[Rob S.]

Hi,
    I could use some recommendations of which albums of Cowboy Junkies to buy?  I don't own any of their music yet.   Which are "must haves"?

Thanks,

Rob S.

[WGH]

I would start with their first album:
The Trinity Session.

[RichardS]

The Trinity Sessions usually gets the nod based on sonic considerations, but musically, I prefer Caution Horses. YMMV.

[woodsyi]

All of them and on all media: CD, DVD, and vinyl. 

If you must start with one, the Trinity LP is gorgeous.   

If you can find one that is.  Seriously, take it from a guy who went to a Junkie New Year's Eve Concert and whose wedding song was the Blue Moon revisited,  This RCA compilation is a good introduction CD.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio:_Selected_Studio_Recordings_1986-1995

[soundbitten1]

Amen ... The Trinity Session

[ted_b]

I'm a huge CJ fan, too.  Saw them most recently at Kent State last year, small hall, very nice.  Margo stuck around for questions, coffee and autographs.

No offense but Trinity Sessions isn't their first album, just their most famous (and yes, a must have).  A wonderfully recorded album before it (1986) is Whites Off Earth Now and has been rereleased as a hybrid SACD.  It features a "live" ambisonic microphone recording of blues/rock classics and some originals, and is as dynamic a recording as you'll ever hear.  Another fave is Lay It Down, but each of these three picks are as different as they can be (bluesy electric garage, acoustic unplugged, folk/rock-oriented produced).  Once you get into Trinity, then the newest Trinity Revisited is a nice well, um, revisit.

Their website is fun, informative, and has lots of downloads and special stuff occasionally.

[Wind Chaser]

Another fave is Lay It Down

"The Trinity Sessions" is a good album, but in pales in comparison to "Lay It Down".

Although not their best work, "Black Eyed Man" has some great unforgettable tracks.  "Pale Sun Crescent Moon" is another must have.

[loki1957]

21st Century Blues
At the End on Paths Taken
Trinity Session
Trinity Revisited. I prefer this version as you can really get a sense of the evolution of the band.

Catch them live if you can, they are great. I've seen em 3 times.

[steve k]

Lay It Down
Open
Pale Sun Crescent Moon
Whites off Earth Now

are my favs.

[Derockster]

Sadly I've only ever heard the Trinity Sessions.But I loved it.Regards derockster

[JRace]

Whites of Earth Now - MFSL SACD version - a must have for anyone who seriously listens to their gear.

[ted_b]

It says a lot about their catalog that we all seem to have different favorites. 

[loki1957]

Is there a better female voice than Margo's?

[Rob S.]

Thanks for the suggestions.... I ordered 5 to get me going.   Doesn't seem to be a "dud" album produced by them.

Rob S.

[BradJudy]

There are also high quality live recordings of the CJ on archive.org for free (and legal)

http://www.archive.org/details/CowboyJunkies

[ted_b]

There are also high quality live recordings of the CJ on archive.org for free (and legal)

http://www.archive.org/details/CowboyJunkies

Good point.  There are tons...anybody know the best sonically or musically?  It's a needle in a haystack on archive.org cuz many are very amateur recordings.

Pick up Sharon Temple Sessions from their website, too.  A kind of authorized bootleg.  Very nice Trinity Sessions-like recording of mostly Caution Horses stuff.

[BradJudy]

There are also high quality live recordings of the CJ on archive.org for free (and legal)

http://www.archive.org/details/CowboyJunkies

Good point.  There are tons...anybody know the best sonically or musically?  It's a needle in a haystack on archive.org cuz many are very amateur recordings.

Pick up Sharon Temple Sessions from their website, too.  A kind of authorized bootleg.  Very nice Trinity Sessions-like recording of mostly Caution Horses stuff.

I usually go by the ratings and the "most downloaded" list.  It looks like they have an in-line music player there now, so it's easy to sample things.  I'm checking out this one via the inline player right now - http://www.archive.org/details/cj20060217.early

I downloaded this one a while ago and it was good quality IIRC - http://www.archive.org/details/cj1996-05-06.flac16

[ted_b]

There are also high quality live recordings of the CJ on archive.org for free (and legal)

http://www.archive.org/details/CowboyJunkies

Good point.  There are tons...anybody know the best sonically or musically?  It's a needle in a haystack on archive.org cuz many are very amateur recordings.

Pick up Sharon Temple Sessions from their website, too.  A kind of authorized bootleg.  Very nice Trinity Sessions-like recording of mostly Caution Horses stuff.

I usually go by the ratings and the "most downloaded" list.  It looks like they have an in-line music player there now, so it's easy to sample things.  I'm checking out this one via the inline player right now - http://www.archive.org/details/cj20060217.early

I downloaded this one a while ago and it was good quality IIRC - http://www.archive.org/details/cj1996-05-06.flac16

Yes, the music player is a great addition!!  Mountain Winery and Camden Opera House are both very nice, too.  Thanks!!

[toobluvr]

The recently released "Trinity Revisited" is tremendous all around, sonically and musically.
All CJ albums are good, but  I would recommend this as a starting point for the beginner.

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:k9fixz9hldfe

I really like the original "Trinity Sessions", but I like this one more.

Wonderful live band......if you like mellow.

[pardales]

Yup....Trinity Sessions