Customer Reviews

Pale Sun Crescent Moon

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Who doesn't like The Trinity Session? The Cowboy Junkies are defined by that 1987 masterpiece and plenty of radio stations still play their version of Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane" daily. But where next after you've put TTS up on your CD rack? Pale Sun Crescent Moon is that stop. This is a truly fine album made even more credible in that the best songs are entirely their own. Guitarist Michael Timmins' profoundly literate songwriting is made once again to sparkle throughout this album by sister Margo's trademark haunting, ethereal vocals. The mix is rounded out by brother Peter's hypnotic drumming and Alan Anton's undulating bass. Add in timely harmonica, mandolin, piano, and organ to create an ambiance that could enchant to shipwreck even the most stoic landlubber. You would do better with this album to not just let it play half-minded in the background. The band tells a fascinating musical story with each song that will seem muddled if you are not paying attention to the teller. You could miss the quote from William Faulkner or even "Is it better to have words left unsaid than to have words misunderstood?" Standouts include "Crescent Moon", "Ring On the Sill", "Anniversary Song", and "Floorboard Blues".

Don't misunderstand the Junkies. They are subtle and unobtrusive like gold dust beneath the roaring river of commercial music. Pale Sun Crescent Moon is brilliant, and possibly their best album ever but, you could miss it all if you don't buy it! Once you catch on to their siren call, you will, happily, never be the same.

Unlike the four precedent CD's of the Cowboy Junkies, PALE SUN CRESCENT MOON demands some effort from the listener in order to be fully appreciated. One cannot listen to it while reading for instance. The guitars of Michaël Timmins and Ken Myhr sound way louder than in BLACK-EYED MAN and often hide the subtle melodies written by Michaël.

As always, the lyrics are of the highest quality and deserve the full attention of the fan. Some of us are going to regret the hypnotical quality of the sound of THE TRINITY SESSION that became the trademark of the Cowboy Junkies but Margo's sad and melancholic voice is still here and you cannot deny to the band the right to explore new musical territories.

ON THE SILL and ANNIVERSARY SONG are, in my opinion, pure masterpieces but I didn't like so much songs like SEVEN YEARS or THE POST, the music destroying the purity of Margo's voice. Ten songs out of twelve have been written by Michaël Timmins and the electrical flavour of the CD owes a lot to the guitarist Ken Myhr. Other musical guests include Jeff Bird with his mandolin and Richard Bell at the piano.

A CD deserving to be rediscovered.

This album is easily as good as "The Trinity Session," however, don't expect the same kind of sound! This one isn't quite as country-ish, but it's got a soulful sound that gets under your skin. "Hunted," a song about women in threatening situations, has a low, slow sound that is almost haunting. Yet it's counteracted by such songs as "The Anniversary Song" which is distinctly more upbeat (well, as upbeat as the Cowboy Junkies get). Margo Timmins's voice shines in this weighty songs and the blues undertones are still here. Perfect rainy day music.

This album reminds me why I bought a nice stereo. Margo's vocals are perfection. The band, her brothers, paint a dreamy background for her to work her magic. A Bayou sunset painted in pastels by these Canadiens, music just doesn't get much better. Highly Recommended.

after 16 years this is still one of my favorite albums of all time. Margo's voice gets in your heart and you can feel her emotions as she sings. if you buy any albums by the cowboy junkies this should be the one.

When she asks me what it is I am playing, I know the stuff is good. When she asks me to leave the music for her to play, I know the stuff is excellent. On this one she followed me and grabbed it. Five stars. You'll only need to play it once and you'll see.

I didn't buy this cd when it was originally released & now I regret the times I have wasted listening to other music. The recording is up to the Junkies high standards. Margot's voice is as ethereal as ever. The band remains an outfit to be reckoned w/ on multiple levels.

In an album of original material, from a band used to doing mostly covers prior to this album, one would expect major pitfalls. There are none to be found. On this album Michael Timmins shows that he can write as well as he plays; he can tell a story as well as any man of lore.

As his sister, Margo, is the lead singer, Michael must write from the female point of view. This is an interesting juxtaposition to consider when one hears the tracks of "Floorboard Blues", or "Hunted", written about not becoming prey to sexual predators. He writes convincingly.

The most touching song on the CD is a song called "Cold Tea Blues". In a world of non-communication amidst much talk, this song fits in nicely. It calls me to review every cup of tea I've had with every woman I've ever met and then makes me ask, "Have I missed something?" Trust me. You'll understand when you hear it.

"Pale Sun Crescent Moon" is not a new CD... being eight years old it has had some time to season. I find it rather haunting and yet very accessible. For some reason I just don't find CJ music to be as dark and sad as I hear from a lot of people. Certainly this CD has some... "Pale Sun" is a poignant, cutting look at the way the Native Americans were treated... a subject that has been worked over pretty good but given a sharp look in this song. "Crescent Moon" is my favorite track... along with "Ring on the Sill"... I suppose this music evokes love and loss more than anything else. "Hunted" is a very interesting song, and while Margo Timmin's voice is somewhat obscured, it does seem appropriate for the subject matter.

This CD reminds me in many ways of 10,000 Maniacs' "Our Time In Eden"... I tend to listen to them both when I am wanting to hear this sort of music.

The music sort of hangs in my mind for a while after I hear it. "Anniversary Song" is beautiful but doesn't really grip me like the others I just mentioned...

Another fine album from the Cowboy Junkies. "Pale Sun" is more brooding moody music created by Michael Timmins and sung by his sister Margo. Highlights include "Anniversary Song", "Crescent Moon", and the haunting "Floorboard Blues". I really find it hard to describe just exactly what this band does, but they do it so well it tends to seep into your being.