Various Artists

My Blueberry Nights

Music From The Motion Picture

(Blue Note)

Record Review by Sean P. Lambert

Ah, music from the romantic drama featuring the acting debut of Norah Jones. You think she’ll have a song on it, too? You bet she does. In fact, it’s the opening cut! “The Story” sounds exactly like what you think a new Norah Jones song would sound like. It’s well-played, sweet and familiar, which is not to suggest it’s bad - it’s not. This soundtrack could be described in a similar fashion. It has a delicate blend of the old, the new and the blue.

It doesn’t matter how many times I hear it, Otis Redding giving his all on “Try A Little Tenderness” is always good. The inclusion of songs by soul divas Ruth Brown, Mavis Staples and the younger Cassandra Wilson covering Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” mix nicely alongside instrumental cuts by Ry Cooder and even two heartfelt ballads by the enigmatic Cat Power. Don’t expect anything overtly rousing, but show your girl you’ve got a sensitive side by throwing this on the next time you order in Chinese food and crack open a bottle or two of wine.