Black Eyed Man - Cowboy Junkies

To me, for a good while at least, it seemed as if The Cowboy Junkies were my little secret. So with each purchase I strengthened my membership of this select club. There were those that 'got' The Cowboy Junkies and then there was everyone else. The enlightened and the rest of the world.

 'Black Eyed Man' is one of their best albums, taking the mellow melancholy blueprint of the previous album 'The Caution Horses' and adding a more solid country feel. Add a few upbeat shuffles here and the and you have a very approachable recording. Indeed 'Southern Rain' could be one of their finest tracks with a lovely understated guitar riff. 'Murder, Tonight In The Trailer Park' filters it's gruesome subject matter through an almost rock based backing track. The Cowboy Junkies rock out? Very nearly. Elsewhere the are beautiful ballads all underpinned by simple guitar playing and or course Margo's ethereal voice.

Just like in the world of football, though not as violent or destructive, music can be very tribal; having a favourite band or singer, buying the records, wearing the branded T-shirt and most importantly of all defending their honour against all. "If anyone dares to criticise them then they'll have to get past me" kind of attitude. OK so, with the exception of the Mods and Rockers rivalry, it doesn't usually resort to street fighting or hurling abuse at opposing fans across a crowded pub - it's usually no worse than self-satisfied sniggering "at the poor saps who like [insert band name here]."

Thankfully, for most at least, this wears off. The acquisition of maturity and other stuff in life filling the void. Some gravitate towards football, others pour their energy into their careers or family. No-one really cares if you still like Coldplay, finally you can wear that T'Pau T-Shirt with impunity and go ahead and play those Radiohead records. Social standing preserved. You're not being judged....are you?