Cowboy Junkies’ music has been a big part of my life now for almost 10 years. While some of my friends shrug them off as being a band who play simply some sad songs, I hear a lot more. Sure, there’s darkness. But there is a lot of light, too. The truth is, the words that songwriter Michael Timmins writes, which in turn his sister, Margo, sings, hit home so real that you would be hard pressed not to find a few of their tunes that connect with your life.
This year, they released an album called Renmin Park, and it’s a keeper. Amazingly, the band from Toronto is set to release another album, a set of Vic Chesnutt covers called Demons, in November. And after one listen to “Wrong Piano,” which you can listen to below, I’m already excited.
I’m also a firm believer that their live show is one of the best around – it rocks and soothes in all the right places. Luckily, I’m going to see them in a few days in Portland, Oregon, and I couldn’t be more pumped, as it’s been almost three years since I’ve had the chance. Please check back later this week for a review.
If you have been to a Junkies show, you know that the bassist, Alan Anton, is one of those guys who lurks in the background, seemingly going about his business without a care in the world. He’s a central piece to many of their songs, like “Dragging Hooks” and “Lay It Down.” He’s also the cool cat who has given us our latest 10 to Spin, a collection of songs to enjoy while relaxing with a few drinks. We certainly applaud his choices.
“It’s 5:30 on a Monday Afternoon on the patio and time to get my drink on. The sunset’s gonna be psychedelic, so I’m gonna need some psycho-poppyness in the outdoor rock speakers. The speakers that look like rocks but they’re actual speakers. Sound pretty good, too. We’re gonna start off slow and end a bit heavy. Refresh your cocktails every third song and enjoy the view.” – Alan Anton
Radar Bros. – Dear Headlights
Spoon – Stay Don’t Go
Television – Marquee Moon
Lou Reed – Coney Island Baby
Eels – Love Of The Loveless
Mark Lanegan – Strange Religion
Patti Smith – Ain’t It Strange
Rolling Stones – Ventilator Blues
Local H – California Songs
Nirvana – Love Buzz