Few bands have maintained such stability, excellence and a consistent vision as Cowboy Junkies. The same people who made the 1986 debut album Whites Off Earth Now!! and the recorded-around-one-mic breakthrough The Trinity Session (1988) also made their new album, Such Ferocious Beauty. Throughout, Michael Timmins has been the primary songwriter and plays quietly roaring guitar leads while his sister Margo supplies hushed, haunting vocals, brother Peter drums and longtime friend Alan Anton plays bass. Michael Timmins discusses what has changed and not changed about his songwriting, the keys to choosing cover songs, how Lou Reed reacted to their version of “Sweet Jane,” how the band hits a hypnotic groove on stage, and whether they ever were in danger of splintering. Also, are Cowboy Junkies as serious as they appear?