Cowboy Junkies
THE CD: Cowboy Junkies
Early 21st Century Blues
Latent Records
As an early buzzworthy band that never achieved massive popular success, the Cowboy Junkies have avoided falling through the cracks almost by sheer force of will, by refusing to conform to the wild musical trends of the last 20 years. Rather than flash and glitter, CWJ has managed to get by with thoughtful songwriting and honest musical talent.
This latest album, “Early 21st Century Blues,” represents a slight, but pleasant detour for the Cowboy Junkies. The band chooses to supplement their own songs with a collection of handpicked covers by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, George Harrison and U2. Vocalist Margo Timmins lends her bittersweet voice to songs that speak of the costs of war. The music is ever moody, haunted and hypnotic.
“Early 21st Century Blues” is less a collection of songs of political protest than an album mourning the loss of peace.
— By Bill Lynch
