Few bands have maintained such consistent vision, quality and stability 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, how Lou Reed reacted to their version of “Sweet Jane,” the keys to choosing cover songs, how the band falls into a hypnotic groove on stage, and whether they ever were in danger of splintering. Also, are Cowboy Junkies as serious as they appear?