As a film and an album, is designed to celebrate the glory days of Los Angeles' Laurel Canyon. Those would be the years between 1964 and 1967, which encompass the prime of folk-rock, the music made when played the songs of and with an electrified jangle. As it happens, , son of , plays a pivotal role in , acting as the guide in the film's journey through the past and anchoring the 13 cover versions that comprise the film's soundtrack. The soundtrack to shows how the entire project tends to conflate the sound of Hollywood and the sound of the beach with the sound of the canyon -- a perhaps inevitable move, as there was so much crossover between these specific L.A. scenes. That said, having play such a prominent role on feels just slightly off, and having "In My Room" and "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" here alongside 's AM staple "Never My Love" and ' "She" ever so slightly turns the album into a good-hearted oldies revival, as , his crackerjack studio band, and a rotating cast of duet partners play with the gusto of a good bar band. Since everybody involved is a pro, this is tight, not loose, which means every cut feels a little too tidy and straight. proves to be an amiable host, coaxing out friendly harmonies from while happily ceding the spotlight to , , and and the mellow camaraderie is appealing and even ingratiating. It isn't especially compelling, though. After a while, the album settles into a genial groove, generating good vibes but also the desire to put this CD away so you can dig out the old records and hear the originals. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine