Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
With the soundtrack toDivine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood,O Brother, Where Art Thou?producerT Bone Burnetthas compiled another gently nostalgic gem. Filled with covers of jazz standards, sparse blues picking, and traditional Cajun pieces,SisterhoodmatchesBrotherin ambiance and impeccable musicianship. The highlights are numerous:Bob Dylan's lively song waltzes with a raspy narrative,Lauryn Hilluses acoustic plucking to complement her soulful croon, andBob Schneidercontributes an understated love-ballad rumbling with piano. Even the cover songs are first-rate;Macy Grayjive-jumps through a faithfulBillie Holidaycover, andTony Bennettslows things down with a dapper and distinguishedNat "King" Colehomage. Despite the diffuse genres covered, the superior quality ofSisterhood's songs renders these differences negligible, and the album's pacing ensures a pleasing alternation of styles that never lags. In fact, there's nary a bad song on the entire album. The divine secret's out--Sisterhoodis an essential listen.--Annie Zaleski