Cowboy Junkies "Open" opinions


I just got the new album today and I'm not very enthusiastic. The first five cuts are what I'd describe as acid grunge, not to my liking. Track six is good but seems out of context with the rest of the album, but from at least here on it is more enjoyable. I like track nine the best. I listened twice through using tube electronics and once with solid state, much better with tubes. My current preference for seven albums I have are #1 "Lay It Down", #2 "Black Eyed Man", #3 " The Trinity Session", #4 "Whites off the Earth Now", #5 "MIles from our Home", #6 "Cresent Moon", #7 the latest "Open". Margo has such a great voice that I don't know why they don't display better.
rhljazz
Rhljazz; Interestingly, I have all of Cowboy Junkies CDS, and my three favorites are not even on your list. I like 1) "Caution Horses", 2) "Waltz Across America", 3) "Studio, 1975-86. But I still like those you've listed. I don't have "Open" yet-- it's on order.

ALL the CJ's CDs that you and I list sound great on my system, and I'm looking forward to getting "Open". Cheers. Craig.
Got my "Open" CD today too. I sort of skipped through the first 3-4 cuts, and I didn't think I had the time or patience to check out the rest. My wife is a Junkies freak too, and she sort of had the same feling. I hope when I really get to sit down and listen to it that it sounds better, but from the little I heard, it quite a departure, and sounds like Michael is off into some different genre or experimentation. Maybe I'll get a chance to post a followup after I listen. By the way Rhl, was your copy signed? We had an "advance" e-mail notice of the release that stated the first 500 CD's ordered would be signed. We ordered right away, but alas, no autographs.
Greetings gentleman, after reading your posts I am more anxious to listen to the new CD. I am also waiting to receive mine in the mail. Garfish, when you receive yours be sure to post you thoughts, I am curious to read what you have to say. I know you are addicted to the Junckies :-)
i got a promo copy of "open" a couple of weeks ago. for those still awaiting delivery, here are my gratuitous thoughts:

if you're hoping for another "waltz across america" or "trinity sessions," you'll be in for a big disappointment. in my view, most of "open" is overproduced, as tho the junkies are trying to reach out for fans of radiohead. on a number of cuts, margo's voice is nearly drowned out by tizzy sounding instruments. there are a few good pieces reminiscent of earlier stuff that make the cd worth having. perhaps this recording will grow on me with more playings. i'm glad, tho, it's not their first endeavor; were it so, there'd likely be many fewer followers of this sometimes great band. -kelly