Country Soundtracks

by kate rice (previously unpublished. slated for The Excuse #007)

I am a huge fan of soundtracks. I used to buy every "sweeping saga" score known to man. Then, I graduated to collections of alternative and techno music. However, in keeping with this issue's country theme, I thought I would listen to a few country soundtracks. Most, I've only heard at work, but one or two have actually made it into my collection.

First, I listened to the Nashville Soundtrack from Prince Of Egypt (Dreamworks). For the most part, it was very "soundtrack-y" and dramatic, full of choir and orchestration. It opens with Wynona singing "Freedom." Adding choir behind her powerful voice, this song sets the mood for the CD. Artists like Steven Curtis Chapman and Vince Gill help to take it in a religious, if not inspirational, direction. Mostly, I found this collection to be way too dramatic(and that's something, coming from me). One exception was Alison Krauss's "I Give To You His Heart." Her sweet voice makes this one of the only unpretentious songs on the CD. Beth Nielson Chapman's "Godspeed" is pretty, but she throws in a tacky drum track I could live without. Buy this if you have a burning desire to listen to country artists do something a little different.

Next, I moved on to the soundtrack from The Horse Whisperer (MCA Nashville). I'm not generally a fan of traditional county, but there are a few tracks on this CD I really dig. "South Wind Of Summer" by the Flatlanders has a mellow bluegrass sound. "Big Balls In Cowtown" is a cool, get-off-your-ass-and-square-dance offering from Don Walser. Gillian Welch's "Leaving Train" is a pretty, laid-back tune. Oddly enough, the last track - George Strait singing "Red River Valley" - was one of my favorites. I don't usually care for his music, but throw in a great fiddle, and he creates a slow and moody rendition of this song.

Along the same line is the soundtrack to Hi-Lo Country (TVT Soundtrax). It opens with one of the oddest pairings I've heard -- Willie Nelson and alternative boy Beck. "Drivin' Nails In My Coffin" is old country, steel guitar and all. I didn't like this collection for the most part. There was a Hank Williams song I had to like, because I like him. Marty Stuart's "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette" was cool, too. Other than that, there was way too much steel guitar and mariachi music for my taste. Check this out if you really like "old school" country.

Those who dig a more modern approach to country might prefer the soundtrack to Touched By An Angel (550 Music) or Hope Floats (Capitol). The first combines newer, inspirational (duh) music with country and pop. This collection includes tracks by Bob Dylan and Keb' Mo', as well as Martina McBride and Deanna Carter. I'm no Angel follower, but it's an enjoyable CD.

Hope Floats isn't bad, either. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood both take a turn singing Bob Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love." Gillian Welch and The Mavericks also make an appearance, and Lyle Lovett sings a melancholy rendition of "Smile." Unfortunately, you'll have to put up with Bryan Adams' cheesy "When You Love Someone." I like his voice, but do we really need another Peter Cetera? I think not. Perhaps next issue, I'll share my opinion of mushy love songs the sentiments of which I've never seen equaled in real life.

The Apostle (Rising Tide) is country gospel. Not too dramatic, and definitely cool. The opening track by Seven Curtis Chapman is upbeat, yet not overblown. It's hard for me to pick a favorite on this CD because it's all so danged good. Lyle Lovett and "Sounds Of Blackness" will move you out of your seat. Rebecca Lynn Howard's "Softly And Tenderly" is winsome, and winning. Johnny Cash singing "In The Garden" is, well, Johnny. He's one of the best. In short, buy this soundtrack.

Last, the soundtrack to the movie Falling From Grace (Mercury). If you've never seen this movie, rent it. It's bizarre, but anything penned by Larry McMurtry is worthwhile. John Mellencamp is the main character. Cool, because it lends to an incredible soundtrack. It opens with a fiddle solo by Lisa Germano (who plays once again later in the collection). Nanci Griffith sings the feel-good "Cradle Of The Interstate," and Mellencamp himself declares "It Don't Scare Me None." He also sings "Nothin's For Free" with the refrain,

"They say Jesus died on the old rugged cross
to save you from people like me
and daddy he slaved for an uncarin' boss
'cause nothin' worth nothin's for free."

The title song is one I shouldn't like. It's an older-sounding song sung in an adequate voice by Larry Rollins. I can't help it, though, I love --

"I have sat in a room full of angels
and none of them would look at my face
for they told me my failure was in my living
and they told me I had fallen from their grace."

I love the fact that it reminds us that some folks were born to make mistakes, with varying degrees of severity. Not that I would have experienced this, personally...!

There you are, then. A few words o' wisdom from Kate. A few opinions, anyway. Enjoy.