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Cowboy Junkies — Sweet Jane
Album: The Trinity Session
Avg rating:
7.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2821









Released: 0
Length: 3:30
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Anyone who's ever had a heart
Wouldn't turn around and break it
And anyone who's ever played a part
Wouldn't turn around and hate it
Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane
Oh Sweet, Sweet Jane

You're waiting for Jimmy down in the alley
Waiting there for him to come back home
Waiting down on the corner
And thinking of ways to get back home
Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane
Oh Sweet, Sweet Jane

Anyone who's ever had a dream
Anyone who's ever played a part
Anyone who's ever been lonely
And anyone who's ever split apart
Sweet Jane, Sweet Jane
Oh Sweet, Sweet Jane

Heavenly widened roses
Seem to whisper to me when you smile
Heavenly widened roses
Seem to whisper to me when you smile

La la la la la la la...

Sweet Jane
Sweet, Sweet Jane
Comments (359)add comment
 tinypriest wrote:

Awful, tedious, nothing version of this great song. The singing is as inspired as a muffled sneeze. Really will never understand Bill's fascination with this mediocre, suburban garage band from Trono.


The RP jury gives it a 7.9 rating with 2794 ratings.

No evidence that you have better taste than RP and its listeners / supporters?

Are you a supporter or merely an opinionated freeloader?

Best wishes

Thank you  for this song and it would be absolutely wonderful to hear the genuine song  from LouReed's album live: Rock'n roll animal with intro on electric guitar, so amazing! 
I'm really missing Juliette Lewis' screaming in this version!)
Sorry, love NaturalBornKillers.
 dandueck07 wrote:


Apparently, based on its 7.9 rating, a lot more people than Bill like this band and this version of "Sweet Jane".  Like you, however, I am not one of them.  The only thing this band has ever done for me, is create in me a desire to try heroin, just to see if that would make them any more palatable.  Of course, I would have to go back to Alberta, just to make it more fitting.
 
Lol, not sure if even going back to Alberta would do the trick. Given that inexplicable 7.9 rating, I can only assume those folks haven't heard Lou Reed's superior solo live version, or his version with the Velvet Underground. Both of those pop with energy and attitude in a way the CJ's can only dream of ever doing...
I loved this song back in the day and it's aged perfectly. Mellow and cool.
I saw the Junkies a few times in the 90s; it was always a fantastic experience. The Trinity Session has held up and is still one of my favourite albums of all time.
And again Bill seems to know what to make my day it's a dreary wet day here in Brisvegas and this is just perfect as I Potter around in my shed.
Agree, this is a very fine cover. 

A good cover should either do something new, and do it well, with the material, or re-do the original really well. This is the former.

 
radiojunkie wrote:
The original is a classic, and this version is also a classic. Why is that such a difficult concept for so many to accept? Why is there this constant "either/or" mentality -- "I love this, so I hate that"? There's nothing wrong with appreciating lots of different, disparate styles; that's what RP is all about! At the risk of sounding ridiculous -- hell, I'm assured of sounding ridiculous -- that mentality is exactly what grows into, or out of, the GWB "if you're not with us, you're agin' us" mindset. As Paul Krassner said around 1970 in a glorious moment of drug-induced clarity on Steve Post's old WBAI (NY) Midnight show, The Outside, "Imperialism begins at home."
 

Sweet
 Grayson wrote:
I had at least 5 dates leave me with no ride home during Cowboy Junkies' shows they were so enthralled with Margo Timmins. They'd, and I am not making this up, try to find a way backstage/out back thinking they had all the #1 goods 'n packages but just for her. When that never happened, of course, they'd say they were going out with Kate Bush. Seriously, as you can NOT make that kinda delusional shit up!
 
Colour me skeptical.

You've been to five (5) CJ shows? Oh, at least 5 -- 'scuse me. And, the pattern is you getting stiffed…? Think carefully, now. ;)
 tinypriest wrote:
Awful, tedious, nothing version of this great song. The singing is as inspired as a muffled sneeze. Really will never understand Bill's fascination with this mediocre, suburban garage band from Trono.
 

Apparently, based on its 7.9 rating, a lot more people than Bill like this band and this version of "Sweet Jane".  Like you, however, I am not one of them.  The only thing this band has ever done for me, is create in me a desire to try heroin, just to see if that would make them any more palatable.  Of course, I would have to go back to Alberta, just to make it more fitting.
Awful, tedious, nothing version of this great song. The singing is as inspired as a muffled sneeze. Really will never understand Bill's fascination with this mediocre, suburban garage band from Trono.
Yeah, Margo The Blond Goddess Timmins. Whootie woot woo. I had at least 5 dates leave me with no ride home during Cowboy Junkies' shows they were so enthralled with Margo Timmins. They'd, and I am not making this up, try to find a way backstage/out back thinking they had all the #1 goods 'n packages but just for her. When that never happened, of course, they'd say they were going out with Kate Bush. Seriously, as you can NOT make that kinda delusional shit up! 
i dont care who sings this song it should alway get at least a 8
 steviedeant wrote:
Could you play something a little more dreary? I didn't think so.
 
You may be using that word incorrectly.
What a voice! Had a schoolboy crush on Margo.
Could you play something a little more dreary? I didn't think so.
Nice segue Bill ~ Best ever Sweet Jane cover followed by Lou himself! (in the Underground)  
Sweet Margo
Oh Sweet, Sweet Margo....{#Yes}
Boring boring version of a great great song, by an awfully boring band. Still escapes me why this band enjoys the adulation it does. I guess if there's a genre that sounds like first-try demo tapes then CJ are awesome. But still, possibly the most uninteresting singer I've ever heard; Margo Timmins's limited range seems to have got her the gig only because she has 2 brothers in the band.. Toronto has certainly produced better bands that RP doesn't play.
 cavemanleong wrote:
Sweet Dreams alright! Love this song!

 
Yeah, Caveman, I agree with you {#Bananajam}
Sweet Dreams alright! Love this song!
Quite distinct and holding up nicely!
Almost THIRTY YEARS since this was released!
 Rooney wrote:
Dying. Alone. And there is no after life.

 
Almost ironic re: no after life. IIRC, this album was recorded inside an old church.

I've never seen the band but I did once see the lead singer, Margo Timmins, sing with Blue Rodeo.
 trailhead wrote:
 Thanks Bill for playing so much CJ.  I have loved listening to them for the past 20 years.  Still haven't seen them live even though I should be able catch them living as I do close to Canada.  They are playing nearby next week, but I have a conflict.  Argh!  

 
Amen - I think I could have written this about myself, word-for-word!


 Thanks Bill for playing so much CJ.  I have loved listening to them for the past 20 years.  Still haven't seen them live even though I should be able catch them living as I do close to Canada.  They are playing nearby next week, but I have a conflict.  Argh!  
Thank You Bill for playing the original CJ version again. Don't care for the live version...
such a great version!
Dying. Alone. And there is no after life.
Good lord, must we hear the Cowboy Junkies TWICE a day? Once is bad enough.
The album cover really suits the song. Sitting on a couch, drinking, smoking, pondering things. . . .
 Lazarus wrote:
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this marvelous cover soooo much...  we love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...

 
You love drugs? Loser.
Not sure what the attraction to this slow, drawling band is about. Oh well!
I never press the PSD button.   Actually, I have never done it.   But I am a bit tired of Margo.  
I never tire of this cover
the magic of 'Heavenly widened roses...
My favorite version of one of my favorite songs.
 Skydog wrote:
it hasn't got old after all this time so I doubt it ever will

 
it was dead on arrival
instant Natural Born Killer's flashback {#Whistle}
Well, it's better than their live version.
This is just one of many great songs on this album.
 Skydog wrote:
it hasn't got old after all this time so I doubt it ever will
 
That's what they used to say about Dick Clark.
it hasn't got old after all this time so I doubt it ever will
 ScottishWillie wrote:

Sorry to say they never bettered this album in my opinion.



 
Yes, could be.

Good chill band all the same.   

Sorry to say they never bettered this album in my opinion.


3 versions of this song get a 10 in my book......
CJ on Trinity Session
CJ on Trinity Revisited
LR on Rock and Roll Animal.

I gave up comparing them.  Whenever one comes on, I just sit back and say Ahhhhhhhh!     
This version puts you right in the middle of the shooting gallery ... in a good way.
Rock and Roll Animal with the live version with Steve Hunter is one of the best rock songs ever.
 
she does a nice job and live is exceptional, I still feel like you're playing it just for me
    Ah.....this does roll on so so nicely.....{#Sunny}
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this marvelous cover soooo much...  we love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Overplayed
How to cover a great familiar song

1. Maket it your own - check

a 9 from me
Nothin against Cowboy Junkies but I'd rather hear it from the master hisownself even if he did give them kudo's for the effort. Sure, that's a product of what I'm used to and what I expect to hear with this song--take the proficiency and give me the sincerity of the original.
/me likee! :)  ...and reminds me of Lou Reed....
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
{#Hug} ..... luv this a lot  O U T S T A N D I N G song from a O U T S T A N D I N G album  {#Kiss}
This cover put Lou in a "temporary big sleep" long before liver cancer put him in a permanent one.

BAD!  BAD! BAD!...AND WAY OVERRATED!!
Super sexy!!!
Loved this version since I first heard it. Now follow it up with the Rock and Roll Animal version. Just sayin'
Every bit as good as the original.

Terrific cover.  Very flattering.

In memory of Lou Reed.


Nice nod to Lou Reed, Bill.  Classy as always. : )
What's not to like? Cover, or not. 
 
RIP Lou Reed  {#Sad}
So tired of this one.
RIP Lou.
R.I.P. LR, you will be missed
RIP Lou Reed. Let's hear some live Lou!
Again? Really?
This song is SO overplayed, everywhere! But on RP it is a crime:(
 melzabutch wrote:
I think Lou Reed squirms in discomfort about most things.  This is an awesome soulful cover.
 

Everybody in my multitude of churches agrees with you!  We believe this cover is incredibly marvelous!

Hope you are having a very nice day right this minute...  we be dancing...
 
 Lazarus wrote:


Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this cover soooo much...

hope all is well for Lou Reed right now... 

 

I think Lou Reed squirms in discomfort about most things.  This is an awesome soulful cover.

This cover is soooo gorgeous...  love it as much as ever...
 
 Cynaera wrote:
I'm ignoring sirdroseph's comment, and wondering if maybe this version of the song has Lou Reed squirming in discomfort and adjusting his jeans. It's so sexy, slow and seductive...

And I did NOT just write that. *facepalm*
 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this cover soooo much...

 craighoog wrote:
Not as good as Lou Reed and Velvet Underground, but an interesting interpretation.

 

Maybe it says something about my specific age, but I've always kind of considered this the definitive version.  Even after I learned it was a cover and found out that the original isn't half bad.
The sound on this album is pretty damn amazing.... recorded with the band sitting around a single microphone!

I may just have to put on the LP when I get home!
Let's hear Lou Reed's version.

absolutely marvelous...  love it...

{#Frustrated} PSD PSD!!!
Not as good as Lou Reed and Velvet Underground, but an interesting interpretation.
 Lazarus wrote:

We be slow-dancing religiously from the hips...  love it...
 

 
Does that, by any chance, look something like this:

 
 Aud wrote:
Church of the Las Vegas Hotel Room?
 

I like your conception...  hope you are having a great time right this minute...

this cover is awesome...  volume is wayyyy up here in my church...
 
Nice. But let's hear the original!
Great song from their debut album.  A critical and commercial success.  Definitely different from the original.
Great - more more relaxed than the original version! {#Sunny}
 Lazarus wrote:

Everybody in my church loves this cover...

 
 

Church of the Las Vegas Hotel Room?
Love this version.

We be slow-dancing religiously from the hips...  love it...
 
 hallogallo wrote:

Sublime.  Margo Timmins does it justice, IMO.  I have read that Lou thought it was a great cover.

 
 
I have to concur. IF one were to cover this, this would be the way to do it.
 martinc wrote:
Give me Lou's version from Rock n Roll Animal. This is just too tame in comparison. I'd like it if I had not heard Lou and VU versions.
 
Agreed.  Lou's live version from "Animal," with Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner's amazing guitar intro, blew my socks off the first, the second and almost every time I've heard it.   Louuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
Very fond of this

Everybody in my church loves this cover...

 
yes - thank you. Finaly something quiet and relaxing again . Perfect for the fireplace and a glass of wine . Not like whats been jumping up and down infront of me the last few songs. Appreciate it lots. ;-)
Sweet Jesus, this is dull! {#Sleep}



Sublime.  Margo Timmins does it justice, IMO.  I have read that Lou thought it was a great cover.

 
 romeotuma wrote:


This is the best cover in the history of humanity...  love it...

 
 
That's going a bit far, though I rate this song a 10.

The Bobs' version of White Room is the best cover in the history of humanity.
for me the junkies are like my next door neighbor....pretty cool but u can only take 'im in smalll doses. always like the low key thing.  the covers are cool.... i think i'm the only one around who dug her major tom....peace train one of my all time faves (wait a second that was 10kmaniac..oops)
 martinc wrote:
Give me Lou's version from Rock n Roll Animal. This is just too tame in comparison. I'd like it if I had not heard Lou and VU versions.
 
I believe Lou himself prefers this CJ version...
 martinc wrote:
Give me Lou's version from Rock n Roll Animal. This is just too tame in comparison. I'd like it if I had not heard Lou and VU versions.
 

I think there is no harm in liking both -  I am a fan of both the Cowboy Junkes and Lou Reed - grew up listening to Lou Reed as my brother had most albums,and then he introduced me to the Junkies later but either version of the one song will suit my mood at any particular time!
Too mopey for me. Like most of her vocals.
Give me Lou's version from Rock n Roll Animal. This is just too tame in comparison. I'd like it if I had not heard Lou and VU versions.
Oh shit! You're Mallory Knox!
As said below very good cover and does sound like Mazzy Star.
Played the "live" original on vinyl the other day which is one notch higher.
A Junkies fan, this is an excellent cover-have captured the silky mood of the Velvet mystique very well-her smoky voice takes even closer to where it all began. Very nice. Thanks Bill
 RainTarp wrote:
Reminds me of Mazzy Star.
  
Yeah, what ever happened to her?   {#Nyah}


Me too!

 
romeotuma wrote:


absolutely brilliant cover...  love it madly...

 
 


This is exactly what I needed right now.
A good afternoon for covers.  Keep going!
Reminds me of Mazzy Star.
Part of me has always wished CJ's never covered this song. It has overshadowed their brilliant original work for so many years now.
 sirdroseph wrote:


Me neither, but think this song is great which makes this travesty more of a shame. To denegrate the great Lou Reed and Velvet Underground; blasphemy!{#Stop}
 
Cowboy Junkies' cover is clearly a cover of this version:
 
 
 Cynaera wrote:
I'm ignoring sirdroseph's comment, and wondering if maybe this version of the song has Lou Reed squirming in discomfort and adjusting his jeans. It's so sexy, slow and seductive...

And I did NOT just write that. *facepalm*
 
Yes, yes you did write that. Indeed, here it is again. *smirk*
What a sexy voice. {#Drool}
 peter_james_bond wrote:

This version pays homage to the original; it is haunting and powerful. How your criticism can go off the rails in such spectacular fashion is beyond me. I'm reminded of the old Wide World Of Sports intro,specifically; The Agony of Defeat.



 
Blasphemy, I tell you, Blasphemy.

Great song, great cover, great band!
This cover transcends the original. It should be revered and loved. It is amazing. Actually, it is pretty much perfect.