POP MUSIC REVIEW : Lanois’ Sound Intrudes on Emmylou Harris’ Vocals

One of the true A artists of the modern pop era, Emmylou Harris would sound good even if she were backed by the Sex Pistols--though let’s hope she never tries it.

The soulful country-accented singer, who appeared at the Ventura Theatre on Thursday, is pushing the envelope far enough with the Daniel Lanois Sound.

Lanois’ moody, percussion-heavy, highly atmospheric style has been employed expertly on his own albums and those he has produced for U2 and Bob Dylan. And there are times when those aggressive strains worked well on Harris’ recent, much acclaimed “Wrecking Ball” album and in Thursday’s near two-hour set.

All too often, however, the approach--played by bassist Daryl Johnson, drummer Brady Blade and guitarist Buddy Miller--was more intrusive than complementary.

By contrast, the Lanois Sound--supplied chiefly by Johnson and Blade--came dramatically alive when Lanois himself took over in a guest role near the end of the set. If Harris wants to pursue this musical relationship, Lanois needs to better tailor his sound to her more subtle style if he is to showcase her voice and music as evocatively as her earlier bands have done.

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Emmylou Harris plays tonight at the Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 8 p.m. Sold out. (310) 276-6168. Also Monday at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 7 and 9:30 p.m. $29.50. (714) 496-8927.