Cowboy Junkies Lay It Down (Vinyl)

Released in 1996, the Cowboy Junkiess sixth studio LP Lay It Down represented an album of firsts. Not only was it the groups debut album for their new label, but it was their first album entirely comprised of original compositions.

Not to mention their first album not entirely self-produced, as Michael Timmins shared production duties with the seasoned Athens, GA based producer John Keane, who has worked with 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, Vic Chesnutt, Indigo Girls, Taj Mahal, R.E.M., and Widespread Panic, among many others.

Most notably, with Lay It Down, Cowboy Junkies expanded upon their proven penchant for sparse soundscapes by summoning their guitar-heavy rock sensibilities for an all-around more adventurous, invigorated, and multi-textured song suite, relative to their previous efforts.

While Lay It Down is certainly different and more varied in structure than its precursors, it nevertheless contains many of the bands signature strengths. Namely the symbiotic connection between Margos soaring, sublime vocals and her older brother Michaels superb, evocative lyrics, which, when bolstered by their bandmates masterful musicianship, yields songs that examine the human condition with unequivocal grace and beauty. And of course, their fair share of melancholy.

Tracklist:
Something More Besides You 4:15
A Common Disaster 3:21
Lay It Down 4:22
Hold On To Me 3:22
Come Calling (His Song) 3:33
Just Want To See 4:23
Lonely Sinking Feeling 4:24
Angel Mine 3:59
Bea’s Song (River Song Trilogy: Part II) 3:33
Musical Key 3:55
Speaking Confidentially 4:27
Come Calling (Her Song) 5:00
Now I Know 2:18