The Apostle (Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture)

Robert Duvall's triple-threat (producer/writer/director) 1997 film about a fundamentalist Texas preacher whose fiery spirituality and good works are nearly unraveled by his decidedly human lusts is remarkable for a number of things--the star's non-judgmental approach to Christianity undercuts easy stereotyping and his choice in music nicely smudges the modern, artificially drawn boundaries between country and gospel. It's a collection of music that shows what rich diversity there is in music that's been largely marginalized by mainstream marketeers. Highlights include Lyle Lovett's rousing "I'm a Soldier In the Army of the Lord," "In the Garden" by Johnny Cash, and The Carter Family returning to their roots on "Waitin' On the Far Bank of Jordan". --Jerry McCulley