CD OF THE WEEK:Cowboy Junkies: One Soul Now
Over the almost two decades of their existence, the Cowboy Junkies (the Timmins family plus one) have cornered the market on bluesy wistfulness and slow melancholy; singer Margo Timmins has said that in this period they wrote only “one happy song”.
But their appeal lies exactly there: this is no party band, obviously. No, the Cowboy Junkies and the fading echoes of Michael Timmins’s sad guitar chords are to be savoured during life’s slower moments, as The Trinity Session proved to fans worldwide. And there is plenty to savour on One Soul Now (ASP), their 10th album and latest offering since 2001’s Open.
One Soul Now is the first album the band recorded all by themselves, with no help of other engineers or producers. While that would be a recipe for instant disaster for, say, Britney Spears, the Junkies surge ahead confidently and mostly do a good job of it.
There is the old simmering unease hidden in the lyrics and gritty music: it’s about “relationships over the long term” and how they are “confused” by such happy elements as death, divorce, financial worries and sickness, according to Margo. However, the Junkies also explore a more upbeat range, like on The Stars of Our Stars — though its attractive melody lends appeal, it does not altogether draw one in like a classic Junkies song would, such as the grand title track and the oh-so-slow blues of He Will Call You Baby.
This is no milestone album, but it’s damn nice. Get it and crack open that vintage bottle of red wine.
Ash: Meltdown (Gallo)
Infectious rock from Tim Wheeler and friends from Ireland; probably a challenge to put together after all the pop chart success of 2001’s Free All Angels. But after a stint in the United States and with the help of producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters) they deliver tuneful rock that is mostly as catchy and exuberant as before, kicking off with the supposedly angry Meltdown (supposedly, because little Tim’s voice just doesn’t have enough timbre for him to sing “I think my head is gonna explode” like he means it). They’re better at lighthearted subject matter — that is, girls and happy love. But don’t let their lack of enmity deter you. — Riaan Wolmarans
Deborah Cox: Ultimate (BMG)
The latest offering from this Canadian songstress and Broadway star brings together the full range of her vocal abilities. From dance-hit diva to soulful R&B sista, Ultimate spans the discography of Cox’s almost decade-long career, with hits such as Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here alongside her lesser-known tracks. A worthwhile addition to your collection. — Nadia Neophytou
Starskii Music presents The Tripps: Original Soundtrack (Starskii Music)
Once the quirky bassist for local fave Amersham, Nathan Waywell shows he has the vocal skill to stand on his own. He delves into the realm of outer space to create a musical with odd characters and crazy set-ups. On the first instalment of what he intends to become a full series, he croons in a Rocky Horror Show tone on tracks such as Dr Brown and sings sweetly about that incomprehensible species on Woman. Collaborations with Kevin Leicher (Plum), former Amersham manic Marc Bentel, Melody Kaye (Evenflow), Marq Vas (Metalmorphosis) and jazz guitarist Sasha Sonnbichler make this release an interesting look at the musical future of space travel. — NN