O Brother, Where Art Thou?
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Free Music Notes for O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Free Music Review: now this is music
Hit: 5 Stars
I've never liked country. But this isn't country, rather it's like an alternate universe of what country once was and could have been. The result is a soundtrack that is more memorable than the (quite good) movie. I had "Man of Constant Sorrow" stuck in my head weeks before the movie came out, due to those previews which sort of misrepresent the spirit of the movie as a comedy. Anyway like most everybody else I headed straight for the music store after I left the movie theater. Each song is amazing, and calls for superlatives - humble, earthy, real. The style is a blend of gospel, blues, and folk that is really more the precursor to rock than to country. Of course this is where country and rock part ways, and it's depressing to compare this music to the cheesy pop country sounds on the radio today and hear what might have been. "O Death" is amazingly chilling and real- you can see a man pleading for his life with the Grim Reaper. "I'll Fly Away" is the most cheery and beautiful song about dying. "Man of Constant Sorrows" is well represented here with about 4 different takes, but I'm not complanining. "Don't Leave Nothing But The Baby" is Reason #2 why I bought this album, it's simply enthralling. "Down To The River To Pray" is also a standout. All in all every song will remind you of the truth and humility that real music is about, not to mention it will make you want to take a road trip Down South (no small feat).Free Music Review: This is storytellin' music
Hit: 5 Stars
The 'O Brother...' soundtrack not only tells the story of the southern US between the depression and WWII, but the music goes hand in hand with the story line of the movie. As many reviewers note, the music is top notch with such bluegrass, folk, and country greats such as Ralph Stanley and the Stanley Brothers, Alison Krauss (who sings like an angel on 'Down to the River') and Emmylou Harris. The centerpiece of the CD is clearly "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow", presented in 4 different versions, and the musical theme that runs throughout the movie. Two versions are distinctly different interpretations, one on acoustic guitar, one on fiddle. The others are separate versions sung by Dan Tyminski (not George Clooney) of Alison Krauss' Union Station Band, one with only guitar accompanyment, the other with a full band. There is also a sublte lyrical change in these two versions; the first says "I am a man of constant sorrow", while the one played later on the soundtrack (and in the movie) says "I am the man of constant sorrow." Subtle, like I said, but crucial in telling the story. And I think it was this thoughtful work of the Coen Brothers and T Bone Burnett that sets the O Brother soundtrack aside from other soundtracks which are often just a collection of songs that were used as background music. O Brother (the CD) is a wonderful slice of Americana, and cannot be seen as separate from the movie as a storytelling device and work of art.Free Music Review: Who needs a review?
Hit: 5 Stars
At first I was thinking: why even review this? I suspected that most people wouldn't need the help of a review when deciding whether to buy this particular CD--they probably saw the movie and realized at about thirty seconds in to "Man of Constant Sorrow" that they had to have the soundtrack. But then I thought, people might be taking a look over the track list because of one or two favorite artists, trying to decide if they really want to take the plunge. If that description fits you: don't hesitate. Buy it. This is perhaps the most sublime compilation ever arranged of Americana: a mix of folk, blues, bluegrass, and gospel music, the full effect of which transcends period or genres. After getting this, I have about three or four new artists on my wish list for buying new CDs.Outstanding tracks are both vocal versions of "Man of Constant Sorrow," "Down In The River To Pray," "O Death," "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues," and "I'll Fly Away," but you can listen to this from beginning to end, over and over, and not easily tire. As someone else pointed out, this is not like other soundtrack CDs--there are no weak links or unevenness here, no filler. Every cut is grade-A choice. Some, in fact, are dangerously addictive. I've owned the CD less than a day and played "Man of Constant Sorrow" about twenty times now. I feel like a rat pushing its lever again and again to get a buzz of sheer bliss.
Free Music Review: The angels have come down to earth
Hit: 5 Stars
Never in my wildest dreams would I have dared to imagine the collection offered in the soundtrack for "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Traditional music champions Norman Blake and Gillian Welch, bluegrass giants Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss and Union Station (featuring Dan Tyminski), newgrass pioneers Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, and Stuart Duncan, and gospel masters The Whites and The Cox Family, join the very best a capella group ever (in my humble opinion), the Fairfield Four, for an unparalleled evocation of a singularly magical time and place.I especially appreciate the four renditions of Carter Stanley's "A Man of Constant Sorrow," which showcase the variety of expression found in traditional country music. Chris Thomas King's rendition of "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues" has me sold on this (new to me) artist. As for Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and Gillian Welch's rendition of the lullabye "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby," these sirens can carry me away anytime.
Best of all, this music makes you think, deep and hard. Who can remain unmoved by the overpowering humanity of "Big Rock Candy Mountain" (with the original lyrics- this ain't the song you learned in grade school) and "O Death?" This music stems from real human experience and will touch your soul.
Who knows? With this CD's popularity, maybe country musicians will start singing the blues again!
Free Music Review: Phenomenal!
Hit: 5 Stars
I bought the soundtrack before buying the DVD. We had seen the last part of the movie on one of the premium movie channels just a few days previously. Unfortunately we missed the beginning and as it was premiering, it was unclear as to when it would show again. The soundtrack is great. A combination of old country, blues and religious hymnal music. I think that in order to fully appreciate the CD, it is necessary to see the movie. The movie is funny, off-beat, up-beat, sad and heartwrenching. I was a little disappointed to learn that George Clooney was not actually singing, but he did a realistic job of lip-sinc. The 'clogging' was his own and hilariously funny which is one reason why you need to view the movie to get a real feel for the CD. Personally, I am happier with the DVD than with the CD. Listening to the CD just doesn't have the impact that 'seeing' it does. The CD I have in my car. I, of course, loved "Man of Constant Sorrow" but like "He's In the Jailhouse Now" which the movie character actually sang, and "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" is an old favorite from my childhood. The harmonious tunes of the Krause group and the others are beautiful. It's good to hear that so many of the young people also like the soundtrack. This is Americana at its finest. As far as I'm concerned, it's a winner and I'm so pleased it won the Grammy award. A bit surprising, yes, but well deserved!