The Nomad Series (5LP box & book 180g) [Box set, Limited Edition]

The Cowboy Junkies have been a favorite group of mine since the 1980's. They have always stood for excellence in writing, performance, and production. They developed their own sound and presence, have changed it some over the years, and have remained fresh, relevant, and essential. Their work is accessible by casual and devoted fans alike. The Trinity Sessions is essential. Lay It Down is exceptional, and Long Journey Home with DVD is awesome (access Good Friday on this).

Now for The Nomad Series, developed beginning in 2008. The band keeps their roots while exploring exciting new themes in writing and production. For example, Renmin Park was inspired by Michael's experience in China. Demons are the band's cover of significant Vic Chesnutt (RIP) compositions. Sing In My Meadow a somewhat impromptu session of acid-blues (their term). Wilderness inspired by the sensation of being lost in the many wildernesses of our lives.

One issue that strikes me while enjoying this set is the permanence of the band. They've been together since the beginning, and I wonder if The Nomad Series could have been possible without that longevity.

This is a great set of albums, worthy of your consideration. I'm sure glad I purchased it.

Some reviewers have dissed the packaging. My observation is that the booklet is better than the individual cd's (I own 3-of-4) in that the graphics are first-rate. I like the style of the disc storage. (5) CD's can be stored in a space of (2) jewel cases. Just don't remove the tape on the side of the cd trays that hold them secure.

The recording quality of these discs are very good.

The amount of music you get for a little over 20 bucks is excellent.

The material and performances are really great too.

I think Sing In My Meadow is my favorite because it shows the Junkies can really rock. I think the next favorite disc is demons. They nail "Flirted with you all my life" When I read the songs on Demons I was sad they didn't include one of my favorite Chestnut tunes "Guilty By Association" but then was really happy they included it on the outake disc!

I've been a fan of theirs for years but haven't bought any of their discs since Pale Sun Crescent Moon. This disc has stuff on it that's as strong and well performed as any of their classics and I'm glad I finally got some more of their music!

Check out "3rd Crusade" fantastic.

Just got my box from Amazon! I LOVE the Cowboy Junkies, everything they do. I love Margot, her haunting sweet-sour voice, and I love their instrumentals. Musically, this collection is absolutely excellent, no doubt about it. However, the way their label decided to package the collection is one of the WORSE such decisions I have seen... The five discs come in individual thin jewel boxes that are simply open and loose (picture a thin jewel box with no cover), and only kept together by a (not kidding) piece of scotch-tape on the side. This "package" is then set loose inside a cardboard cover. Evidently the scotch-tape is just a very temporary solution and just peels off. The result is: every time you pick up the "box" you risk dropping all the discs on the floor since it is not a box at all! Dumb, isn't it? Why not a simple box, like everybody else's decent collection? That's the only reason I gave it only four starts... This "box" design really infuriated me.