Gather Members Review the Motion Picture...

The film version of Garrison Keillor's popular public radio program "A Prairie Home Companion" opens in theaters on June 9, 2006. A comic backstage fable about a fictitious radio variety show that has managed to survive in the age of television, A Prairie Home Companion features an all-star cast including Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Kline, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly, Lindsay Lohan, Tommy Lee Jones and Garrison Keillor.

An important theatrical element of both the radio and film versions of A Prairie Home Companion is music. Many of the songs are written and performed by Garrison Keillor himself. The original soundtrack to the film goes on sale to the public on May 23, 2006, but several Gather members were able to listen to advanced copies of the film music and have written exclusive reviews for the Gather community.

Click on the links below to read Gather members' reviews on A Prairie Home Companion soundtrack then listen to clips. If you like what you've read and heard, buy your own copy of the soundtrack.

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"The Prairie Home Companion Soundtrack induced kitchen dancing, toe tapping and conversation. Americana, it is a cross--section of the heart of our country in which truth and light exude from the music. You cannot help but move and be moved by the sound and lyrics."
~Ken Pothier

"Rich Dworsky , the one-step-ahead-of-GK man, pens at least one-fifth of this 25-track disc. My favorite is Atlanta Twilight. Rich shines in all his glory. This one snugs right up to my senses, calming them, spoon-feeding me warm cocoa. Thanks so much, Mr. Dworsky. This is exactly why I listen to APHC."
~Susan Budig

"Musically, the backbone of the soundtrack is provided by 'The Guys All-Star Shoe Band.' They deserve much of the credit for the musical enjoyment on this CD."
~George Corneliussen

"You're in for a earful of sweet treats including the old regulars like Robin and Linda singing their bluegrass, Rich Dworsky and the Shoe Band playing everything from rag to swing with Hot Club of France , gospel and klezmer overtones."
~Carol Voigts

"What makes the album enjoyable right from the beginning is its authenticity. While the vocal talents of all the actors on the soundtrack are more than up to par, they are not so polished that the album sounds manufactured. There's a bit of roughness to their vocals that makes the album sound and feel real."
~Sean McCarthy

"I listened on and enjoyed the rest of the album, but as things progressed I found myself distracted. I kept thinking: Why bother with a soundtrack like this when I can find the same type of content, and so much more than just the music, every week live on the actual radio show?"
~Yogen Kushi

"When I heard the tracks on this album I could smell the sweet soil of Minnesota, the musty seats of the Fitzgerald Theater, country knee-slapping, and moonshine sippin' while grandpa's sitting by the radio. There is such authenticity in this soundtrack. I think that what makes this soundtrack so easy on the ears is that it's doesn't know it's a soundtrack."
~K Overr

"As soundtracks go, this one aptly represents the radio show this film is about. As recordings go, this soundtrack hits one note and stays right there. Little creative inspiration beyond the imaginary radio show."
~Digital Dogs

Also, for all you Prairie Home fans, don't forget to join the A Prairie Home Companion group on Gather, where you can listen to the latest show, find your all-time favorite episode in the archives, and chat with other listeners about the funniest, fictitious variety show on public radio. Join the group and join in the conversation!

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