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Cowboy Junkies — Sweet Jane (live)
Album: 200 More Miles
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3332









Released: 1995
Length: 3:46
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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 (255)add comment
F&@&ing covers!!!  Stop for the love of god!!!
Why do I see a picture of a partially submerged hippopotamus in the app during this song?. Is the hippo named Jane?  Or has the hippo eaten Jane?

I am so confused.
 OneinAUS wrote:

There is an interview with Lou Reed in which he claims this version is better than his own. I think it's in Billboard magazine (paywall, sorry...)



Lou was well known to give snappy answers to stupid questions
 nomnol wrote:


Wow! So much hate for CJ. Nice, positive comment mach-hog.    

Never understood the hate for TCJ, could it be they are from Canada!!!!
 Proclivities wrote:


If it eases your mind any about the state of the world, this band was formed and named over 30 years ago.  Were it such a ruinous or foreboding name we likely would've been in "the ditch" by now.  (Maybe we are?)


At least now we know whose fault it is.
 Bill_B wrote:

You're the one posting political drivel..& kind of being a dick about it.



Everyone believes their political dogma is the best. They shout past each other. It's all rubbish.
I like Mazzy Star
I notice that many people here compare this cover to an original song by Lou Reed. Maybe it shouldn't be compared to anything. For me, this is a new song. Lou Reed's original is one of his masterpieces, this one isn't a masterpiece but still a quite nice and totally different song.
 rabaak wrote:

The version off Rock In Roll Animal with all those guitar players (even the bass player) puts this one to shame.



Besides the awesome guitar intro, that's the absolute WORST version of Jane. Lou's best version is on Take No Prisoners. The Velvet's best version is on Live in 69, which includes heavenly wine and roses.
Not as gentle as their first album, now that some time has passed. More aggressive, and a little more edgy. Not sure if that's a good thing. I loved the serene meditative quality of the first.
So gently smooth. Thanks Mary Lee for introducing me to them.
I always anticipate the unusual yet most welcome key change to this very cool song.
 OneinAUS wrote:

There is an interview with Lou Reed in which he claims this version is better than his own. I think it's in Billboard magazine (paywall, sorry...)



Is this it? https://www.billboard.com/musi... It's a review of the album, but they quote Reed calling this “the best and most authentic version I have ever heard." 

Apparently Reed liked that they included the bridge ("Heavenly wine and roses etc"), which got cut from the original recording because the rest of the band thought it sucked.  Basically Lou liked this "authentic" version because it's the closest to his original idea for the song.

Here is the band commenting on their relationship with Reed on the occassion of his passing.
https://cowboyjunkies.com/tag/...

Hello, cool music, i learned about this radio last week at the barber while having an haircut, i love your music, congratulations !
I have already signed in and i am happy to be here.
 Proclivities wrote:


If it eases your mind any about the state of the world, this band was formed and named over 30 years ago.  Were it such a ruinous or foreboding name we likely would've been in "the ditch" by now.  (Maybe we are?)



No doubt. We are in the ditch.
 mach-hog wrote:

At the Venue, Regina, SK mid ‘70s. Liked ‘em then and still do. Margot, it was evident, was all business… not surprised they have stood the test of time.



Wow! So much hate for CJ. Nice, positive comment mach-hog.    
An audiophile favorite.  It's a great recording, beginning with that first cymbal hit.  Then you get Margo's great vocals.  She infuses the entire song with warmth and presence.
At the Venue, Regina, SK mid ‘70s. Liked ‘em then and still do. Margot, it was evident, was all business… not surprised they have stood the test of time.
 gleongelpi wrote:

What are you? One of those nasty left-wingers? Keep your politics to yourself or take them to an appropriate website. You are not part of the solution to this country's problems. You are part of the problem.
 
You're the one posting political drivel..& kind of being a dick about it.
 Shipp wrote:
Quite alright. Don't care much for their name though. Seems like a sign of the times gravitating towards the ditch..
 
What are you? One of those nasty left-wingers? Keep your politics to yourself or take them to an appropriate website. You are not part of the solution to this country's problems. You are part of the problem.
A steady stream of dull that doesn't stray from the path. The lack of energy of this band is something that keeps them in the 'no thanks' category for me. Production is good and their faithful rendition to live is well done though.
Awful misinterpretation of this song. It was never a clever song musically but requires a singer who can handle the lyrical themes and bring them out with the punchiness they deserve. Margo fails abysmally, sorry. Her limited, mid-range A-to-F vocal spectrum and lounge-band treatment makes me glad this band never covered "What I Like About You".
There is an interview with Lou Reed in which he claims this version is better than his own. I think it's in Billboard magazine (paywall, sorry...)
 dublanica wrote:
It is an interesting version; but, it misses the "edge" of the original.
 
But it makes up with other qualities.  Lots of other qualities.

Cowboy Junkies do covers better than just about any other band I can think of.
Lou Reed in his present state could produce a version better than this.
 mattenuttall wrote:


You're correct about the recording in the Trinity Church in Toronto. As noted in an earlier forum post, it was recorded around a single microphone. If you have a good stereo system, you can hear the echo-hum of the empty church, especially in the opening track. I agree that's their best album. But I think "River Waltz" is their best song.
 Yeah, that's a great disc to audition audio gear. Straight to digital, you can practically hear the size of the place just from the echo.
c.

 rabaak wrote:
It is an Ok cover. A lot of people have played this. Phish, Mott the Hoople, REM, Brownsville Station, Greg Kihn and the original Velvet Underground (with Lou Reed).  None do justice to the rendition that the live Lou Reed Rock 'n' Roll Animal does.  
 
My favorite version of all time, besides the original(s) of course, is Two Nice Girl's.
Sweet Jane/Love and Affection. Absolutely epic.

They won the 'Sweet Jane Contest' with it in Austin one year.
c.
 msymmes wrote:
Maybe their best stuff was from the Trinity Session which I think was recorded in the Trinity Church in Downtown Toronto.  Reminds me of when Joe Jackson recorded in a Cathedral (in Philly?) and the acoustics and reverb, echo and such were all natural.

 

You're correct about the recording in the Trinity Church in Toronto. As noted in an earlier forum post, it was recorded around a single microphone. If you have a good stereo system, you can hear the echo-hum of the empty church, especially in the opening track. I agree that's their best album. But I think "River Waltz" is their best song.
 Proclivities wrote:


If it eases your mind any about the state of the world, this band was formed and named over 30 years ago.  Were it such a ruinous or foreboding name we likely would've been in "the ditch" by now.  
 
Thank you, Pro
Thank you, Pro  Proclivities wrote:


If it eases your mind any about the state of the world, this band was formed and named over 30 years ago.  Were it such a ruinous or foreboding name we likely would've been in "the ditch" by now.  
 

 radioparadise9 wrote:

Did you vote for Moscow's Man © aka Putin's Bitch aka Donald the Traitor?
Wow - harsh!
 

 msymmes wrote:
Maybe their best stuff was from the Trinity Session which I think was recorded in the Trinity Church in Downtown Toronto.  Reminds me of when Joe Jackson recorded in a Cathedral (in Philly?) and the acoustics and reverb, echo and such were all natural.
Yes I remember seeing footage of that - sounded amazing!
 
Maybe their best stuff was from the Trinity Session which I think was recorded in the Trinity Church in Downtown Toronto.  Reminds me of when Joe Jackson recorded in a Cathedral (in Philly?) and the acoustics and reverb, echo and such were all natural.

It is an interesting version; but, it misses the "edge" of the original.
I much prefer this to the Lou Reed version.
 musicmaniac wrote:
Love the Junkies' version of this song soooo much... 
 
Me too.  Very nice. 
The version off Rock In Roll Animal with all those guitar players (even the bass player) puts this one to shame.
 dischuckin wrote:
i don't mind this version, but how about playing the original?
https://new.radioparadise.com/...
this one's been played twice this month, 0 plays for the og
 
Oh dischuckin, this version is so much better, and I'm a huge fan of VU
 Shipp wrote:
Quite alright. Don't care much for their name though. Seems like a sign of the times gravitating towards the ditch..
 
Did you vote for Moscow's Man © aka Putin's Bitch aka Donald the Traitor?
 Shipp wrote:
Quite alright. Don't care much for their name though. Seems like a sign of the times gravitating towards the ditch..
 

If it eases your mind any about the state of the world, this band was formed and named over 30 years ago.  Were it such a ruinous or foreboding name we likely would've been in "the ditch" by now.  (Maybe we are?)
i don't mind this version, but how about playing the original?
https://new.radioparadise.com/...
this one's been played twice this month, 0 plays for the og
 Shipp wrote:
Quite alright. Don't care much for their name though. Seems like a sign of the times gravitating towards the ditch..
 
Are you saying the name "Cowboy Junkies" violates your moral principles somehow?
Fantastic cover.  Check your choices, but as a cover, undeniable.
Enjoyed the Trinity Session studio version of this cover.
 rabaak wrote:
It is an Ok cover. A lot of people have played this. Phish, Mott the Hoople, REM, Brownsville Station, Greg Kihn and the original Velvet Underground (with Lou Reed).  None do justice to the rendition that the live Lou Reed Rock 'n' Roll Animal does.  

 
That guitar intro is legendary, but the song isn't. The best version is the one Lou does on "Take No Prisoners."
It is an Ok cover. A lot of people have played this. Phish, Mott the Hoople, REM, Brownsville Station, Greg Kihn and the original Velvet Underground (with Lou Reed).  None do justice to the rendition that the live Lou Reed Rock 'n' Roll Animal does.  
Good radio band but live put me to sleep, good thing John Mellancamp was up next...
{#Notworthy}
Best cover for me.
 loungelizard48 wrote:
Yup, studio version is much better.
 

At the danger of being pedantic the original Cowboys Junkies version of this wasn't on a studio album. The band couldn't afford a studio so used a single mic in a location they felt would be acoustically brilliant. According to Wikipedia “The music was recorded inside Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity on 27 November 1987, with the band circled around a single microphone. “

However I totally agree with your sentiments the original version on The Trinity Session was far superior.


Quite alright. Don't care much for their name though. Seems like a sign of the times gravitating towards the ditch..
 Steely_D wrote:

Agree. The tentative delicacy of their original version was what made it so special.

 
Yup, studio version is much better.
Its as if they figured out how to remove any and all feeling, emotion, relevance from the song. Everything that was "cool" about the Velvets and Lou's versions is missing .This is like No Fat Milk. It's ROCKNROLL LITE
 dimar wrote:
This one doesn't grab me the way the studio version did.  MEH

 
Agree. The tentative delicacy of their original version was what made it so special.
This one doesn't grab me the way the studio version did.  MEH
Got to love the Junkies,and this is particularly sweet! A solid eight, from the southern UK.
Perfect!  Thanks Bill.
 PopKombo wrote:
I believe if everyone had more sex, used drugs, and listened to the CJs it would put an end to intergalactic war.  You have my vote.
 
Thank you very much, PopKombo!  We humbly be dancing like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners in honor of your vote...  we love this live cover...  Radio Paradise is the best radio station in this galaxy....
Thanks Bill going to see them this evening in NJ.
Lou was good with it.  Enough said
 Lazarus wrote: 
I believe if everyone had more sex, used drugs, and listened to the CJs it would put an end to intergalactic war.  You have my vote.
 cc_rider wrote:
In Austin there used to be a 'Sweet Jane' contest. Nothing but 'Sweet Jane', all night long. One year the winner was Two Nice Girls, with their version combining 'Sweet Jane' with Joan Armatrading's 'Love And Affection'. I have the CD somewhere, it is truly wonderful.

TNG also recorded the ersatz-country classic 'I Spent My Last Ten Dollars On Birth Control And Beer'. 

 
carumba, sorry tex but that much of a meh song (sweet jane) does not seem at all interesting, yuck  : (  thats just stodgy ole me, hope it was a blast!)
 pugg689 wrote:
nice, but hard to out do Lou Reed, Rock N Roll Animal live version

 
That is the worst version of the tune (ignoring the godlike Hunter/Wagner intro).
The best version is on Take No Prisoners. 
Is this actually a professionally recorded and mixed song?  It sounds like a YouTube via an iPhone. Is it my RP stream?
Lousy rendition of a great song covered by a wonderful band.
Is the singer awake?
Everybody in my homeless camp be dancing like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  we love this splendiferous live version...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
In Austin there used to be a 'Sweet Jane' contest. Nothing but 'Sweet Jane', all night long. One year the winner was Two Nice Girls, with their version combining 'Sweet Jane' with Joan Armatrading's 'Love And Affection'. I have the CD somewhere, it is truly wonderful.

TNG also recorded the ersatz-country classic 'I Spent My Last Ten Dollars On Birth Control And Beer'. 
...heard the CJ's do this live - wanted to rate it at about 13 1/2 and then I realized that it wasn,t a Marlboro that I'd just smoked...
Cool!! A song that sounds like Lou Reed is singing it (Levelland) --> a song that Lou Reed wrote!! 
Two Canadian songs in a row...Neil Young and Cowboy Junkies.  I see what Bill did there.
 
this is way better than the studio version. hadn't heard it

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all across the holy moly world like B.F. Skinner...  we love this splendiferous live version...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
I love the original. But the Junks -own- this song, I think. The studio version is a 10 for me.
dull.

I generally hate covers but I love this one.  

PS: Lou Reed said this was a pretty good rendition.

 

absolutely gorgeous...  love this live version...

 pvcnote wrote:
Again and again and again....???????
Twice a day???
I prefer  "Once a Year"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
I kinda like it 2 maybe 3 times a week{#Whipit}{#Roflol}

beautiful cover...  special to hear it live...  love it love it love it...
 
Again and again and again....???????
Twice a day???
I prefer  "Once a Year"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like it !
C'mon...play the VU version. Or play "Heroin" or "Waiting for my man"


Everybody in my church loves this live cover...

 
 mcullers wrote:
Great song, but the studio version outshines this live version. The Stevie-Nicks-Shakevoice and rushed chorus lyrics in this version leave a bit to be desired. Give me the studio version any day.
 
Maybe, yeah...still had I been there I would have probably been quite pleased.
Great song, but the studio version outshines this live version. The Stevie-Nicks-Shakevoice and rushed chorus lyrics in this version leave a bit to be desired. Give me the studio version any day.
 pugg689 wrote:
nice, but hard to out do Lou Reed, Rock N Roll Animal live version
 
Apples and Oranges in my view.  They are, mostly, playing different songs.  Even the lyrics aren't totally shared.  Lou Reed's version truly smokes while the CJ's let you enjoy their understated, but excellent, version.
I didn't like te studio version and don't like this any better.

I've always found her style to
seem kind of mopey. It sounds like she's perpetually bummed out. To me anyway.
 pugg689 wrote:
nice, but hard to out do Lou Reed, Rock N Roll Animal live version
 
True, but I prefer this version to the CJ's studio version, for some reason.
Rolllllllllllll.......another one, just like the other one. You've been holding onto it, so give me a hit!
I do love this version!!
I wish she would not whisper so loudly!
In England after 1750, rural poverty continued to be widespread. The 'enclosure' movement of the 18th Century deprived people of land, because of this many became labourers. Wages were low and their diet was worse, and many turned to poaching to survive.

Not everything is as it seems.

 romeotuma wrote:


A "poacher" is by definition "one who hunts or fishes illegally on the property of another"... and that is not some derogatory name someone else calls you— that is your name for yourself... you call yourself a common thief...

these song forums are for song comments, and I am an honest commentator...

this cover is a fave for everybody in my hotel room...

Welcome to the special Romeotuma spam/comments page. Normal service will be resumed on the next track he does not rate a 10. Thank you.

Not so much.


Cool!!  From a live song that sounds like Lou Reed to a live song that was written by Lou Reed!!  

Love this song in both VU and CJ trim... : )
Soooo god for my ears :) Love her voice and this is a great cover.
One of the few covers of any song that is decent.
nice, but hard to out do Lou Reed, Rock N Roll Animal live version

Agreed.

 mirland wrote:

I prefer the Trinity Sessions recording of this track. But Margo Timmins voice is always great :)
 


The Trinity Sessions version of Sweet Jane is 10x better. The acoustics in that Toronto church are amazing and work perfectly for Sweet Jane.
Sweet Margo.{#Heartkiss}

I like her voice, but it comes off a few notches lower than what I would expect.  Just once it would be nice to see her amp it up a bit.


 Misterfixit wrote:
Note to Sound Board Guy:  Up the singer a couple of notches; level the bass and lead axe.  Otherwise.... good job of capturing ambiance.  I could see the singer breathing into the mic ..

Oh yes, note to self:  buy or steal this album.
  Note to self:
Hire Mr Fixit as a sound man next time he's in KC....he likes bumping up the lead vocals.

Real Nice
 alanthecowboy wrote:

It was live in the sense that it was recorded live off the floor, not multitracked, but there wasn't an audience there, so I hesitate to call it a 'live' album.

 
No wonder the crowd was so quiet - I thought they were just in a dream-state. {#Think}
Vox a bit low, but the sweetness still comes through!
 westslope wrote:

Agreed.  This one is not bad.  If I was Lou Reed, I would be flattered.  

 
lol

I prefer the Trinity Sessions recording of this track. But Margo Timmins voice is always great :)
 Stefen wrote:
Let's just say the studio version is sublime.
 
Agreed.  This one is not bad.  If I was Lou Reed, I would be flattered.  

 Stefen wrote:
Let's just say the studio version is sublime.
 
Yes...

 Misterfixit wrote:
Note to Sound Board Guy:  Up the singer a couple of notches; level the bass and lead axe.  Otherwise.... good job of capturing ambiance.  I could see the singer breathing into the mic ..

Oh yes, note to self:  buy or steal this album.
 
Note to self: hide CDs whenever funny guys from Nashville come to visit (just in case).
What vocal range this girl has!{#Neutral}
 Stefen wrote:
Let's just say the studio version is sublime.
 
Agreed.

 siandbeth wrote:
Could just be my cheap speakers but I wish they made her voice more pronounced.
 
Oh, I see mrfixit said the same thing earlier.

Could just be my cheap speakers but I wish they made her voice more pronounced.
Let's just say the studio version is sublime.
 stephw wrote:

MUTE {#Headache}


 

Interesting comment, since that's what they do to opposition voices in Canada?

MUTE {#Headache}


absolutely ethereal!
Sloppy guitar IMHO