Go Get the Soundtrack for True Grit

I really enjoyed the Coen Brothers' remake of True Grit. If you like Westerns, it acts as a sort of comfort food -- the beautiful scenery, the well-known storyline, the old-fashioned language, bring back all the memories of Westerns past, and remind you of the integral role the Western has played in teaching Americans what sort of people we are and what sort of people we're supposed to be.

The acting is first-rate. In particular, I want to give credit to Hailee Steinfeld -- who, in my opinion, makes a much better Mattie Ross than Kim Darby did. Jeff Bridges also does a great job of playing an iconic John Wayne role without making you feel he is imitating John Wayne.

But to me, the real star of the show was the soundtrack, which was built around a number of beautiful old hymns, particularly "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." Even if you don't ever want to see a gun fired on screen, and have no interest in watching a horse charge across the Great Plains, you should be able to enjoy this glorious music, and to appreciate the role that great hymns have played in American life.

The soundtrack is available in CD form and on various electronic platforms (maybe Matthew will give us a more complete review). But here is a sample if you want to try it.