And then of course there was the primeval American hillbilly music from the southern states, which contributed to the overall atmosphere of the film homogeneously.
For many, especially in our latitudes, thus opening up a whole new musical world. So hardly anyone had heard the American folk music. Far away from any radio-friendly Western Glamour Kitsch and cowboy strumming.
Due to the great success of the film and the soundtrack reviewed here, sales of bluegrass and old time slices rose considerably in this country.
Alison Krauss had also previously been a certain reputation with us, but now were also John Hartford, Gillian Welch, Norman Blake, Ralph Stanley and several other well known. Bluegrass and old-time music have become socially acceptable. More than five million times the soundtrack sold worldwide and won three Grammys.
And what we get to hear on this record, could hardly be more beautiful. Rural Southern Music that is unparalleled in its simplicity, beauty and tranquility. Heartbreaking Acapella Work Songs, warm Oldtime Country Songs, earthy, peaceful and poignant Bluegrass Bluegrass Gospel take us in the thirties of the American South during the Great Depression. Anyone who has seen the film and learned to love, for this soundtrack is of course indispensable. And all bluegrass and old-time friends have this album already be on your shelf anyway.
Introduced is the album of two old original recordings. James Carter & The Prisoners with the recorded in the fifties Work Song "Po Lazuras" and recorded in 1928 by Harry McClintock humorous Oldtime Country Song "Big Rock Candy Mountain". Then we hear contemporary artists such as Norman Blake, Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, John Hartford, Emmylou Harris, The Cox Family, The Whites, Dan Tyminski, Ralph Stanley and The Fairfield Four. But all so lovingly and authentically recorded, as if we were still in fact 70 years in the past. The culmination of form the Stanley Brothers with her "Angel Band", an original recording from the 50s.
The producer of the album is T Bone Burnett. To him next to the Coen Brothers the greatest thanks for this great work. Yes, the world would be poorer without this wonderful music. If I could take only three discs on the deserted island, this would definitely be it.
Absolute buy recommendation! A must for every music collection!