[rating=4.00]
The paths of the late Vic Chesnutt and Canadian darlings Cowboy Junkies crossed a few times during tours, recording sessions and a possible collaboration Chesnutt and the band’s Michael Timmins discussed a few years ago.
Chesnutt’s suicide would prevent that from happening, but the group has decided that a fine tribute would be to cover his material in the similar ramshackle, keep-the-tape-rolling manner he would have loved. And the result of that is this extremely strong collection of performances, many of them bittersweet given what transpired.
Fleshed out at times and given a bit more oomph, lead singer Margo Timmins’ timeless pipes serve as a fabulous catalyst for the organ-hued “Wrong Piano” and the powerful “Flirted With You All My Life,” the latter’s lyrical content again far more weightier considering the circumstances.
At other times, Timmins’ slow, mournful drawl nails the deliberate and lengthy “See You Around” and especially on the haunting, hair-raising “Square Room” which melodically brings to mind the Cowboy Junkies crowning jewel “Misguided Angel.” It might be the highlight here, which is saying a hell of a lot.
The band rocks out on the edgy “Ladle” but fails to hit the mark on the jazzy “Betty Lonely” which doesn’t work. However what does is the gorgeous “Supernatural” as it sounds like it’s recorded around one or two microphones. And ditto for “Rest Of Rome” that Timmins gently takes by the hand.
Overall, Mr. Chesnutt would be proud. Very, very proud!
