‘Garden’ Soundtrack Rocks

Sun., Dec. 21, 1997

Tom Moon And Nick Cristiano Phi

Various Artists “Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”’ (Malpaso/Warner Bros.) ***1/2

When it came time to bring “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” John Berendt’s account of the tawdry goings-on beneath the surface of stately Savannah, to the screen, director Clint Eastwood centered his musical atmosphere on the work of that city’s most famous son, lyricist Johnny Mercer.

It was a stroke of genius: Just hearing k.d. lang describe the “blossom-covered lane” of “Skylark” puts you in the lush green of a small town, and the other familiar songs, particularly Paula Cole’s imaginative rendition of “Autumn Leaves” and Alison Krauss’ “This Time the Dream’s on Me,” savor the slow, considered, quintessentially Southern wordplay of Mercer’s lyrics. Top-shelf jazz talent in the supporting cast even rescues the few cringe-producing moments that mar this songbook:- Alas, both Clint and daughter Alison take turns hamming it up.

- Tom Moon

The Derailers “Reverb Deluxe” (Watermelon/Sire) ***

On their second album, the Derailers again tap into classic country sounds, from Bakersfield honky-tonk to steel-stoked shuffles. These vintage styles possess timeless vigor but with solid songwriting and instrumental fire, the Austin, Texas, quartet gives the music a contemporary vitality all its own.

- Nick Cristiano

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Tom Moon and Nick Cristiano Philadelphia Inquirer

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