1. CUTTING BOARD BLUES (acoustic) - Baltimore,MD. 6-20-07: Technical difficulties onstage at the outset serves to build compression within the band. That compression is vented during the instrumental section here,and the band is barely able to rein it in by the song's end.

2. ANNIVERSARY SONG - Camden,ME. 6-15-07: How many bands care enough about their fans to discuss which prominent audience members are absent from shows where they're expected?

4,5,6. RAKE -> FLYING SHOES -> MARIE - Brownfield,ME. 5-18-07: The new Townes' trilogy was criminally underplayed this tour. Cowboy Junkies are the best interpreters of Townes' material,and I'll stand on Steve Earle's coffee table in Dylan's cowboy boots and say so. They perfectly capture the sadness inherent in Townes' lyrics. I especially like the way Mike has reconcilled the two very different tempos between Rake and Flying Shoes.

7. SOMEDAY SOON - Phoenixville,PA. 6-10-07: Listen to Jeff's bass (!) playing on this one. His Ashbory bass has a nice fluid sound that fits this song well.

8. TO LOVE IS TO BURY - Camden,ME. 6-15-07: Too long out of the repertoire for this one! Every version I heard was solid,but I picked this one for subtleties in Margo's phrasing. I'll forever miss Jeff's fiddle on this tune.

9. STILL LOST - Phoenixville,PA. 6-10-07: For those of you who don't know me, Margo introduces me here. Margo had been experimenting with how long she could hold her note on the word "lost" on the chorus. This was the night she nailed it.

10. BROTHERS UNDER THE BRIDGE -> - Camden,ME. 6-15-07: "One minute you're right there,then something slips" It slips here,alright. Listen to Jeff's deconstruction on his mandolin shortly after that line. Perfectly underscores the lyric.

11. BREAD AND WINE - Camden,ME. 6-15-07: I really like the spacey interlude in the middle of this. Mike and Jeff both are playing well,and Margo's scat singing plays off of Jeff's mandolin riffs.

12. I'M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY - Brownfield,ME. 5-18-07: A letter perfect rendition of this by all band members. A reminder that Cowboy Junkies remain the masters of understatement,in case you forgot.

13. LAY IT DOWN - Phoenixville,PA. 6-10-07: Mike plays a style of guitar that I've come to think of as "staccato Picasso". I think you'll understand what I mean when you hear this. A major shredfest builds to a glorious cacophony.

14. MOUNTAIN - Northampton,MA. 5-20-07 Late Show: Anyone with ears can hear that Al is the pulse and lifeblood of this tune - he owns it. That doesn't mean that Mike and Jeff won't playfully try to wrest control.

15. WALKING AFTER MIDNIGHT - Northampton,MA. 5-20-07 Late Show: Mike is all over this one!Behind the vocal,during the solo - everything he plays is on fire!

16. BRAND NEW WORLD - Ridgefield,CT. 6-14-07: Excellent version. The whole band is galloping along at full speed and once again,barely able to stop. Margo gets in a fine shriek,too.

17. CARMELITA - Toronto,ON. 7-3-07: Another tune that doesn't quite get played enough. A strong version this night. Don't forget to check out Fred Eaglesmith's original.

18. MY LITTLE BASQUIAT - Toronto,ON. 7-3-07: Although the band admitted to being tired at this show,they held back nothing on this version. I guess having Anna in the audience really does get them excited. Another song that Al rules.

19. BLUE MOON REVISITED - Woodstock,N.Y. 6-9-07: Margo changes her phrasing on this one to good effect. Garth Hudson guests on accordion. Enough said.

20. FOLLOWER 2 - Phoenixville,PA. 6-10-07: Pete really drives this version of Follower 2. I think this will be a very strong song for the band for a long time to come.Margo sees how long she can sing the word "rain".

21. MURDER,TONIGHT,IN THE TRAILER PARK - Northampton,MA. 5-20-07 Late Show: Someone yells "rock it out" and the band proves it's up to the task. Margo exits the stage early and the boys just tear it up!

22. BLUE GUITAR - Camden,ME. 6-15-07: This Blue Guitar was the highlight of the tour for me. I took in a hillside view of Camden's beautiful harbor prior to the show,and that image was much on my mind during this song. I've been calling this the "rock & bird" version of Blue Guitar. Mike and Al stay firmly anchored and rock solid with Mike loudly extolling the joys of his guitar. Jeff Bird,like his namesake,is content to musically soar overhead for awhile before succumbing to his friend's invitation to jam. Pete's a team player,with his drums supporting Mike & Al,while his cymbal splashes and colorings seem to be engaging Mr Bird. A stunning jam ensues,making this one of the best-ever versions of Blue Guitar,right up there with the classic Elgin or Petaluma versions,in my opinion. Back to the same hillside after the show with a group of friends capped a great show and a perfect evening.

23. CUTTING BOARD BLUES (Electric) - Somerville,MA. 5-16-07: I thought I'd include an electric version for contrast. The swift tempo of this one gives Margo a lot of lyrics to get out in a short time. She rises to the challenge and succeeds admirably. The whole band charges through this one like a runaway train. Highly energetic!

1. MINING FOR GOLD / MISGUIDED ANGEL:
North Bay 3-5-03 - I admit there are no bad versions of Mining For Gold,but this one is perfect! Margo instantly mesmerizes the entire audience,who are so enthralled that not one person applauds between the two songs. Listen to her voice reverberate and decay in the hall; reminiscent of Trinity Session. This is my all-time favorite live version of Mining For Gold. Misguided Angel falls into place to complete a spectacular opening to this show.

2. AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW: Port Hope 3-8-03
Although not a perfect performance, I love this song so much that I had to include it. This version is just a tad faster in tempo than other live versions I've heard,yet still retains the sense of loss and resignation that the song demands. Only played twice this tour, this version had the better emotional commitment of the two. Even the chord changes feel sad.

3. LEAVING NORMAL: St. Catherines 3-9-03
Another personal favorite. I think this should have been a hit single. I love the buoyant groove and the clever lyrics.

4. IKEA PARKING LOT: Barrie 3-4-03
This tune really evokes the party atmosphere that the Cowboy Junkies are known for. Ikea was a new song that was being worked up for One Soul Now,but didn't make the album. It's probably best not to play "Ikea" and "End of the Rainbow" back to back if you're not in robust mental health.

5. HE WILL CALL YOU BABY: Brantford 3-1-03
Very deliberate pace. This acoustic version seems a little less threatening than the electric ones.

6. TIRED EYES: Barrie 3-4-03
Mike and Margo are so perfectly locked together that even Jeff and Jaro sound like interlopers.

7. WHITE SAILl: Oakville 3-6-03
Excellent playing by the entire group. Although it's somewhat in the background, I like the choppy rhythm Jeff is playing.

8. SMALL SWIFT BIRDS: Brantford 3-1-03
Another song I'd pick for a single if I was a program director. This song has such a well-written chorus and Margo's voice just soars here.

9. THOUSAND YEAR PRAYERr: Markham 3-3-03
Jeff's light touch is perfectly complementary on this delicate song.

10. PALE SUN: St. Catherines 3-9-03
The acoustic format seems to shed a different light on this song.Somehow it's like viewing the same scene,but at a different time of day. The story and characters remain familiar,but the perception changes. To me, the acoustic version feels like it occurs at dusk, while the electric version happens in broad daylight.

11. DECEMBER SKIES: Brampton 2-28-03
Jaro adds just the right amount of melancholy while Jeff is properly ominous.

12. COLD EVENING WIND: Markham 3-3-03
I took an instant liking to this new song, which has not been dimished by time. I was very pleased to hear it return to the repertoire in 2007. Margo still mentions how this song brings back fond memories of this very tour.

13. WITCHES: Markham 3-3-03
Only played once on the entire tour! Margo commands your attention,but just listen to the beauty of Mike's guitar.

14. POWDERFINGER: North Bay 3-5-03
Also played just this once. Jaro's contributions are always so welcome on Powderfinger. It's uncanny how naturally the Junkies are able to assimilate Neil's tunes.

15. CLOSE MY EYES: Toronto 3-10-03
Pay attention to the alternate early lyrics.There's a brief pause after the line "cracked a wicked smile" and I remember Margo doing just that at that precise moment.

16. HUNTED: Oakville 3-6-03
This is a pretty exciting version. Pete keeps the song moving right along and Jeff plays a dynamic solo that builds to an eruption. Pete's cymbals behind Jeff's solo are perfect.

17. 'CAUSE CHEAP IS HOW I FEEL: Toronto 3-10-03
It feels strange to include a song due to a mistake,but I couldn't resist. Margo's "re-interpretation" of the lyric is classic - even she cracks up.

18. I DON'T GET IT: North Bay 3-5-03
Al & Pete really swing the rhythm. Margo responds with a fluid vocal. The whole band sounds like they're having fun.

19. NOTES SLOWLY FALLING: Toronto 3-10-03
One of the best songs on One Soul Now. A somewhat quicker version than normal, yet the band sounds relaxed and manages to retain the spacey aspect of the song. Jaro & Jeff contribute a lot of subtle atmosphere.

20. THE SLIDE: Brampton 2-28-03
Still an embryonic version. A little different rhythm than what was eventually settled on. Margo phrases differently here too.

21. COME CALLING (HIS SONG): Toronto 3-10-03
Come Calling wasn't played much on this tour, but when they did it sounded stronger after getting a rest.

22. ME AND THE DEVIL: North Bay 3-5-03
I agonized over this choice more than any other on this volume. Most every version had something unique to recommend it. Al drives this one with a sense of urgency. Mike fires off an opening solo that quickly gets your attention. Jaro plays an outstanding solo - not a wasted note!

23. STARS OF OUR STARS: Brantford 3-1-03
Happy 25th wedding anniversary to John & Nic Olson on this song. What better way to spend the day than at a CJ concert?

24. ONE SOUL NOW - Port Hope 3-8-03
Still a new song at this point but tonight Margo fell into her comfort zone with it. Her confidence soars along with her voice.

25. TOWNES' BLUES: Oakville 3-6-03
Mike's strong rhythm guitar combining with Pete & Al's loose groove forms a perfect bed for Margo's sassy vocal. Fun version!

26. MY WILD CHILD: Port Hope 3-8-03
In putting together these collections the one thing I've noticed is that often when a song is dedicated to a friend in the audience. The song seems to be played particularly well. Coincidence? Probably not. This was dedicated to our friend Julie, who came from Scotland for these shows. Well done Julie!

27. MILES FROM OUR HOME: North Bay 3-5-03
This old warhorse was trotted out only twice this tour. This was the spunkier of the two.

28. WHY THIS ONE: Toronto 3-10-03
Good dynamics. Jeff's squalling solo stops on a dime.

29. LOST MY DRIVING WHEEL: Port Hope 3-8-03
I just don't seem to get tired of this song. Listen to this and you'll hear why.

30. 3 GIRLS (A SMILE TO MY EYES): North Bay 3-5-03
Margo sounds relieved to be singing an actual happy song. This rollicking version is one of the best I've ever heard.

31. HELPLESS: North Bay 3-5-03
Certainly the farthest north in "North Ontario" that I've heard this song played.Dedicated to a Crazy member of the audience. Once again, the Junkies do Neil proud.

1. NO BIRDS TODAY: The band hits their groove as soon as they walk onstage. No Birds is so together you feel as if you've entered the show mid-set. Gone is any tentativeness or a need to "settle in" .

2. I SAW YOUR SHOES: Rocks! Margo sounds to be in a playful mood.

3. WHERE ARE YOU TONIGHT: Karin and Linford add much to this song. I like Linford's keyboard interjections during the verses and Karin's subtle yet highly effective backing vocals.

4. COME CALLING (HIS SONG): The way Karin echoes Margo on the word "calling" gives emphasis to the longing of the lyric.

5. CLOSE MY EYES: This was only the third time this song was played,but it emerged fully formed. I love the vocal give-and-take between Margo and Karin over the closing choruses.

6. FIRST RECOLLECTION: The tightness of the band is on display as it perfectly screeches to a halt on Pete's final snare shot.

7. BEA'S SONG: No Karin on this because Margo sings it perfectly and there's nothing to add.

8. SMALL SWIFT BIRDS: Maybe I listen too closely. My favorite part of this song has always been Linford's four note ascending piano riff in the line "we've tasted the tears that fall when saying... (four note riff) ... goodbye forever". It really gives the song some lift. I was disappointed when that part didn't make the studio recording.

9. YOU CAN BE LOVED TOO MUCH: Another song with lyrics that invoke the breath/lungs/breathing motif that is a continuing thread during many "Open" era songs. Still brand new at this point,this was the first night that I felt it had solidified as a song.

10. A FEW SIMPLE WORDS: The girls try to keep up with the breakneck tempo.

11. DRAGGING HOOKS: Great tone on Mike's guitar! The verses here are more restrained than on other versions,which creates a greater dynamic overall. This version is so vivid that it takes little imagination to visualize the dark, menacing waters. Mike and Pete both simultaneously charge into the final chorus,which is quite lively.

12. MISGUIDED ANGELl: The beauty of the girls' entwined voices completely justifies Karin's presence in the band.

13. HOLLOW AS A BONE: The acoustic version of "Hollow" always seems more luxurious than the electric ones.

14. I'M SO OPEN: Pete sounds a bit undecided in his drum fill following the bridge, but quickly pulls it together and powers into the final chorus. Nice recovery, Pete!

15. MILES FROM OUR HOME: The second of two rockers in a row, Miles allows the band to get their ya-ya's out so that the coming Blue Guitar can flower into perfection.

16. BLUE GUITAR: This is my favorite song of all live Cowboy Junkies performances I've ever heard! The band shows off it's ability to perfect a spontaneous improvisational performance of great artistic creativity. Al, Linford and Pete lay down an essential groove for Mike and Jeff to build on. You almost take the rhythm section for granted because they're so reliable. Mike proceeds to demonstrate a wide and varied range of his abilities from conversational solos to the majestic,and all are very satisfying. Jeff takes on the role of wizard,and it's his job to control the chaos streams that eminate from his mandolin. The creative peak is when Jeff fashions his chaos to sound like the rushing wind, while Mike articulately plays over the top of it all. Virtuouso playing by all involved!

17. POWDERFINGER: Powderfinger is the perfect song to follow in the afterglow of the prior Blue Guitar.

18. HUNTED: Jeff still has one furious solo to unleash to end the show.

19. SOUTHERN RAIN - Toledo,Oh. 10-15-00 Early Show: Mike and Jeff both get snarly on simultaneous solos.

20. 200 MORRE MILES - Toledo,Oh. 10-15-00 Early Show: Linford is very supportive with his honky-tonk piano fills.

21. OREGON HILLl - Toledo,Oh. 10-15-00 Early Show: This song is an all-too-infrequent visitor to the set list, despite the fact that it's almost always well-played. This is no exception.

22. CRESCENT MOON - Toledo,Oh. 10-15-00 Late Show: The band gives an excellent performance to complement Mike's superior lyricism.

23. BLUE GUITAR - Columbus,Oh. 10-13-00: This version was recorded at the Newport Music Hall, quite possibly the most heinous toilet in which I have ever suffered a concert. Upon arrival, you immediately notice the not-so-subtle fragrance trilogy of stale beer, stale vomit and stale urine. Perhaps this is what attracts the alcohol-addled geese who frequent this dive. This version could not be more different than the Elgin version. Subtleties are lost on on the inattentive audience, so Mike and Jeff turn the volume up to 11 and use their axes to bludgeon the geese. It's quite exciting. The audience showed their appreciation by screaming "who let the dogs out" at the top of their lungs throughout the next song (mercifully not included here).

24. DEAD FLOWERS - Toledo,Oh. 10-15-00 Early Show: I love the blending of Margo and Karin's beautiful voices.

1. State Trooper - London, Ontario 4-11-96 Sometimes the geese bring out the most amazing playing from Mike. Pete and Al's firm foundation and drive allow for some "psycho-delic" guitar work as Mike tries to silence the unruly crowd. Check out his slithering slide at the beginning and his ballistic second solo!

2. The Good and the Bad - London, Ontario 4-11-96 I've only seen this song performed live once,and this is it.It's a Ted Hawkins cover that unfortunately had a short shelf life with the Junkies. Great song - check out Ted's original on his album "The Next Hundred Years".

3. Anniversary Song (acoustic) - Northampton, Ma. 9-18-96 Late Show I really enjoy what the guitar leads and fills add to this song. I'm thinking it must be Jeff's playing that I hear. I wish I had a better recollection of who played what,but it was 13 years and many shows ago.

4. First Recollection (acoustic) - Northampton, Ma. 9-18-96 Late Show This song takes on a completely different mood when played acoustically.Margo sings it a bit more fluidly, contrasting with the slightly clipped lines she sings when the song is rendered electric. I love that little tambourine burst that Jeff uses to accent the end of the verses. Quite succinct,but just enough.

5. Murder, Tonight in the Trailer Park (acoustic) - Northampton, Ma. 9-18-96 Early Show You just don't hear an acoustic version of Murder very often.It's just as powerful stripped down as it is with the full band.All the elements remain for a vivid vision of the screaming sirens and bold headlines that the song suggests.

6. Blue Moon Revisited - Northampton, Ma. 9-18-96 Late Show Margo delivers a loose and swinging vocal that borders on playful. This same mood seems to influence Mike and Jaro's solos as well.

7. Darkling Days - Northampton, Ma. 9-13-98 Margo, Karin Bergquist and Terri Templeton's voices intertwine beautifully on the end choruses. It's as if each voice is a strand of a cord or rope. I like it when Margo sings with backup vocalists,although I know that some folks do not. This is one example of why I enjoy it so much.

8. Just Want To See - Toronto, ON. 12-15-98 Oh boy,you gotta hear this! Without a doubt my favorite rendition of this song. It's as if Mike discards his pick mid-solo in favor of a razor blade,then proceeds to shred his guitar. Listen to the tone he gets! Great.

9. Sweet Jane - Buffalo, N.Y. 9-21-98 I love the short,economical bursts that Mike uses to such an engaging effect on this song. Beware of the "Notorious Drunk Buffalo Blonde" that feels compelled to loudly remind Margo what her name is during this tune.

10. Something More Besides You - Buffalo, N.Y. 9-21-98 Cowboy Junkies are the only band I can think of who construct songs out of spiderweb and helium,daring them to defy gravity,much like a soap bubble.

11. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Buffalo, N.Y. 9-11-96 This song,perhaps more than any other,perfectly showcases what a beautiful vocal instrument Margo is blessed with. We are all so much richer for her willingness to share it.

12. Ring On the Sill (acoustic) - Buffalo, N.Y. 9-11-96 Jaro stays close to Margo's vocal and provides excellent support,with help from Jeff.

13. Working On A Building - Buffalo, N.Y. 9-11-96 Jaro is definitely the MVP on this one,although the entire band is fully engaged in making this a most memorable jam.Everyone starts off sounding quite at ease,and gradually builds a slow,simmering groove. Then the spirits start dancing in and out of Jaro's accordion. Is there a better version of this song? Not likely.

14. today show story / A Common Disaster - Toronto, On. 9-22-98 I chose this because the preceeding "disaster" story is the best (and longest) story I've ever heard Margo tell on stage.

15. Sun Comes Up, It's Tuesday Morning - Toronto, On. 9-22-98 Margo convincingly inhabits her character on this night. She makes you believe that the events of the song are her own.

16. Blue Guitar - Toronto, On. 9-22-98 This early rendering of Blue Guitar is a bit more subdued than later performances,but sometimes less is more. Al's bass provides the momentum,while Linford's sustained chords build tension.Karin beautifully ghosts Margo's vocal. Mike's solo sound as if it's full of questions,rather than the strong statements that occur later in the song's development.

17. Lost My Driving Wheel - Toronto, On. 9-22-98 Jack Henderson from Over The Rhine joins in on this one. Listen for his guitar interjections beginning about mid-song.The textures he adds greatly benefit the overall feel of the song.

18. Hunted - Toronto, On. 9-22-98 Jeff and his electric mando get center stage here,and he plays an exciting solo.But pull your attention away from Jeff and notice how Pete adds accents on his drums during Jeff's solo that provide the energy and excitement for Jeff to build upon.

19. Bea's Song - Peterborough,On. 3-26-99 Al and Pete are so solid and together here that it's as if a single person is playing both bass and drums.

20. No Birds Today - Peterborough,On. 3-26-99 The band sounds like the've settled in to this relatively new (at the time) song. It's still new enough that they need to pay attention,yet they're comfortable enough to relax and play this real nice version.

21. Townes' Blues - Rochester, N.Y. 9-23-98 Margo sings a line of the last verse a little late,then quickly doubles up the next line in an awesome recovery. My friend got a great photo of Mike with a huge smile at this very moment.

22. Five Room Love Story - Toronto, On. 9-1-99 Pete's playing is so good on this. He adds mostly shadings here,which I believe is his greatest strength.

23. Highway Kind - Toronto, On. 9-1-99 This feels like a warm night ride on a desert highway. Jeff perfectly evokes the feel of wide open spaces. Every time the Junkies play this song they play it well.

24. River Waltz - Toronto, On. 9-1-99 Nice uptempo groove brings out the waltz rhythm.

25. Miles From Our Home - Toronto, On. 9-1-99 The "too much coffee version". Miles is played at a very quick tempo. The chorus is drawn out forever at the end,like the band is playing a joke on Margo and Karin to see how many times they're capable of repeating the title line.

26. If You Gotta Go, Go Now - Toronto, On. 9-1-99 Pete is in the driver's seat for this high-flyin' show closer. Strong showing by all.

27. Helpless - Toronto, On. 7-11-98 Margo & Mike are invited up on stage with Blue Rodeo to perform the first live version of Helpless that I ever heard Margo sing.

1. Crossroads - The band has come to play,and that is evident from the start.It's much like watching a sports team score on their first drive. Margo is locked in right from the outset.

2. A Common Disaster - I've seen this song performed a lot,and on occasion it can have a "phoned in" air about it. Not tonight. Margo sounds fully engaged and the band is right there to support her.

3. 200 More Miles - This moves along a little faster than normal; perhaps still riding the energy of Common Disaster. I love this song because I can identify with it so well.

4. Black Eyed Man - Jeff has a lightness about his harp playing that sounds almost happy,in contrast to the sobering lyrics.

5. The Confession of Georgia E - This relatively new song appears to have emerged fully formed and ready for the album. Something about the mood gives me the feeling that it would have fit well on One Soul Now.

6. Hunted - A highly energetic version with a very good Jeff Bird solo.

7. Once I Was - An excellent choice of cover song that flows well with the band's repertoire. It's written by Tim Buckley. Unfortunately, it may have had a short lifespan with the band, as it hasn't been played much since this tour.

8. Sing In My Meadow - Mike recently got a new resonator guitar and wrote this to play on it. The dirty slide sound and slinky groove drive this song. It's always nice when they add a new voice to their arsenal.

9. Working on a Building - Everyone in the band is playing at their peak. Pure enjoyment. Listen to Pete's cymbals.

10. Fairytale - The essence of this song just shouts that it is a Michael Timmins composition, from the nod to Townes to the recurring theme of standing on higher ground. If I had heard a cover version of this prior to hearing the Junkies' version, I'm certain that I'd have known that Mike had written it.

11. Renmin Park - Another promising new song. I enjoy the chord progression. This would be a single if I had any say about it. First time played,but then where did it go?

12. Baconator - no comment

13. This Street, That Man, This Life - Every once in awhile you find yourself in an environment that is conducive for a certain kind of music. The Empire is a listening room,and this song worked so well. What's evident here is the craft of what the Junkies do. Exquisite beauty drawn from sadness is what they do best. Flawless performance.

14. Still Lost - A slightly different mood is evident on Still Lost compared to other versions. Margo sounds a touch more world weary and contemplative tonight. Jeff offers up some nice cascading riffs.

15. I Don't Get It - The contemplative mood is now past. This swings!

16. Intros

17. Crescent Moon - It was a nice surprise to find Crescent Moon in the unusual slot as set closer.

18. Encore - Misguided Angel - Margo often is able to find ways to change up her vocal a little bit which helps to keep this often-played song interesting.

19. Walkin' After Midnight - This is taken at a relaxed pace,with a bit of a funky strut. Mike supplies some inventive solos and fills.

20. Murder, Tonight, In the Trailer Park - Dakota Tavern - Toronto, ON 4-7-09 Knowledgeable Cowboy Junkies scholars CJ Bob and Chuck think that this version featuring Tony Quarrington dueling with Mike is among the finest versions of this song,and it's hard to argue. There is certainly much to support that theory in this high-energy rendition.

21. Don't Let It Bring You Down - Erie, PA 6-21-09 I'm always amazed at how powerful this song is, and it seemed to be that way from the very first time it was performed. This was the opening song this evening and it was a dramatic show of force making everyone sit up and take notice.

22. Shining Moon - Erie, PA 6-21-09 If you listen closely you can hear the boys making "bluesmen noises" that crack up Margo prior to the beginning of the song. Jeff excels on his harp solo.The whole song has a casual looseness that was fun to experience.

23. Simon Keeper - Erie, PA 6-21-09 There's something that draws me in to this song that's hard to pin down. It may be that the confluence of subtleties is greater than the sum of their parts. Pete adds all the colors of the rainbow.

24. Working on a Building - Erie, PA 6-21-09 If you've followed these Cookie Crumbs volumes, you've probably noticed that I tend to include many of the songs that contain a fair amount of improvisational content. I think the Cowboy Junkies are generally underestimated by the general public in regard to their their jamming abilities. This song shows off some of those talents. The band feels free to venture off into deep space with Al acting as a secure anchor with his reliable bass line. Very nice.

25. Moonlight Mile - Ogunquit, ME 6-24-09 This was only the second time this song had been played live. I had been very eager to hear this cover after Mike had mentioned they were working on it. I enjoyed the first night,but they had grown in confidence by the time this show was recorded. I hope this one sticks around in the set list for awhile. I think it has great potential. Maybe I'll buy Margo a couple margaritas and try to induce that drunken swagger that Jagger does so well on the original.

26. Helpless - York, PA 6-19-09 You almost have to wonder if Neil wrote this specifically for this band to cover. The respect the Junkies have for Neil is evident in the sincerity they bring to the integrity of the song.

27. Murder, Tonight, In the Trailer Park - Newburyport, MA 4-3-09 I was floored by this song when it happened. Margo kicks in some extra enthusiasm at the "cross town at the Waterton" verse and the boys rush in to support her. Margo then takes things over the top with Jeff taking the role of co-conspirator to drive the band to a frenzied climax. Fun, fun, fun!