The Cowboy Junkies' Michael Timmins is a most literary songwriter. On the Toronto quartet's Pale Sun Crescent Moon, Timmins imbeds lines from William Faulkner's Absalom, Absalom into the song "First Recollection" and a lin... more »e from Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "The General in His Labyrinth" in the song "Seven Years" without it seeming the least bit awkward. He has found the perfect literary voice for his writing in his sister Margo Timmins, whose alto is all smoke and suggestion. Songs are not poems, however, and never was that distinction more obvious than it is here. The album's so-called songs float in atmospheric harmonies, unshaped by melody or meter. This droning music may seem haunting on first encounter, but by the third song the melodic monotony encourages dozing. --Geoffrey Himes« less
The Cowboy Junkies' Michael Timmins is a most literary songwriter. On the Toronto quartet's Pale Sun Crescent Moon, Timmins imbeds lines from William Faulkner's Absalom, Absalom into the song "First Recollection" and a line from Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "The General in His Labyrinth" in the song "Seven Years" without it seeming the least bit awkward. He has found the perfect literary voice for his writing in his sister Margo Timmins, whose alto is all smoke and suggestion. Songs are not poems, however, and never was that distinction more obvious than it is here. The album's so-called songs float in atmospheric harmonies, unshaped by melody or meter. This droning music may seem haunting on first encounter, but by the third song the melodic monotony encourages dozing. --Geoffrey Himes
I think once you hear this album "your mind will change and
Sparky Chick | 06/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"after 16 years this is still one of my favorite albums of all time. Margo's voice gets in your heart and you can feel her emotions as she sings. if you buy any albums by the cowboy junkies this should be the one."
Pale Sun rising
Antonio A. Quintero | Kansas City, | 09/30/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I didn't buy this cd when it was originally released & now I regret the times I have wasted listening to other music. The recording is up to the Junkies high standards. Margot's voice is as ethereal as ever. The band remains an outfit to be reckoned w/ on multiple levels."
Reminds Me
K. Ward | Spring Tx | 12/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album reminds me why I bought a nice stereo. Margo's vocals are perfection. The band, her brothers, paint a dreamy background for her to work her magic. A Bayou sunset painted in pastels by these Canadiens, music just doesn't get much better. Highly Recommended."
Subtle Charms
Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 12/21/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Another fine album from the Cowboy Junkies. "Pale Sun" is more brooding moody music created by Michael Timmins and sung by his sister Margo. Highlights include "Anniversary Song", "Crescent Moon", and the haunting "Floorboard Blues". I really find it hard to describe just exactly what this band does, but they do it so well it tends to seep into your being."
Redneck relapse
IRate | 03/20/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This may be their most expansive official studio output, though is still only filled with half-compelling songs that do little to bring the sacred energy they spent their entire careers trying to recapture."