Another Day In Paradise: Music From The Larry Clark Film
Who knew that junkies had such good taste in music? Larry Clark, who brought us the lo-fi, haute-coolKids, turns his lens to mid-'70s drug culture and the low-lifers who skitter through the bad days and good highs. Far from a kitschy '70s throwback, this CD is stuffed with eccentric soul songs of disarming charisma. Allen Toussaint's "Soul Sister" is a loping ode to thigh-high boots, hairdos, and other head-turning allures. Clarence Carter can describe his big, wide polka-dot tie as a hunting implement in "Looking for a Fox." And thank God Otis Redding's "Hard to Handle" will outlast the smirking Black Crowes remake. N'Dea Davenport does a lovely job remaking Bob Dylan's "One More Cup of Coffee," but while her expert singing can replicate some of his more savage vocal runs, Dylan's later appearance on "Every Grain of Sand" reminds us how inexplicably appealing his voice is. This is after-hours music at its smoke-filled-room finest.--Lois Maffeo