“Rarities, B-Sides and Slow, Sad Waltzes”

Cowboy Junkies

Oftentimes when a band releases a collection of previously unreleased material, it is readily apparent why the work was never released beforehand. This is not the case with “Rarities, B-sides and Slow, Sad Waltzes.”

The album finds the Cowboy Junkies doing what they do best: playing sparse, ethereal rock.

“Rarities” kicks off with the surprising “I Saw Your Shoes,” a rocker by Junkies standards. A thumping bass, persistent kick drum and heavily distorted guitar provide the background to Margo Timmins signature vocals.

Fans disturbed by the slightly unorthodox “I Saw Your Shoes” will be relieved by the second track, “Five Room Love Story.”

The gentle ballad details the story of an old man who incessantly decorated the walls of his house following the death of his wife.

Timmins’ voice is as gentle and reassuring as ever as she details the loneliness of the song’s central character.

“Sad to See the Season Go” is probably the best song on “Rarities.” The song’s smooth, warm groove is not unlike the Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes.” The sloppy double tracking of Timmins voice during the final verse is haunting and beautiful.

Cowboy Junkies have practically made their reputation by brilliantly covering other artists songs, and “Rarities” features two covers, Bob Dylan’s “If You Gotta Go” and The Grateful Dead’s “To Lay Me Down.”

Unfortunately, neither can be considered a brilliant re-interpretation. “If You Gotta Go” features a pleasant beat, but Timmins’ vocal doesn’t do justice to the humor of the song.

Cowboy Junkies fans should not be turned off by the nature of “Rarities.” This album features the band at their best and could easily be held up against any of their other studio releases.

4 Stars

— Ben Godar