Horse Whisperer
Various artists (MCA Nashville)
Even if Robert Redford’s film disappoints die-hard fans of the book, the “Horse Whisperer” soundtrack is destined to ride on as one of the best of the ’90s. Featuring groundbreaking tracks by the long silent Lucinda Williams on a desperate “Still I Long for Your Kiss” and the temporarily reunited Flatlanders (Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock and Joe Ely) with a thrilling but slightly overcooked “South Wind of Summer,” this collection unfolds like a Who’s Who of alt-country royalty. Dwight Yoakam kicks off the disc with the sweet lonesome classic “Cattle Call,” while the Maverick’s Raul Malo summons up his best Roy Orbison on “Dream River.” Emmy Lou Harris, Steve Earle and Gillian Welch check in with fine new material. But the cut that steals the show comes from the little-known Allison Moorer whose heartwrenching lyrics on “Looking for a Soft Place to Fall” become even sadder in her heartwarming soprano.