Every Cowboy Junkies album is a sonic treat, full of gorgeous guitar tones from Michael Timmons, haunting vocals from Margo Timmins, and beautiful arrangements, and 1996’s Lay it Down is no exception. But there is one big difference between this album and its predecessors: it rocks! And pretty hard, too, particularly on the Crazy Horse-esque Canadian hit “A Common Disaster,” “Just Want to See,” and the Paisley Underground-style title track. The pared-down quartet line-up accounts for some of this tougher approach; but producer John Keane definitely shaped this album’s sound, lending these songs a palpable Athens, GA/R.E.M. vibe that transports the Junkies out of their customary Americana/alt-country territory into a more indie-rock feel. Lay It Down is a mature album, tackling complex themes (“Come Calling [His Song]” and “Come Calling [Her Song]” tackle the onset of Alzheimer’s from the perspective of an elderly afflicted couple) with the confidence of a band at the peak of its powers. It’s long-overdue for a release on LP, and we at Real Gone Music are proud to present it on pristine black vinyl inside a jacket and printed inner sleeve with lyrics. A great listen.
Release date:
October 6, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Gotan Project Inspiracion Espiracion
Diggers Factory
October 17, 2025 -
Supertramp Crime Of The Century (Half-Speed)
A&M
August 29, 2025 -
Stretch Arm Strong Free At Last
Iodine Recordings
September 26, 2025 -
Hannah Frances Nested in Tangles (Ruby)
Fire Talk Records
October 10, 2025 -
Casey Dienel My Heart Is An Outlaw (Sea Glass) [2xLP]
Jealous Butcher Records
October 17, 2025 -
Chicks On Speed HEARTopia (Deluxe Edition, Pink) [5xLP]
Groenland Records
October 17, 2025 -
XTC Drums & Wires Steven Wilson Mix
Ape House UK
September 26, 2025 -
The Pogues Rum Sodomy & The Lash [2xLP]
Rhino Records
November 28, 2025 -
Amorphis Borderland [2xLP]
Reigning Phoenix Music America, LLC
September 26, 2025 -
Acumen Nation Transmissions From Eville (30th Anniversary)
Distortion Productions
October 10, 2025 -
Patrick Shiroishi Forgetting is Violent
American Dreams Records
September 19, 2025 -
Cameron Whitcomb The Hard Way
Atlantic
September 26, 2025 -
Nine Inch Nails TRON: Ares Soundtrack (White) [2xLP]
The Null Corporation/Interscope
September 19, 2025 -
A Killer's Confession Victim 2 (Cherry Eco Mix)
Mnrk Heavy
September 19, 2025