The Civil Wars | The Coast Halifax

The Civil Wars

The civil wars (sony)

The Civil Wars’ Barton Hollow was a surprise hit, and its success split the duo apart, ie “internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition.” (Theory: They got too famous for John Paul White’s liking. Have you ever seen that guy smile?) How this record exists is confusing, since they don’t speak and are writing about each other---“I wish you were the one that got away,” goes the leadoff. (Theory: Affair?) But it’s a lovely collection of folk songs, some too intense for their lack of percussion, and Joy Williams has one of the most beautiful voices in contemporary music, as White’s slides in wonderfully behind hers, and it’s all very nice to listen to. (Theory: Joy, go solo!)