Barton Hollow

So.  Luckily for my media-bubblish self, I have lots of culturally savvy friends who are always stumbling upon new and edgy music. 

A little over a year ago, I was introduced to The Civil Wars.  They're a relatively new duo, but their music is catchy, raw, beautiful, honest, and relevant, unfortunately rare qualities in our increasingly dubbed and synthesized music industry.  They've had an EP out for a while, and a free live album (you have to scroll down a bit to find it) download available from their website.  So you have absolutely no excuse not to have a bit of them in your life.

Here's what Joy Williams (the female singer and co-author) wrote about their song breakout ballad "Poison and Wine" (featured on Grey's Anatomy last year):

"Poison & Wine is a musical snapshot about the dichotomy of love - that while it can be the thing that destroys you, it can also be the very same thing that beckons and builds you. JP and I are both married have been for several years now - and we got to talking one day about what a tug and pull our individual relationships can be. The longer you know someone - and the longer you allow someone to know you - the more the light and shadows inside each person become more vivid. This song was our attempt at being as brutally honest about the dangerous and beautiful process of knowing and being known."

I actually got to hear The Civil Wars last September in Waverly, AL (and they're coming again in March!  yes!).  Their striking harmony of melodies struck me as almost bittersweet but still effortless.  Like many things reproduced or copied, their recordings only give you a hint of the depth that is their music.  Well worth the 10 bucks and the 20 minute drive.

Anyway, their popularity has exploded over the past year, and they're quickly breaking into the mainstream music industry.  They released their first full length album, "Barton Hollow" on February 1st, and were featured on the Tonight Show last month.  The title track is featured as the free single of the week on iTunes, AND the album is currently number one on iTunes.  Cool.