encourage improvisation.

The AllMusic review by Stephen Cook stated: "Spillane is not only one of the highlights in Zorn's catalog, but also makes for a fine introduction to the composer's vast body of work".

[2] 1 - "Spillane" (25:12) Recorded (June/August 1986) and Mixed (August 1987) by Don Hünerberg at NBC Radio City Studios, New York City Written and arranged by John Zorn in collaboration with: "Two-Lane Highway" (18:16) 2 - Preacher Man/White Line Fever/Nacogdoches Gumbo/East Texas Freezeout/San Angelo Release/Rollin' to Killeen/Blowout/Devil's Highway/Midnight Standoff/Marchin' for Abilene (13:30) 3 - Hico Killer/Long Mile to Houston (4:46) Recorded (June 1987) and mixed (August 1987) by Don Hünerberg at NBC Radio City Studios, New York City Conceived and arranged by John Zorn for Albert Collins in collaboration with: 4 - "Forbidden Fruit" (Variations for Voice, String Quartet and Turntables) (10:20) Recorded September 1987 at Russian Hill Recording, San Francisco, by Howard Johnston, and at Metal Box Studio, Tokyo by Ono Seigen.