Although it already available for purchase via the band’s official Web site, the Cowboy Junkies’ latest album, “Early 21st Century Blues,” will hit traditional retail outlets Aug. 16 via Latent/Zoe.
Except for two new originals, the 11-track set is a covers-only affair. It features the veteran Canadian rock act’s interpretations of such tracks as Bruce Springsteen’s “Brothers Under the Bridge” and “You’re Missing,” George Harrison’s “Isn’t It a Pity,” Bob Dylan’s “License To Kill” and U2’s “One,” among others.
“Early 21st Century Blues” was recorded earlier this year in the Junkies’ Toronto home base. “We were all to bring along two or three songs, written by others, and the themes of the songs had to relate to war, violence, fear, greed, ignorance, loss,” the group writes on its Web site. “We hoped to reach a critical mass of material that would reach out and touch a couple of hearts and souls.”
The group is in the midst of a summer North American tour, which will visit Ferndale, Mich., tomorrow (July 14).
Here is the track list for “Early 21st Century Blues”:
“License To Kill”
“Two Soldiers”
“December Skies”
“This World Dreams Of”
“Brothers Under the Bridge”
“You’re Missing”
“Handouts in the Rain”
“Isn’t It a Pity”
“No More”
“I Don’t Want To Be a Soldier”
“One”
