Robert Redford Western mini-fest and some music to match

Strange as it may be, over the holidays I had a mini-festival of Robert Redford Westerns.  I'm going to share my impressions and a little tip for a recently released album.

Jeremiah Johnson.                                                                                                  5 Southwest Indian Tacos

Love, loss, and a search for fulfillment with some dry humor.  

Although there are some obviously unavoidable category traits, this movie seems to have deeply inspired both Dances with Wolves and Legends of the Fall.  Even Brad Pitt's rugged beauty appears to borrow something from Redford's original role.  

Into the Wild also displays elements of this oldie-but-goodie.  A man with a bright mind leaves his past in hopes of starting anew, alone.  

It's not the kind of film that will leave you speechless, but it offers solid entertainment and an escape from life to the beautiful landscapes of unsettled lands.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid                                          A new pair of spurs and a shiny revolver for each hip

No self-respecting report of Robert Redford's Western legacy could neglect to mention this pinnacle of cinema.  

What could be a very violent subject is depicted in a tasteful, artistic way.  From a technical standpoint, it is nearly flawless.  Eye-catching montages, music which is perfectly tailored to the scenes and mood; beautiful.  

At the time, it was groundbreaking for the industry, and a lot of techniques piloted in the picture have become standard practice among high-quality films.

The story also offers pure entertainment to the viewer.  Criminality is not only interesting, it's glamorous.  The audience revels in rooting for the bad guys.  It has the same kind of power that Mafia movies hold: intelligent, suave, and comical, Paul Newman and Redford's characters are the kind of men most people dream of being--or at least knowing. 

My Western-esq musical suggestion: 

For The Good Times by The Little Willies                                                            A stiff whiskey and dancin' boots

This album was released just over a week ago, and features Norah Jones's smokey vocals accompanied by other talented musicians in a parade of classic country covers.  The single "Pennies on the Floor" is up for free download on iTunes this week.  Definitely worth a gander.  The same goes for the rest of the album in my opinion.  The band's previous releases are also easily available and deserve a listen.

In keeping with the Western theme, I've included some pictures of my family's trip to the Southwest a few summers ago.