The Civil Wars by The Civil Wars
There is a lot of drama surrounding the release of this album - the duo called off a tour and went on hiatus after it was recorded. One half of the group, Joy Williams, has given some interviews that provide a glimpse into the tension surrounding the recording of self-titled album; and it is difficult to separate the story of the group from the music they made - as Williams has said, "if you want to know what happened to the band, listen to the album."
I have listened to it - probably three times now - and nothing about The Civil Wars' disagreements overshadows the beauty of their music. It is truly a great album. They've gone deeper and darker compared to their debut, Barton Hollow, and it works well.
The edgy electric guitar compliments the expected acoustic foundation. Even the drum machine on "Dust To Dust" fits. The duo has grown in their sound and that growth has been an improvement.
Track You Don't Want To Miss: I would name just about all of them, but if I had to pick a highlight ... "Dust to Dust" is fantastic, but, honestly, just listen to the whole thing.
I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry & I Love You by Derek Webb
I saw Derek Webb in concert when I was in college. Back then he was singing with Caedmon's Call, a Christian group I enjoyed seeing live, but wasn't all that interested in following.
Then, last year, I fell in love with his solo album, Ctrl - the music, the concept, and the innovative way that it combined with a side-project of his. It was like nothing I had ever heard.
When I saw that Webb was working on his next album I was interested, but a little disappointed. This wouldn't be a sci-fi epic combining acoustic guitar, drum machines, and Sacred Harp singing - it would be a "normal album," something he described as a follow-up, a kind of sequel, to his first solo album. I had not (and still haven't) listened to that first album, so what could this new one say to me?
Well, I purchased I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry & I Love You in the hope that I would be surprised and so far I have. It is a hopeful album all about reconciliation and love. It hasn't completely grabbed me like The Civil Wars yet, but I think it might get there.
Track You Don't Want To Miss: "The Vow" - this song sold me on the album. It's a catchy meditation on the meaning of lifelong promises. I am loving this chorus:
I can't see the day after tomorrow
I don't the future even still
I don't promise cause I know I'll always love you
I make my vow to guarantee I will
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