The Civil Wars

After endlessly streaming this album over a week, I can safely say that I love this album just as much as Barton Hollow. I agree with the previous reviewer that The Civil Wars is definitely an album that compliments Barton Hollow rather than trying to outdo it. The artists are clearly trying to push a few new boundaries, yet still stay in their (and our) comfort zone. Saying that, it's still a departure from the easy harmonious vocals of Barton Hollow and, while still blending beautifully vocally, this sophomore album reflects the strife between both artists. It's amazing to me that even while at odds, Joy and John Paul still manage to complement each other in every song and make beautiful music together - almost unwillingly. 1) The One That Got Away - This is first single they streamed from this album, and my initial reaction was that I wouldn't like this song since it's different from their previously playful acoustic work, but with repeated listens, I love this song. From the soft, ominous instrumental buildup at the beginning to the angry back and forth between Joy and John Paul, this song is essentially an introduction to the overall feel of the album. Yes, folks. There is a battle going on in the land of The Civil Wars. 2) I Had Me a Girl - This song is rock and roll sexy! John Paul flexes his vocals in this one. There's chaos in this song and the guitar riffing is strong. If "I've Got This Friend" from Barton Hollow was about a kindergarten crush, "I Had Me a Girl" is the sexy one-night stand version of it. 3) Same Old Same Old - I can't help but feel sad listening to this song. The sense of longing and weariness is overwhelming. You feel tired but you want to stay, you'll miss it but you have to go. Joy keeps saying that if you want to know what happened to the band, listen to the album. And the sense I keep getting is that they want to stay together but can't. But it also doesn't mean they value what they have/had any less. 4) Dust to Dust - Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust...is this a goodbye song? If Same Old Same Old made me feel sad, this one makes me feel wistful in remembrance of what was. I feel that this song talks about the loneliness that set in while Joy and John Paul were on the road - specifically John Paul. It must have been hard for him to see a happily married couple day after day while his wife and kids were at home. The sense of loneliness he felt must have been overwhelming and Joy, being on the same wavelength, seems to have felt it too. Being on stage and creating a sense of intimacy with a musical partner gets harder and harder to do when you're not with your loved ones. 5) Eavesdrop - Hands down my favorite song on the album. Not acoustic, but any instrument added has a perfect purpose. Such a beautiful love song. The message - "I'm tired of arguing. Let's just hold each other and enjoy this moment together - who cares what other people say?" One thing I've learned about The Civil Wars is that their lyrics are multi-faceted. While this applies to any couple who are always in conflict, it can also apply to them as a band. "Don't say that it's over. Let's just enjoy the moment. Who says that this has to end?" This song gives me some hope that this may not be the end for them. 6) Devil's Backbone - Another departure of their usual soft sounds, this is a wailing, angry anthem of self-blame. If Joy wants to squelch speculation of something going on between her and John Paul, this song doesn't help. Strong guitars and Joy's vocals carry this one. I will admit that I got chills listening to this as a video intro to their album promotion video ;-) 7) From This Valley - I've loved this song forever. After seeing them perform this on YouTube, this song has an uplifting feeling and their perfectly matched vocals are awesome on this song. A great, fun song. I hope they get back to that. 8) Tell Mama - I will have to admit. This song makes me sleepy lol. This song is this album's "I Want You Back". They take an upbeat song and totally make it their own. The singing is soft, dark and beautiful. But I'm still sleepy ;-) 9) Oh Henry - This is a happy song that they performed live on the road for quite some time. It's a knee-slapping fun song. It definitely has a folksy feel to it and gives a welcome break from the sometimes somber feel of the other songs of the album. 10) Disarm - I'm torn about this one. I love the Smashing Pumpkins' original "Disarm", and The Civil Wars have turned it into a beautiful lullaby. I am glad they put this on tape though. It just showcases how perfectly Joy and John Paul are able to harmonize. My husband, a hardcore SP lover, isn't much of a fan though ;-) 11) Sacred Heart - Another favorite song on this album. I know ZERO French. But it's a beautiful language, and this is an equally beautiful song. I know I'm saying beautiful a lot but hey - I'm calling it as I sees it :-) It reflects sad longing with soft guitar strumming in the background. Awesome. 12) D'Arline - This is a raw cut of a song they recorded on Joy's iPhone. If you read the lyrics, they're quite romantic. Even with this rough draft, it's apparent that these two have more talent in their pinky fingers than many artists out there who rely on auto-tune and over-production. Like the song itself, let's hope that this song is deliberately placed as a last song to convey the message that they are a rough draft as well and we can look forward to a final masterpiece. If you're looking for a Barton Hollow 2, you won't find it here, though there is some similarity. Whether or not The Civil Wars come together again to make a 3rd album is anyone's guess. However, I will follow "Eavesdrop" `s message and enjoy the music that we have been given in the here and now. Thank you, The Civil Wars!!

Standing in the shadow of Barton Hollow and a reputation for matchless live performances, The Civil Wars have made this a difficult album to review. Without a doubt, Barton Hollow stirred a furor in fans of TCW, and the industry, as rapid as its rise to popularity and critical praise. To watch TCW live for many of us was to relive moments that hang endlessly in time, moments that cease to be only memories but a part of us that stirs back to the moment as if it were present. Listening to Barton Hollow and watching TCW perform live to me was to be a part of an experience. Like laying on beachside under the stars, breathing salty air, feeling the mist of the ocean lightly spraying, hearing the rustle of thistle grass, experiencing the smell of the sand mixing into the ocean, the breeze raising the hairs on your arm---the purity of experiencing these moments, knowing that they can never be relived quite the same as they are in that fleeting second, but also knowing that pure moment would be ingrained to relive and compare every subsequent star filled sky---these are the feelings Barton Hollow and a live TCW experience conjured in me, with Barton Hollow still conjuring those moments with each listen. It is due to that that this album is difficult to rate. Sonically, musically, it is beautiful, in my opinion worthy of another Grammy. Emotionally, in light of what Barton Hollow was, it stands overshadowed. Many fans of TCW ache at the thought of the fleeting moment of their unique partnership, a Big Bang of sorts, coming to termination. It seems obvious that ache isn't something the fans alone share. It is easy to hear it on this album. There's a longing for rebuilding, for forgiveness, but a pensiveness about approaching it. Distraction abounds---John Paul's voice carrying with it a tenor of distance over the all-in presence of before, a sort of dutiful involvement, seemingly with only enough strength for the guitar; Joy seems to be reaching for the coy playfulness and elation from Barton Hollow, sacrificing emotion for volume. Tension behind the scenes is palpable. It is obvious that both attempt to reach backward in their own way for the past, John Paul with energy poured into the guitar, Joy raising her voice in hope the feelings follow, yet a gap remains in that reaching. I can't help but compare it to Barton Hollow in the same way I'd compare the same beautiful night experienced laying oceanside to one experienced driving in a car; both carry a beauty, but only can be experienced. Yet, despite this, for those whose experience with TCW is more casual, for those hearing them for the first time, there is no sense of tension, no sense of longing or heaviness in the music for what was, no sense of fulfilling obligation. Instead, there is real, focused, beautiful music to be hear. This album, its strong tones of "what if?", is something everyone can relate to. These lyrics can cull emotions, memories, tears, reflection for anyone, even if the experience of TCW cannot stir with this album the same way it could with Barton Hollow. It is still an album that is strong, that is relatable, that will constantly be part of my rotation. TCW should be proud of this album. Despite their professional and personal turmoil, they have produced something beautiful. It is only my hope that out of that pride and an obvious desire to reach for what once was, TCW is able to reconcile and rekindle the unique gift they have together. If not, this album, like Barton Hollow, is a gift I am thankful for.

As of August 2013, the Civil Wars are no more. They are no longer speaking to each other, and are indefinitely broken up. It has been speculated at length as to the nature of Joy Williams and John Paul White's breakup--whether in fact it was a romantic breakup despite both being married to other people, or artistic differences that could not be resolved. One cannot help but listen to this album and to think it's probably both, although the romantic feelings may have stayed emotional and never a full blown physical affair. If their breakup was necessary to create this album though, then I would say it was worth it. Intensely intimate and honest, there is a tortured beauty in the heavenly tones of Joy and John Paul's harmonies. Moments like this happen just once. The album starts off with the single "The One That Got Away", an impassioned story of regret that showcases Joy and has John Paul singing background to her. Then on the next track, the brooding innuendo laced "I Had Me a Girl", John Paul essentially sounds as if he's answering Joy. This really sets this album apart from their first, in that the music is two people singing to each other instead of with each other. Joy and John Paul are alternatingly smolderingly furious and resignedly fatigued, but always controlled, paying attention to their pitch perfect harmonies. While there are those moments of breathtaking harmonies like on "Eavesdrop", Joy does seem featured quite a bit more on this album than on their debut. This is a little unfortunate, as Joy's exquisitely pure voice often needs John Paul's raspier vocals to pull it away from coming across as rather melodramatic. Still, I think the balance is more or less there on most of the songs. However, if you're predominately a fan of John Paul's voice--then this will be a big disappointment even though you can feel his influence probably more than on their debut through the music. Musically, this album infuses more Americana and rock into the Civil War's brand of largely acoustic driven folk/country/gospel. The music has a more aggressive ominous tone to match the heightened emotional stakes with drums and an electric guitar added on several songs making this album sonically different from their debut. Not surprising given John Paul's previous stint as a failed rock artist. This album also sees the inclusion of two covers, "Tell Mama" by Etta James and "Disarm" by Smashing Pumpkins. Strangely, it's the cover of "Disarm" that is one of the album showstoppers with a perfection that comes from the pair having performed it for years for live audiences. Also, the modern day hymn "From This Valley" serves as a nice respite in the middle of the drama providing a glimpse of the way Joy and John Paul used to be. At times, the album is a little uncomfortable to hear. It's almost as if you've been peeping into your arguing neighbors' window sort of enjoying the entertainment--but then witness them stab each other, and suddenly everything becomes deadly somber and almost claustrophobic. While Joy at least is willing to talk about the album--and has said that the imagery used is just that--poetic imagery, you can hear that it's more. You can feel it, see it. While I recognize the exquisite "The Devil's Backbone" is their purposeful take on an Americana murder ballad--you can't help but think the opening lines are truer than either Joy or John Paul will admit, "Oh Lord, Oh Lord, What have I done..." This is not a breakup album--it's a Southern Gothic tragedy played out through music. It's quiet. Loud. Desperate. Remorseful. Accusatory. Seductive. It's two excellent solo artists realizing that they will probably never again taste the type of magic that happens only when they're together, and broken that they just can't be together anymore. In my opinion, the album of the year.

The songwriting is strong on this album. There is lyrical depth and once again the Civil Wars do not shy away from addressing complex emotions of adult relationships. This is not an album about teeny-bopper crushes. For this reason, I think it is a strong contender for album of the year. But where's JP? I love Joy's voice; she's a gifted interpreter of a song. But this album lacks a lot of the chemistry of the duo, so I guess I can't say I'm upset that they won't be performing it live. I think it would be heart-breaking to watch and listen to live. "I Had Me a Girl" is the best song on the album because it best showcases the duo. Here's JP at his best. The song just smolders. "Same Old Same Old" is also a great effort and reflects their conflict and chemistry. But it's a melancholy listen that makes me wistful about what could have been. Like many, I wonder what really happened, but it probably doesn't matter. That said, I'm not particularly interested in a Joy Williams solo project. The Yetton-Williams team (as management) was probably always calling the shots, and I wondered about the long-term implications of that. The fact that (out of necessity perhaps) they're out promoting the album and giving interviews leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I think they'd be viewed more sympathetically if they'd stop with the interviews; they've had their say and the album is out, now move on. (And squiring around with Taylor Swift isn't really a feather in your cap.) I'm curious about what lies ahead for JP. The fact that he has been silent has actually been impressive to me and reflects a great measure of self-discipline on his part.

What a tragedy...the greatest duo since Simon and Garfunkel, was so ephemeral. As has been pointed out in several reviews, John Paul is more in the background. The "Spiritual Ardor" that -WAS- The Civil Wars, has vanished. The songs are EXTREMELY GOOD as usual, but the 'Sprit' is missing. A duo like this comes along once in 50 years, and for their "Magic" to be so transient is a great loss for all who realized that their music was more than just music, it was spiritual. The words of many of the songs show the inner torment the two must be going through... 1st Song: The One That Got Away..."I never meant to get us in this deep, I wish you were the one that got away". 2nd Song: I Had Me A Girl..."Like cigarette smoke 'SHE' came and she went...I slipped through 'HIS' hands". 3rd Song: Same Old Same Old... " I want to leave you/I want to lose 'US'/ I wanna give up/But I won't...But if you think that I can stay in this same old same old, well I don't". 4th Song: Dust to Dust...(Reviewer's note: probably used for the connotation of life)..."Let me in the walls you've built around/ We can light a match and burn them down/ Let me hold your hand and dance 'round and round' the flames in front of us/Dust to dust". 5th Song: Eavesdrop..."Oh don't say that it's over. Oh no say it ain't so." Song: From This Valley..."Oh the desert dreams of a river, that will run down to the sea. Like MY heart longs for an ocean to wash down over me. Oh, won't you take me from this valley, to that mountain high above? I will pray, pray, pray, until I see YOUR smiling face, to the one 'I' love." 8th Song: Tell Mama...You thought you had found a good girl, one to love you and give yo the world, now you find that you've been misused, talk to me, I'll do what you choose, I want you to tell mama about it"... (Important: the last sentence "Tell me, tell your mom "I'M YOU MAMA" tell me what you want) 9th Song...Oh Henry "I got a wedding band, and the name of a 'wandering' man, who I love 'the best I can'." 12th Song...D'Arline "Can't live with you or without, but oh, that's how it goes/ I could get over you, but please don't ask me to, just so you know, you'll always be the only one EVEN WHEN YOUR NOT." As you can see, EVERY SONG has a basic undertone relating to the vagaries frequently associated with love. Reviwer's conclusion: it appears to me that it is obvious, their exist a prohibitive dichotomy between Joy and John. It is possible, to draw a conclusion, based on the words for their songs, the dichotomy may be that they are both in love with each other, but are both married to others. Of course this conclusion is just conjecture, but it seems to have some merit based as I said on the words of the songs.

I love this album, especially the song "Same Old Same Old". The music, the harmony and the words - it is so beautiful. It is poetry. This song is definitely a love song, even if they are breaking up. Joy Williams and John Paul White are so talented and sing and play with such perfect harmony and synergy - this CD is in my mind much more refined than the first. You feel the passion, the love and the hurt in these songs. Their take on "Tell Mama" is so beautifully done and dramatically different from Etta James. Interesting isn't it that they would select this song to perform. I also LOVE the way they do "Disarm" with John Paul singing lead - it is hauntingly beautiful. Even the songs "Devils Backbone" and "From this Valley" are such an interesting take on gospel. This album really hangs together with a wonderful flow and enough, but not too much, diversity in the selection of songs. The songs showcase their voices and their musical talent. Let's all hope that they stay together and find a way to work together so we don't miss out on such a great musical experience.

If what it took for these two artists to make such fantastic music together was the struggle that apparently has ended their duet, it was worth it. The ethereal voice of Joy Williams blends effortlessly with the soulful stirrings of John Paul White. If these two didn't have a romantic relationship, they have tapped into some very deep feelings in their writing that certainly feels like the end of a romance. The lyrics are poetry of longing and loss. In "The One That Got Away" they sing, "I never meant to get us in this deep. I never meant for this to mean a thing. I wish you were the one that got away." And in "Eavesdrop" John Paul sings, "I can't pull you closer than this. It's just you and the moon on my skin and who says it ever has to end. Oh, don't say it's over. Oh, say it ain't so." You feel like you're eavesdropping on the most private thoughts of this couple as they struggle with their feelings for each other versus their feelings for their respective spouses and families. In "The Same Old, Same Old", it seems that they accept that though they love each other, they can't stay together. If indeed this is the last time we'll hear these two as a duet, it is a great loss. Their voices seem to have been made to blend together. Let's hope they can mend fences and work together on future projects. In the meantime, we'll have to just keep this CD and their previous "Barton Hollow" close by for many, many replays.

I first discovered The Civil Wars when I downloaded a free single (Poison & Wine) from amazon.com. I had downloaded several random songs by various artists, added them to my iPod and then never thought about them again. One day Poison & Wine randomly played on my shuffle and I think I listened to the song 22 times in a row. Their first album, Barton Hollow, was great. If you haven't heard it yet, you should definitely check it out also! I was a bit nervous about this album at first. I loved Barton Hollow so much, I didn't know if their self-titled album could live up to my expectations. Well, it did. In fact, it exceeded the high standard I had set for it! It's a beautiful ode to monogamy and the ache (both bitter and sweet) that comes with being in lasting relationships. I love how well the voices of Joy Williams and John Paul White blend together. I call the style bluegrass, though some might categorize it as folk. Barton Hollow definitely had a backwoods feel, and this second album is so haunting... I can't stop listening to it. Favorites on this album: "The One That Got Away", "Same Old, Same Old", "Dust to Dust" and "Eavesdrop". My husband recommends "Disarm" which is a cover of the Smashing Pumpkins song of the same name, and gave him chills when he first heard it :)

à découvrir absolument. Beaucoup mieux que l'album live. Les voix des chanteurs s’harmonisent très bien. Un album très agréable à écouter encore et encore. moins noior que leur précédent.

The second album from The Civil Wars, a Nashville duo composed of John Paul White and Joy Williams, is one of the best music releases of 2013 in my opinion. I have owned their first album, Barton Hollow, since 2011 and I love their music. It is a blend of country and Americana with a unique twist. The first album is quite different to this second album: there is a darker, more melancholic sound here. My favourite songs on this album are "The One that Got Away" (listening for the first time gave me goosebumps) and, in complete contrast, the cheerful "From This Valley". Most of the songs are dark and haunting, with lyrics which tell of lost love and troubled minds. As other people have commented, Joy's vocals feature more heavily on this album than they do in the Barton Hollow tracks. I think Joy Williams is a fantastic vocal artist but I like the Barton Hollow tracks where they both sing and it is like they are having a conversation with each other in the lyrics. One of the reasons why I like The Civil Wars's music so much is because they put so much emotion into it. It is raw and real and beautiful. I hope very much that Joy and John can resolve the problems between them. Otherwise, it is a big loss for the Americana music scene. I would love to see them play live. From watching their videos on YouTube, they have an amazing chemistry between them. Let's hope they reconcile their differences and get back to making music together. In the meantime, enjoy this stunning album!

デビュー作「Barton Hollow」は発売当初それほど注目されませんでしたが、JoyとJohnの二人での地道なライヴが実を結び、1年半をかけてゴールド・アルバムを獲得しました。また、映画「The Hunger Games」のサントラでTaylor Swiftと共作、共演した「Safe & Sound」が大ヒット、アカデミー賞授賞式で歌うチャンスも得ました。時間をかけて全国区のミュージシャンになってきた彼らですが、昨年秋には“見解の不一致”を理由にツアーを途中でキャンセル、今年になってJoyが妊娠との情報も入ってきて、“セカンドは当分お預けか･･･”と思っていたら、6月に新譜発表を知り、リリースを待ち焦がれていました。そして、ものの見事に期待に応えてくれる新作に仕上がっています。 アコースティック色が濃かったデビュー作に比べて、今回はアレンジ・演奏が多彩。肝心の二人の歌声とハーモニーは、ライヴを通じて更に磨きがかかったようで、随所に心に響く歌を聴かせてくれます。第一弾シングルの1「The One That Got Away」、スケールの大きな作りですが彼ら独特の繊細さも備え合わせた佳作。2「I Had Me a Girl」、とにかく重い。ザラザラでハードな作りなるも、よく聴けばJohnのアコGがサウンドの核。5「Eavesdrop」、抒情的なAメロから中盤以降のロック的な盛り上がりまで、すべてにおいて美しい。6「Devil's Backbone」は静と動の見事なダイナズムが素晴らしい。Johnのかき鳴らしGのグルーヴが良い9に続いて、10「Disarm」はThe Smashing Pumpkinsの出世作「Siamese Dream」からの１曲。原曲とは相当違うソフトなイメージ。たとえば「Billie Jean」のように、確信犯的にThe Civil Warsサウンドにしてしまう彼らです、歌詞を読みながら聴くと、これもありかな、と思ってしまいますね。ラストの曲は、Joyの家のポーチでiPhoneを使って録音したとのクレジット。二人の歌と演奏が妙に生々しくて、後を引きます。 ジャケにもインナーにも二人の写真は一切なし。意図はわかりません。見解の相違がまだあるとしたら、それを乗り越えてまたステージに戻ってくれる日が早く来ることを、心から願っています。

Beautiful, a reference recording must have

Interessante CD, ich war überrascht, aber es kommt natürlich immer auf den persönlichen Geschmack an. Trotzdem, hören lohnt sich ( für mich ).