Echo In the Canyon

Original Soundtrack

The new documentary on the mid 60s Laurel Canyon scene (pre-psychedelia, but hippie nonetheless) is super. I have yet to see the film, so this review is for the soundtrack only.

All the major bands are covered: The Byrds, The Mamas and The Papas, Love, The Monkees, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield. The songs included, while well known, weren’t monster hits. That doesn’t mean they’re throwaways. All these songs are new recordings by Jacob Dylan and his band (not the Wallflowers) and duet partners Beck, Cat Power, Norah Jones, Fiona Apple, and others. He picked sure shots, went to town with them, and nailed the songs every time.

The trailer for this film also looks excellent, explaining the impact this scene had, then and now. I’ve listened to this soundtrack a lot, and conclude that this music still matters, is still timeless, and still is great.

Andrea Weiss