TransAmerica:
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
(Nettwerk)
First Appeared in The Music Box, March 2006, Volume 13, #3
Written by John Metzger
The soundtrack to TransAmerica contains a treasure trove of music that
runs the gamut from the African grooves of Miriam Makeba’s Jal’Inkoma to
David Mansfield’s earthy, instrumental score. Its heart and soul, however, is
the roots-oriented fare, both old and new, that captures the emotional essence
of the movie. For example, Larry Sparks finds strength within the weariness of
Lay My Burden Down; Lucinda Williams brings a soothing and peaceful
ambience to Like a Rose; Jim Lauderdale joins Ralph Stanley and the
Clinch Mountain Boys to settle into the rural landscape of Lost in the
Lonesome Pines; Duncan Sheik strikes a spiritual chord with his ethereal
interpretation of I Am a Pilgrim; and Dolly Parton jovially strolls
through the Academy Award-nominated Travelin’ Thru. Unfortunately, while
actor Graham Greene’s crooning of Beautiful Dreamer might play a pivotal
role in the film, it — along with the snippets of dialogue that also are
included — serves only to mar the compilation by lending it an overbearing air
of self-importance. Otherwise, the material speaks just as strongly for itself
as it does for the film. 
TransAmerica: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is available
from Barnes & Noble. To order, Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2006 The Music Box