Seemingly Civil Wars

[Happily duetting back in 2012 - Gorge Amphitheater]

Today's release of the new Civil Wars album is bringing to light feelings of tremendous joy, but also grief.

Any fan of the hit 2011 album, Barton Hollow, was instantly clamoring for more from the duo with gorgeous harmonies. As expected from Joy Williams and John Paul White (two singers who are so perfectly matched together they could sing anything and fill a crowd with awe) the new self titled album kicks off with the dramatic gusto of, "The One That Got Away", followed by the bluesy, "I Had Me A Girl". Their cover of The Smashing Pumpkin's chilling, "Disarm" is also a can't miss.

You can just have a beautiful voice and be successful in the music industry, but what lasts is compelling songwriting, and The Civil Wars are never short of weaving a terrific story set with stellar melodies.

Success - ah, here is where we get to the disappointing truth. Did success just come too fast for these two?

From personal experience, just over a year ago, they were the highlight of 2012's Sasquatch Music Festival. Both Williams and White seemed honestly shocked to draw thousands of people to an afternoon show at the Gorge Amphitheater Mainstage. They weren't the headliners of the festival, but music fans gather when talent is on the roster.

All this pressure on a little group didn't stop the two from doing their thing, feeding off the electric energy they have with each other, smiling, dancing, and having, what seems like, a ball. In the end their cool, collected, no bells and whistles performance all about their showstopping talent made for a concert experience of a lifetime.

                                  (Shaky camera work due to extreme excitement. "Billie Jean"!)

I feel bad even talking about how tremendous they are live, as many fans may never get the chance to experience it for themselves.

By now most have heard that the duo are, for right now, not even on speaking terms. Williams has been doing some press for the new album, but White seems to be keeping to himself. Little is known about the exact reasons keeping these two apart, and really, who are we to pry.

While we can still appreciate the new wonderful tunes, this news of behind the scenes tension adds a tinge of sadness to each note. Fans who appreciate their work just want the best for them, especially for a group who's talent could produce music for the ages. We'll just sit back and hope these two can work it out.

Why can't these talented folks keep it together? There are plenty of groups out there that could use a good tussle to get them off the radar for awhile.

While wishing tension on anyone is negative, as a Civil Wars fan, I couldn't help but drum up a  hypothetical proposition titled, "But Why Can't They Be Fighting?".

So, if you had magical powers and could transfer this Williams and White fight to any other group, who would it be? For me, if any of the below groups were having a tiff, I wouldn't care and it would not ruin their music (because, for the most part, I don't like it anyway):

Insane Clown Posse

Dave Matthews Band

Black Eyed Peas

Vampire Weekend

Mumford & Sons

Fall Out Boy

Maroon 5

Florida Georgia Line (what even is this?)

Fun.

The Rolling Stones

 
On that note, they may be on a break, but The Civil Wars still have a new album, so support them while you can. Go out and purchase it which ever way you buy music these days (currently listening to it on Spotify, but I will be buying a physical copy at a real music store soon).

At the same time think, which band would you transfer this "Civil War" to?

Come on guys, just make up! Please?


Until next time!