Cowboy Junkies — One Soul Now

After collecting a whole whack of recording equipment, the Cowboy Junkies undertook a huge experiment in home recording and self-production, turning their rehearsal space into a studio. The end result is One Soul Now, which bears their trademark haunting sound, yet thankfully fails to fall into the pit of self-indulgent overkill where so many self-produced albums end up.

The songs are spontaneous and laid-back without sounding too rough and unpolished. Michael Timmins’ insightful lyrics reflect the thoughts of changing relationships with the effects of age and time, delivered with sister Margo’s incomparable vocals. Fans of the classic, slow-burning Junkies songs won’t be disappointed with "From Hunting Ground To City" and "He Will Call You Baby." The title track soars and "No Long Journey Home" has an easy, rocking beat that is oddly reminiscent of "Miles From Our Home."

The Cowboy Junkies have proved they know themselves more than well enough to go at it alone and do it well.