Cowboy Junkies prove they can rock

---

RATING: * * * *

---

by John Van

---

The Cowboy Junkies are Canada's greatest export since Moosehead Ice Lager.

Margo Timmin's languid vocals -- the aural equivalent of slow crib death --

glide gently atop brother Michael's guitar meanderings, highly reminiscent of

third album-era Velvet Underground. Across six studio albums, the Cowboy

Junkies have explored and expanded upon their unique blend of chilly

folk-blues, to the point of becoming a substantial influence on other bands

(Mazzy Star, Mojave 3). Lay It Down breaks no new musical ground for the

Junkies, but finds them perfecting their songcraft and honing their fine

musicianship.

Think of country music stripped of the maudlin sentimentality and superficial

"bluesiness," and you have the Cowboy Junkies. This is real razor

blade-to-the-wrist type material, and definitely not recommended for the

suicide-prone. Someone once claimed that the Cowboy Junkies' first three albums

formed the most depressing trinity of works ever created. This is heavy

stuff.

Lay it Down begins with the lilting "Something More Besides You," where

Margo's smooth-as-codeine vocals expound upon love and loss, against the

crystalline acoustic atmospheres of Michael's guitar. Think of a

lithium-addicted Sarah McLachlan fronting an even more despairing Red House

Painters and you might get a feel for how good this album is. Michael Timmin's

lead guitar textures come to the forefront here, creating a mesmerizing groove

that is at once both sensitive and soulful.

"A Common Disaster" is grittier and more aggressive sounding, as Margo beckons

us to "share with me a common disaster" atop Michael's tugging and insistent

guitar textures. This is vital music, music that reaffirms life itself by

glimpsing into the abyss of emotions.

The title track is the strongest track here, harking back to the ethereal

quality of "The Trinity Sessions," then introducing a mangled guitar solo

reminiscent of Jefferson Airplane. Margo's vocals simultaneously glide and

seduce over the primal throb of the music and droning rythms. Listening to this

track makes me wonder how such talent has remained unnoticed for greater

majority of the past 10 years.

Perhaps the Junkies' music is too heavy to be popular, as their releases aren't

exactly the feel-good albums of the year. Nevertheless, this is music that is

teeming with life and vitality that will invigorate all. Lay It Down is

a diamond in the rough in the current pop music scene.

This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the April 12, 1996 issue.

Copyright © 1996 The Rice Thresher. All Rights Reserved.
This document may be distributed electronically, provided that it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of:
The Rice Thresher, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005-1892, USA.