The Civil Wars "Barton Hollow"

It would hardly take“20 Years” to realize how beautiful this opener is; not even 20 seconds, and the phrasing is not in bad company. “I’ve Got This Friend” who compared this song to the previous and commented that not only does the strumming sound more upbeat, but the interplay between the two vocalists seem to have so-ooo-ooooul! “Ohh, if the right one came/If the right one came along.” The instrumental accompaniment only  softens the blow of the haunting harmonies that capture the heartbreak that life isn’t always fair and “C’est La Mort” cannot be used in a clever way. I am also reminded of another lovely song filled with emotion as well, but I won’t give it all away. “To Who May It Concern” is perfect because it all depends on the listener. It could be that person you met online and have been talking to for two years, it could be the attractive and shy co-worker, or it could be someone you have not even came in contact with; the anonymity makes it universal, ok, it helps. “Poison and Wine” is a tender duet that recalls a time I was once falling slowly. The title track is not only musically appealing, but the tale of a dead man who fell by the wayside is appealing as well. “Did that full moon force my hand?/Or that un marked hundred grand?” “The Violet Hour” is a muse for introspection in this instrumental that may or may not prepare you for the poltergeist that seems to have inspired these harmonies; light on the strings, but may still cause a quiver as you hear the heart of the “Girl With the Red Balloon” beating as her ghost roams around searching for the one that blew away. After “Falling” in love with this strumming rhythm and creeping cheerlessness, the somnambulist sings “Why am I feeling so guilty?/Why am I holding my breath?/Worry 'bout everyone but me/I just keep losing myself.” Just when you think all hope is lost there is still a glimmer. “Forget Me Not” is like the opposite side of the pillow, except warmer. Ok, who would like to finish the phrase? “Birds of a Feather” ..has me asking if they are referring to each other, or are they like sister and brother(metaphorical) that seem to finish sentences of the other? This is the best example of the pros of having multiple vocalists. I must say when I saw the title of the first bonus track I was like no way, but when I heard the first bonus track I was like “NO WAY!” I love the original, forever and always, but would you be mad if I said “I Want You Back?” It does not hold the same place in my heart like the original, but is a nice re-interpretation. The same can be said for the Leonard Cohen cover, but I only recently heard the original. My Favorites: 20 Years, I’ve Got This Friend, Barton Hollow, The Violet Hour, Falling, Birds of a Feather, and I Want You Back.