should definitely hear their version of 'Highway Kind' on 'Poet, a tribute to Townes Van Zandt.' With a few exceptions, like 'Pancho and Lefty,' his songs aren't usually as interesting when done by singers other than him. 'Highway Kind' is one of the exceptions. It's a spectacular arrangement, about as far from his original spare style as you can get, but Margo Timmins voice and the guitar work are wonderful.
The rest of the recording is uneven, a few great versions of his songs and a few absolute duds. It's a must for Townes Van Zandt fans, though. |
Hey Uh Scott,
If ya'll have anymore of them there Trinity Session LP's to give away, keep me in mind!
Speaking of Portishead, if you like the CJ Trinity session, you will probably like Portishead Live at the Roseland NYC album. Great album - similar in that it was a live album where everything just worked. |
Blkadr- that's the very reason I gave other (better imho)examples of "laid back" music.
I don't think it's the musical form/genre that is being debated rather how good CJ'S are at it-very good in some peoples opinions......in mine they are rather unremarkable with many better examples. |
Nobody ever mentions "Black Eyed Man", one of my favorite cds to listen to when I feel layed back and want to hear something not so demanding. Their music has an "authentic" feel and the lyrics are often very clever. I understand why someone might not be "grabbed" by them, this music is not the sort that is designed to impress. |
I like the Cowboy Junkies very much, very nice guitar and I like Margo as well, She reminds me of the Portishead singer (or vice versa). If you are a Cowboy Junkies fan and like guitar, try their first album Whites Off Earth Now, it may be their best and is a little raw sounding with great lyrics and vocals.
thanks for the tips too |
Different strokes for different folks! |
Thanks, guys, for the thoughtful and considered responses. I fully understand how some artists and certain performances can really "grab" you, while others don't. Given that music involves an emotional response, I guess that's to be expected. Thanks for taking the time to share your points of view -- maybe I should take the time to listen to some of the other recordings by the Junkies.
Best to everyone - Scott C. |
Scott,
I have to concur with something Garfish said:
"I find Margo Timmin's voice at once haunting and intimate on many of their (especially) ballads."
That's it for me, nothing more. It just hits some people right where they need it.
-mm |
Hi Scott-- a fair question, but in response, I have to say that I don't care for jazz at all and have no explanation for that-- yet I know you're a big jazz fan? I guess we're wired differently.
First of all, there is no accounting for taste(s). That said, I find Margo Timmin's voice at once haunting and intimate on many of their (especially) ballads. Of the other band members, Michael Timmins, guitarist and writer is of near genius caliber, IMO. His "chops" are unusual but great in his unique way.
I have been a fan of Junkies music for years, but when I first heard them I wasn't, so Tim's right-- their music grows on some-- it certainly did me. Also I find it fascinating that it is not possible to readily classify or pigeon-hole their music. I mean what kind of music is it? folk? pop? country? blues? Well IMO, It's none of those yet it has elements of all of them and some others too. And their band work can be incredible-- one guy, not a Timmins-- plays something like 5 different instruments.
I can wrap myself up in the music of "The Trinity Session" and "The Caution Horses" , and relax in it too. Also, I find the lyrics on many of the songs inviting and with much truth about everyday events and truths-- and if that makes it boring, well, it's not too me. I could write a lot more about the Cowboy Junkies music but that's pretty much the essence of my interest. I think Dekay's observations fit for me too-- at least as I understand them. Cheers. Craig |
You either get it or you don't. Same for P. Barber. Personally, I think there are very few (none?) that do it better. Those who love them know what I mean.
-Ed |
I have been hooked from their early days. If you don't care for The Trinity Sessions, listen to Lay It Down. An excellent album, it is very different from their first. I do find their most recent album to be lacking inpiration, kind of as though they wrote it in a weekend. But every other album has some real gems. For what they do, they are one of the best bands of our time. |
I am with Sdc, I am curious as to everyones exuberance when they are mentioned. I just happen to have a friends copy of Trinity Sessions in my possession at the moment and agree it's a fine recording but doesn't seem to do a lot for me. (I will be playing it more though so I reserve the right to change my mind.)
I kind of wonder if the hype isn't much the same as Kind of Blue, they were both done with very few takes, some in one take. Trinity Sessions with one mic, I don't know about KoB. (Did I just open a can of worms?)
I went to CJ's web site last Friday and read the making of Trinity Sessions and it is interesting. |
Scott & Ben: Other than the overall package I enjoy many of their songs as they are (in my mind) through compositions. Songs that are conceived and then finished on kind of a roll. Songs like these do not sound contrived and have a certain flow to them. Of the few songwriters that I know this type of composition is always their best work and it is a difficult happening to achieve for most in the profession. Just a guess/opinion, but this is what I hear/suspect and enjoy about most of their music. I cannot say this about their second to last release (though it is OK in a dirty sort of way). |
At first I didn't care for the Junkies but I listened to it every now and again and eventually I grew to really like it. So it sort of grows on you like mold, but good mold :)
~Tim |
I'm actually with SdC on this-I too own Trinity Sessions and well frankly I find it pretty dull...
In not too disimilar fields I find the following better.
Ophelia-Natalie Merchant-all original songs,laid back,nice voice too.
In terms of covers I would argue (mainstream as she was) Eva Cassidy is better at throwing a different slant on well known songs.......
Anything by either female Fleetwood Mac vocalist circa Rumours/Tusk is on another planet both in originality/songwriting/arrangements and singing and well the band trash the CJ's musically.....
I could go on but it's not a competition...enjoy what you enjoy |
To my friend Craig and other posters above:
I think that those who have read my posts over the past 2+ years will agree that my listening tastes are pretty catholic. So, please take this question in the spirit it is asked: what SPECIFICALLY do you find interesting about Cowboy Junkie's music?
I am not asking this question to antagonize anyone -- I really am curious and want to know what engages you about their music. I owned a copy of the original LP release of The Trinity Sessions -- purchased after the first rave reviews in one of the audio mags in the late 1980's -- and eventually gave the LP away because it failed to appeal to me in any way.
So, as Joan Rivers used to say: can we talk? What elements of this group's music seems to appeal to so many?
Scott C- |
Thanks Pops-- and you other goofs too. It's nice to see a good report on their latest release. Actually, I thought it wasn't supposed to be available for awhile? But I got a message from Margo (*_*) the other day and will definitely be ordering ""Open Road""-- starting to drool now......... and BTW for those inclined (such as me), the Junkies have a 3 hour DVD that can be purchased with the new CD. Cheers. Craig |
You can order not only Waltz across America but a couple of other obscure C J Cd,s like Rarities, B-Sides and slow, Sad Waltzes. Listening to A Horse in the Country late at night after a couple of Azmuth aligners is truly an experience. Multiple eargasims guaranteed.They even sound great through Garfish's old speakers. |
I ordered Trinty sessions, no comment till it arrives :^) |
Where is Craig?? its been at least 15 minutes now that this has beeen up!! :) gotta thank Craig for turning me onto the Junkies in the first place, a household name now :) ~Tim |
Groan..........calling Garfish, calling Garfish......... |
