"THE CIVIL WARS" ARE OVER

Only several months ago did I discover The Civil Wars on NPR and fall in love with them. After watching and listening to the video, I purchased their first album, "Barton Hollow," which I've listened to again and again. Their chemistry in performing, and the near perfect blend of their voices in harmony give the songs a magical quality that completely won me over. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Folk Album in 2012.

Joy Williams and John Paul White scheduled a tour of Europe, and in the middle of the schedule, they cancelled the rest of their appearances due to "irreconcilable differences." The two had also started production on a second album, which they completed despite their disagreements. Their excellent new album, titled "The Civil Wars", has been released and is now available.

The split greatly disappointed me and thousands of fans. I'm in mourning. Joy and John Paul performed alone for several years before getting together, and both have wonderful voices, but I doubt the magic will translate into their solo performances. I wish them well, but, more than anything, I wish they'd resolve their "irreconcilable differences" and get back together.

Set List:

"Barton Hollow"
"Twenty Years"
"Poison & Wine"

THE CIVIL WARS - "I WANT YOU BACK"

The Civil Wars have been performing together for a few years, but I only discovered them a couple of months ago, when my favorite economist posted a video of the pair performing.  Their marvelous voices, harmonies, and chemistry are amazing.  The chemistry is so great that I thought the two were a couple in real life, but both Joy and John Paul are married to other people.  Joy says the chemistry is all about the music.

As soon as possible, I ordered their album titled "Barton Hollow", which I love.  Then, a few weeks ago, I read that the two ended a European tour prematurely and are on indefinite hiatus due to irreconcilable differences.  I'm so sorry, because Joy and John Paul make beautiful music together.  Despite their differences, they completed a new album titled "The Civil Wars", which I have pre-ordered. The picture on the new album sleeve bespeaks trouble, but I hope the two can make up their differences, and this collection will not be their last.  As the song says, "I Want You Back."

In 2011, The Civil Wars performed in New Orleans at One Eyed Jacks in the French Quarter.  How I wish I'd known of them of them at the time so I could have attended a live performance.  The concert was filmed, so, if you like their music, you can watch and listen to an hour-long performance by John Paul and Joy on YouTube.

THE CIVIL WARS - "BILLIE JEAN"

Joy Williams and John Paul White sing Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean."