Even Cowgirls get the Blues, Tom Robbins' novel and soon-to-be-released movie directed by Gus Van Sant, tells the unique tale of a hitchiking model with oversized thumbs. It's all about self-discovery, social commentary and freedom.

Such is also the case with the movie's soundtrack, composed by k.d. lang and her longtime right-hand man, Ben Mink.

In the novel, the big-thumbed heroine, Sissy Hackshaw, whose specialties include being the world's best hitchiker and modeling for feminine hygiene products, finds herself captured by the eccentric lives of a band of Oregonian cowgirls. It's sort of a difficult theme to put to music.

But the duo takes hold of the reins and keeps on going in this soundtrack filled with imaginative lyrics, entrancing vocals and inventive rhythms.

Lang's lyrics not only paint a perfect backdrop for the movie, but set up relationships and ideals present in the story. In "Curious Soul Astray," lang's lyrics, "I ran with a passionate story/ I ran for the wisdom and glory/ away, away, I ran," actually climb inside the psyche of characters without the sappiness so often accompanied by movie ballads.

As in many of lang's past accomplishments, some charmingly quirky lyrics also fit the theme of the movie like pretzels and ice cream. The comedy of "Don't Be A Lemming Blues" ("So my friends, don't delay/ Unless, of course, you'd rather stay/ Lemmings headed for the clear!") and the energy of "Just Keep Me Movin" creatively relate the liberating qualities of the story and provide some inspiration for all those cowgirl wanna-bes.

Lang's vocal quality is distinctly her own throughout the soundtrack, unlike many of today's popular country-western crossovers who tend to sound the same. Not only does she provide versatility to her twangy alto, but her expression is phenomenal. From mystically enchanting in "Perfect Dreams" to drillingly powerful in "Cowgirl Pride," she finds a way to make clear statements with her voice alone.

Another authentic sound that so clearly marks the work of lang and her cohort Mink is their original accompaniment. The range goes from a funky disco guitar to soothing symphonic keyboards. There is no way of guessing what style is coming next. Even the orchestrations in brief songs such as "Ride of Bonanza Jellybean" and "Virtual Vortex" kept my attention, although a few short takes such as "Overture" aren't exactly on the list of notables.

I'm not one to blindly join the country-music bandwagon. Yet I can't help but admit that after hearing this release, I never wanted to be a cowgirl so darn much in all my life. Anyone probably couldn't help letting out a few k.d. lang inspired yelps of glory in her quest for freedom. YEE HAW!