**1/2

DUSTY TRAILS

(Atlantic)

Bound by their mutual love of soundtrack music and the path crossings of their former groups, ex-Luscious Jackson member Vivian Trimble and Breeders alumnus Josephine Wiggs formed Dusty Trails in 1998. The duo's impressionistic, mostly instrumental debut covers an often nostalgic spectrum ranging from French-influenced pop ("Est-ce Que Tu") and Morricone-esque portraits ("Regrets in Bordertown") to sly, feminine takes on John Barry ("Spy in the Lounge," "Dusty Trails Theme") and sexy Brazilian pop ("Pearls on a String," "Conga Style"). Featuring Emmylou Harris, "Order Coffee" would've fit nicely on the Paris, Texas or Gas, Food, Lodging soundtracks. Although it feels like a compilation -- or, well, a soundtrack -- album, the disc's effortless elegance and breezy sophistication mark it as a confident change of direction for both women.

-- Mark Woodlief