You Oughta Know : The Civil Wars

Music doesn't get much more modest or minimalist than it is in the hands of The Civil Wars, a duo comprised of California-to-Nashville transplant Joy Williams and her Alabaman partner, John Paul White, who met at songwriting camp in 2008. They travel without a backup band, and on their first full-length album, Barton Hollow, the bare-bones live arrangements that fans hear on the road, are fleshed out with just the barest of acoustic accoutrement. Their style is simple, direct and evocative with White's dynamic guitar and soaring dual harmonies. Yet, it is almost impossible to classify. It's been called country, folk, Americana, Southern Gothic to name a few. Call it what you want, but it's touching thousands and gaining notice at a breathtaking pace. Their s... Moreğ

Music doesn't get much more modest or minimalist than it is in the hands of The Civil Wars, a duo comprised of California-to-Nashville transplant Joy Williams and her Alabaman partner, John Paul White, who met at songwriting camp in 2008. They travel without a backup band, and on their first full-length album, Barton Hollow, the bare-bones live arrangements that fans hear on the road, are fleshed out with just the barest of acoustic accoutrement. Their style is simple, direct and evocative with White's dynamic guitar and soaring dual harmonies. Yet, it is almost impossible to classify. It's been called country, folk, Americana, Southern Gothic to name a few. Call it what you want, but it's touching thousands and gaining notice at a breathtaking pace. Their signature song "Poison & Wine" was heard on Grey's Anatomy, prompting hundreds of thousands of viewers to Google the mystery music. Add to that a wholly unsolicited endorsement by country music sensation Taylor Swift and you've got a Top 20 Billboard debut. Find out more about this duo, who turned their undeniable musical chemistry into word-of-mouth success.ĞLess