I’ve admitted before that I’m a sucker for songs about marital bliss. So when Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken, two accomplished singer-songwriters each on their own, announced they would be releasing an EP of duets together on Valentine’s Day of 2008 I was already sold. The CD is a delightful little reprieve for each of their individual works that incorporate a little bit of smooth production and a lot of harmonies.

Adriene and I went to the second show last night which was a whole lot of fun. We met up with two new friends who are new to Atlanta and did the required 30 minute stand in line at Taqueria del Sol for delicious tacos. Afterwards, we headed over to Eddie’s Attic for the show. When I reserved the table, I didn’t know how early I was in ordering the tickets. Our table was front and center. We were literally sitting next to the stage.

Derek and Sandra played about half the show together, playing some of the songs from the new Ampersand ep, and then Derek played the rest of the show by himself. He said that only the night before he was very sick and by the end of the night last night his voice was pretty ragged. Sandra came up on stage and bailed him out by singing most of “Faith My Eyes” at the end of the song.

During Derek’s part of the show, he broke a string and while he was restringing the guitar, he had an amusing question and answer session where:

• Someone asked the meaning behing his son’s name, Rhodes. He was named after his grandfather, not the Fender Rhodes.
• Someone asked who he voted for in the primary. He confessed to voting for Ron Paul. I guess he’s been talking to Andy O. a lot.
• Derek also gave his “love language” speech about beer. He admitted to not drinking that night because he was still sick and dehydrated. When he reminded us of this at the end of the night, he said “what am I saying? Get one for the road?” The cold medication was clearly kicking in.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I am always refreshed to hear songs about love from a perspective of marriage. It’s one of the reasons I love artists like Over the Rhine and Derek and Sandra. I like artists that stretch themselves and challenge themselves to explore what its like to love someone that you’ve known for years and want to know for years to come. It’s a nice change from the one-night stand music I hear all the time on the radio.

Photos of the show on my Flickr site!