O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)

iTunes Review

The Coen Brothers' zany Deep South odyssey O Brother, Where Art Thou? was one of 2000's cinematic delights. It was also the source of an outstanding soundtrack album featuring traditional country and gospel tunes, most newly recorded by producer T-Bone Burnett. Evoking the hardscrabble Mississippi landscape of the Great Depression are such haunting tracks as Alison Krauss' "Down to the River to Pray," Ralph Stanley's "O Death," and the Fairfield Four's "Lonesome Valley." The sensuous vocals of Krauss, Emmylou Harris, and Gillian Welch on "Didn't Leave Nobody But the Baby" are a bewitching treat. Joining the veterans are newcomers like young blues artist Chris Thomas King ("Hard Time Killing Floor Blues"). The spirited version of "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" by the Soggy Bottom Boys (actually Dan Tyminski of Krauss' band Union Station) became an unexpected radio favorite. O Brother, Where Art Thou? is truly essential listening for country fans and Americana enthusiasts alike.