Search - Cowboy Junkies :: Platinum & Gold Collection

Poorly-done compilation

Nadyne Mielke | Mountain View, CA USA | 12/30/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"RCA/BMG have released the third best-of compilation in seven years. Like one of the previous efforts, this compilation was done without the knowledge of the band and without their blessing. The band, via their website, has asked their fans not to purchase it.Even if yu don't consider the band's wishes, there really is no reason to purchase this album. As a collection of Cowboy Junkies tunes, it misses the mark completely. It has a mere 12 tracks, and doesn't include many of their best-known and best-loved songs. If you are looking for a compilation by this band, look for the album named "Studio". It is a much better retrospective of their career (to that point), and is the one compilation that is actually sanctioned by the band.Other albums in the band's catalog will also serve as an introduction. Most fans consider their second album, "The Trinity Session", to be their quintessential release. My favourite album is "Black-Eyed Man", which includes their inspired cover of Townes Van Zandt's "To Live is to Fly". I rarely recommend live albums, but the two-disc "200 More Miles" is also an excellent introduction to a band that spends a lot of time on the road, has an excellent relationship with their fans, and always puts on a fine performance.I give this album one star, and would give it zero if that were an option. This isn't a reflection on the music on the album: it is all top-notch. My rating is a reflection of a poorly-done compilation by a record label that should know better."

Unauthorized Release

mozappafan | St. Louis, MO | 12/05/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"The Cowboy Junkies, on their own official website, mention that they objected to the release of this album and urge their fans not to purchase it. I have not heard it, so I can't comment on the quality of songs presented here, but, like the reviewer before, would urge those new to the Cowboy Junkies to start with The Trinity Sessions or (my other favorite) Pale Sun Crescent Moon--or anything else, since they're all good. The one star is not a reflection of the band or this album--only that THEY don't recommend it."

Trying to make another buck off the band

rowdy00 | Lincoln, Nebraska USA | 01/09/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Well normally i would have rated this album 5 stars as anything done by the Junkies deserves 5 stars.But when the band has no say in this particuler album i give it a big thumbs down.This is the second album of songs released by their old record label trying to rehash the stuff in a "Greatest hits" CD.
12 total tracks and 5 are off the Trinity Sessions album alone?! Why not buy that album anyway? Thats what got me hooked on the band and is my favorite. For an album that is similer in sound to the Trinity Sessions CD is Lay it Down. They have plenty of albums to buy rather then this one."