COWBOY JUNKIES – Lay It Down – LP – Vinyl

LP – Black Vinyl.

Every Cowboy Junkies album is a sonic treat, full of gorgeous guitar tones from Michael Timmons, haunting vocals from Margo Timmins, and beautiful arrangements, and 1996s Lay it Down is no exception. But there is one big difference between this album and its predecessors: it rocks! And pretty hard, too, particularly on the Crazy Horse-esque Canadian hit A Common Disaster, Just Want to See, and the Paisley Underground-style title track. The pared-down quartet line-up accounts for some of this tougher approach; but producer John Keane definitely shaped this albums sound, lending these songs a palpable Athens, GA/R.E.M. vibe that transports the Junkies out of their customary Americana/alt-country territory into a more indie-rock feel. Lay It Down is a mature album, tackling complex themes (Come Calling [His Song] and Come Calling [Her Song] tackle the onset of Alzheimers from the perspective of an afflicted elderly couple) with the confidence of a band at the peak of its powers. Its long-overdue for a release on LP, and Real Gone Music are proud to present it on pristine black vinyl inside a jacket and printed inner sleeve with lyrics. A great listen.

Tracklist:

Side A
1. Something More Besides You
2. A Common Disaster
3. Lay It Down
4. Hold On to Me
5. Come Calling (His Song)
6. Just Want to See
7. Lonely Sinking Feeling

Side B
1. Angel Mine
2. Bea’s Song (River Song Trilogy: Part II)
3. Musical Key
4. Speaking Confidentially
5. Come Calling (Her Song)
6. Now I Know