Barton Hollow

by The Civil Wars

Overview

Joy Williams and John Paul White aren't a couple, but they certainly sound like they're in love, singing together with the sort of familiarity that only seems to exist between couples and siblings. On Barton Hollow, their studio debut as the Civil Wars, the two trace each other's melodies with close harmonies that never fail to lose their romance, even on breakup tunes like "Falling." It's an organic, folk-pop sound not unlike the one made by the Swell Season, another boy/girl duo with a talent for making heartbreaking Americana. If the Civil Wars are America's answer to that band, then "Poison & Wine" is their "Falling Slowly." An aching, gorgeous tribute to a relationship on the rocks, it's one of the few tracks to include more than an acoustic guitar, with some piano and soft drums also making their way into the mix. Even so, the focus remains on the band's vocals, which are easily the best instruments on Barton Hollow. Those who don't like rootsy ballads are in for some slim pickings, since Barton Hollow shines its brightest whenever the tempos slow, the lights dim, and the voices rise up. But the title track, with its outlaw lyrics and swanky Southern groove, is a nice change from the norm, and "I've Got This Friend" finds a balance between both camps. Good stuff. ~ Andrew Leahey

Product Details

Release Date:	07/30/2013
Label:	Columbia Records
UPC:	0888837535229
Rank:	150481

Tracks

1. 20 Years
2. I've Got This Friend
3. C'est la Mort
4. To Whom It May Concern
5. Poison & Wine
6. My Father's Father
7. Barton Hollow
8. The Violet Hour
9. Girl with the Red Balloon
10. Falling
11. Forget Me Not
12. Birds of a Feather

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Civil Wars   Primary Artist
John Paul White   Bass,Banjo,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Guitar (Resonator)
Dan Dugmore   Pedal Steel
Andy Leftwich   Fiddle,Mandolin
Ken Lewis   Drums,Percussion,Tambourine
Jerry McPherson   Guitar (Electric)
Tim Lauer   Organ,Keyboards,Synthesizer,Keyboard Bass
Barry Bales   Bass (Acoustic)
David Davidson   Violin
J.T. Corenflos   Guitar (Electric)
John Catchings   Cello
Charlie Peacock   Trumpet,Piano (Electric)
Joy Williams   Bells,Organ,Piano,Vocals

Technical Credits

Chris Lindsey   Composer
John Paul White   Composer
Tec Petaja   Photography
Charlie Peacock   Engineer,Producer
Joy Williams   Composer
Katie Moore   Packaging
Richard Dodd   Mastering
Richie Biggs   Mixing,Engineer