Music is the Drug

by Dave Bowler

Cowboy Junkies came to the attention of the world in 1988 when the beguiling sound of The Trinity Session found its way into more than two million homes. Drawing on the work of the 20th century's greatest songwriters in order to find their own voice, the band have gone on to produce one of the most consistent bodies of work in rock music, their own varied take on the Great American Songbook, with plenty more to come. The story of three Timmins and an Anton - Mike, Margo, Pete and Alan - is one of following the sounds and the stories in their heads wherever they lead, of taking the songs to the people, of staying true to the substance, not the surface. In this authorised biography of the band, Dave Bowler shows how, after 35 years, several hundred songs, 200 (thousand and) more miles down the road, the music is still the drug.

Genres: Biography, Music, Nonfiction

592 pages, Hardcover

Published February 11, 2021

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An authoritative book for fans of the Toronto based musical group, The Cowboy Junkies. It goes through their musical career from before the band's founding, when guitarist Michael Timmins and bassist Alan Anton formed a band and went to England, to the formation of the Junkies up to the release of their penultimate album All That Reckoning a couple years ago. Basically each chapter focuses on one album, talks about the recording and the individual tracks.
There's much to learn, but I found it was a bit marred by overlong quotes that could have been edited down, and some repetition. I skimmed over some pages; but by and large this is a must-have for llamas.

[Philip Labossiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and it took me so long because I continually went back to listen to Cowboy Junkies songs and albums when they came up in the book. As well I looked at other musicians and groups that were in the book.

[Killian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very detailed book about the band. Mostly derived from interviews with the band, they come across as good people, talented and reflective. Having said that, this is no read for the casual fan, for the deeply committed I reckon

[wayne forseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very interesting. Hard book to put down...I would highly recommend it.

[Steven Gellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this band so much! It was a true joy to read this. A bit repetitive but wonderful.