20/05/01  'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' - Various Artists

Yes I have finally decided to put something else to read on this page and hopefully you might find it interesting. This is where I get to recommend some decent CDs from my record collection, of which I am quite proud.

One album that has really got my interest at the moment is the soundtrack to 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' which is absolutely fabulous. And it's a bit of a sleeper hit - it's sold well over a million copies worldwide without really being noticed.
If you've seen the movie, and as Coen Brothers films go it's one of the more likeable ones in my opinion, you probably are aware of the importance that music plays in the story. Frankly I think it's the best part of the film and credit to the producers of the CD, they don't seem to have missed anything that featured on the soundtrack.

Listen to a clip of 'Down in the River to Pray' by Alison Krauss

Set in depression era Mississippi the film's soundtrack highlights the the cultural importance of music at a time of enormous deprivation and hardship. 19 tracks cover traditional blues, country and gospel music that is utterly entrancing, moving and entertaining. I doubt there could be anyone who wouldn't be engaged by this album (regardless of musical taste) given the obvious influence these songs have had on a wide range of musical styles today. They don't call it 'roots' for nothing you know...