PRAIRIE BOUND

Go ahead and call me Laura Ingalls Wilder, cuz I'm in a prairie state of mind these days. I've been listening to Neil Young's CD Prairie Wind, and I noticed that his recent concert film is coming out on DVD on June 13. I kept the prairie winds a' blowin' by scooping up the soundtrack to the new Robert Altman film A Prairie Home Companion, featuring performances by Lily Tomlin, Meryl Streep, Woody Harrelson, Garrison Keillor and other cast members. The movie hits theaters very soon, but if you can't wait to see it why not treat yourself to a juicy sneak peek with the DVD that accompanies the deluxe edition of the soundtrack. About 10 scenes from the film are on the disc, along with a few outtakes.

Neil Young: Heart of Gold
Grade: B+

Set in Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, Jonathan Demme’s intimate concert film makes you feel like you’re sitting in Neil Young’s living room and he’s playing especially for you. Backed by spectral songstress Emmylou Harris and other musicians, he starts off with songs from Prairie Wind – his latest album - and transitions to standbys like “Harvest Moon” and “Old Man.” The fact that Neil recently bounced back from a brain aneurysm makes the show all the more poignant. But if you’re not a diehard fan, you might find that the set list seems to stretch on forever.

A Prairie Home Companion
Grade: B+

This charming adaptation of Garrison Keillor’s legendary radio show is no Nashville or Short Cuts, but octogenarian director Robert Altman proves that he’s still in fine form. Still reeling from the announcement that their longstanding variety show is toast, a bunch of small-time musicians perform their final gig. Even trashy tabloid queen Lindsay Lohan manages to hold her own in a well-oiled ensemble that includes Kevin Kline, Virginia Madsen and Keillor himself. But the real standouts are Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin as a loopy pair of singing sisters.