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Cowboy Junkies "Open" opinions

I just got the new album today and I'm not very enthusiastic. The first five cuts are what I'd describe as acid grunge, not to my liking. Track six is good but seems out of context with the rest of the album, but from at least here on it is more enjoyable. I like track nine the best. I listened twice through using tube electronics and once with solid state, much better with tubes. My current preference for seven albums I have are #1 "Lay It Down", #2 "Black Eyed Man", #3 " The Trinity Session", #4 "Whites off the Earth Now", #5 "MIles from our Home", #6 "Cresent Moon", #7 the latest "Open". Margo has such a great voice that I don't know why they don't display better.
rhljazz
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Rhljazz; I've just got to add my two cents worth to this thread. I finally got the CJ "Open" CD, and I agree with all those who have expressed disappointment in it-- no signed copy either %#@*%!@. I don't even know how to describe it's generally poor character, but then I've only listened to it once.

The only tracks that are similar to the music that made them famous are #s 6, 8, 9, 10. I think mostly the recording does not have that rich, lush, quality that characterizes Margo Timmins voice and CJ music in general. And of course the weirdness of many of the songs. I'll remain a staunch fan though, and just hope their next effort is better. Cheers:>( Craig.
rhljazz OP
1,255 posts
 
Hey Garfish, I'm starting to warmup to this a little bit on the first five tracks. The recording certainly isn't very clean and has a nasty top end, this on a very forgiving tubed preamp/amp combo, pity the the listener with solid state electronics, especially on track three, must send them scurrying for the volume control or out of the room. I don't know if you're tubed or SS. I'm also going to try to track down the other albums you have that I lack. Thanks for the input.
mike_h
3 posts
 
Open is destined for a long shelf life along with some other very disappointing CDs in my collection.My system is revealing but in no way bright.... to me all but two songs sound like nails down a chalk board.
snook2's avatar
snook2
626 posts
 
I just listened to the the Trinity sessions. I am a first time listener of the Junkies. What an awful recording! Ultra high noise level. It sounded like an industial fan was emanating behind her voice especially on the first cut. She does have an excellent voice although pop country is not my favorite style of music.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,595 posts
 
Snook: Yes, the mike used on the first cut is obviously not super directional, but the recording really does not bother me at all as this is what I recall most live music sounding like. I also like the instruments and the vocals to blend a bit in this manner. If you are game for another CJ title maybe try "The Caution Horses" next. I have a promo CD of The Caution Horses tour (9 songs recorded live, "Europe 1990" which was produced in Italy) that is made up of horrible recordings, but I still listen to it often as many of the songs are my favorites.
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