Folk Alley Sessions: Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange) - "Blue Ruin" 

"Absolutely the best folk duo of our current era."

I listen to this every Dec 14. A beautiful and painful epitaph where this music is the only thing that can express what I'm feeling inside. Thank you Emily and Andrew for daring to write and play this song.

I accidentally discovered this duo a little over a week ago 6/24, and I just can’t STOP listening to them 🎶🎵 beautiful..😊

They are both talented, in so many ways. If you have heard this song for the second time, then surely, you understand what I mean. But there’s one way which makes them particularly unique. Qualified to claim that elusive label that many stretch for, failing: quietly walk away from. And here, allow me one example. The instrumental line up. Not unique. Andy on Acoustic six string. Emily on Electric six string. The particular arrangement for this performance is the point. Andy prides himself in his Mandolin skills and, he is as fine a hill country trained mandolinist who writes and arranges songs as deftly as any of the folk writers of the past 75 years. He also plays a fine Acoustic guitar and transfers many of his mandolin skills between the two. No easy fete, while handling both primary and secondary vocals. Such a voice! Emily, primarily trained as a violinist, also wears the cloak of multi-instrumentalist. When she raises the Acoustic six string, she carries all of the steady rhythm and counter rhythms that folk/hill music is enjoyed for. Certainly, while there’s similar hand and finger techniques that she transfers from violin to guitar, her clarity and deftness is sharp without residual non-intended buzz, dullness or missed tone. They are two highly competent musicians. This particular performance stretches them in a subtly, uncommon manner. While Andy played Acoustic six string, his usual practice is to perform in the method which he prefers for his mandolin, with a flat-pick. He elevates his performance using plastic-style finger/thumb pick, which alters both the tone and projection of his part. Were he playing alone, he could have easily bypassed this technique. It requires work. They can be difficult to perform with. They can make string tone un-even, faulty, and dull. They can come off at unexpected times. But he plays them like the accomplished musician he is. Consistent. With melodic tone. Sweet and steady. His choice to choose between flat picked or fingerstyle with plastic picked performance allows the necessary tone “with volume” that allows for Emily’s performance on Electric six. A fender Telecaster, in its second “Nashville” pickup arrangement (humbucker/twin single coil at neck position, with single coil at bridge) has proven to be successful when combined with a “time-effect” (echo-reverb-delay) generating that haunting sweet sound draped across the background of the acoustic guitar. She played it without flaw. But this is what separates Mandarin Orange from all the others. Andy’s masterful songwriting and arrangement coupled with both of their exquisite musicianship consistently produce song after song that ring out in fully conceived and performed professional songs. Musically and lyrically. This is success, and they are at a very high pinnacle in their careers. For what makes this song notable, pushing them right to the top of the Marquee, is that the conception and execution of the entire song, was superior. The way they wanted it to be. The little detail that is different from their other ones up until this time? At the “turn of the song”, also referred to as “the bridge”, Emily’s part becomes prominent in just enough of a change in presentation that you can’t help but feel the associated chilling effect on your neck. Chilling triggered by the meaning of the chorus. Handled by a coarse, under trained pair of hands, the guitar phrase would have been overly dominant and the words washed away. Emily’s performance is worthy of studio musician quality labeling. Do yourself a favor and listen to it again now. And make a note for yourself. Mandarin Orange haven’t only earned their place as the outstanding duo/band that they have become performing, writing, and taking their act on the road these dozen or more years. They have become a Great Artistic Performance. Truly.

Since first hearing MO just at the beginning of this year I listen to them every day. I'm so glad that such music is out there.

I spend hours and hours every night listening to you tube music and lyrics and music of this song most moving music have every heard and im 62

Every thing about this is incredible. Its unrivaled and so unbeatable. Im speechless because of this song

Makes me cry this morning. Nothing changes when nothing changes.

The musicality of their incredible voices; the interplay between the acoustic and electric guitars and the powerful lyrics that speak to this unspeakable tragedy and the countless and senseless one's since...took me from crying to wailing. An incredible song by two amazing artists.

Put this on in the background while I browsed something else... but the moment a voice started singing, I had to get right back here. Some sounds are like finding a piece of a puzzle you didn't know was missing until you heard it. This song is one of those sounds, for me. Thank you, Emily and Andrew, for making this music.

from the first time I listened to you, you stole my heart. I hope one day to hear you in Italy in Rome greetings from the quarantine

Mandolin Orange makes life worth living. Thanks Emily and Andrew! Love you two!

Great sound combo from the Fender and acoustic guitars. A tragic event consoled through music.

The love between you two is so palpable. I adore the way that Emily keeps looking at Andrew. The music: out of this world.

That moment when you listen the few first notes and instantly fall in love... I realized the content of the lirycs after that "first impression", and the power of the message came to me like a earthquake... What a brave, sad, beatiful and powerful song...

Absolutely love their sound ' absolutely brilliant and hands down the best folk duet to come along in decades! I wish for them to be heard by the masses!

Vocals are always beautiful w/ these two - but the guitars really blend beautifully here as well!

Truly beautiful song. I love the effortless delivery and haunting harmony. When I win the lotto I'm going to tour the world with you guys and give you the exposure you deserve. Exceptional musicianship.

Beauty. This song. This vibe. Emily and Anrdrew. Beauty.

Man you two really know how to touch the soft spots. Nice

Somehow the combo of harmony's of voice and the intricate guitar seems to bring out a feeling very much like the emotion of love to my heart, tears to my eyes and wonder at these two beautiful young folks.

If you break down the lyrics, this is definitely about the Sandy Hook shooting. The lyrics are so damn powerful, capturing perfectly every emotion we felt as a nation. Without being political and agenda driven, they perfectly capture the emptiness and loss we felt that day.

Your music is so powerful and so beautiful. We are blessed to have you both fill our lives with such magic.Thank you so much.

Much love from Down Under. I hope MO come to Australia one day. Love you guys, good honest beautiful music.

One of the most beautiful, yet tragic songs, ever written. Had to play it many times to start the healing process from Charleston. May America find a way out of its gun mania, and get help for so many with mental problems....

The song makes me sad and happy in a very emotional way !!!

So perfectly soulful and comforting in a melancholy way.

Thank you Emily and Marlin for your beautiful Music & Words, that make my life something better...

Always a pleasure to watch you celebrate your music. Thank you.

Absolutely POWERFUL! You two are amazing. This song moved by SOUL!

Open - listen - dream away ... hooohooooohooooo Unbelievable what you two and your music can do. Thanks for doing so. I'm so glad to find you on you tube.

Absolutely f__king awesome, they compliment each other so well.

Thank You. These two are just wow. Obvious the masses have not heard these beautiful souls.

The harmony!!! Beautiful!

such a beautiful song between the vocal harmonies and the acoustic and electric guitars. Loved it as soon as I heard it. When I heard what it was about I loved it even more. Just discovered Mandolin Orange and what am so glad I did.

This song is so beautiful.

one of the greatest songs of all times. beautiful, honest, and brave... and absolutely humble.

They are so SMOOOOOOOTH....my favorite couple/duo!!!!

There is still hope for the future.

another beautiful song from Emily and Andrew

One of the most heart wrenching songs ever.

love this kind of music.... way underated

This RU-vid recommendation was a very pleasant surprise. So glad I clicked on it.

What an awesome sound. Love how the telecaster compliments instead of overtakes the mix.

Journeying through the rich and varied Bluegrass genre, I stumbled upon this wonderful duo. I am so captivated by their exquisite sound that it may be some time before I am ready to move on.

These guys are _amazing_, haven't heard such felt folk in a long time. Not as virtuosic as the Punch Brothers but more genuinely human, more tangibly emoted, without a question.

There are SO MANY terrifically talented artists who are far less known than they deserve. These two are some of that huge group of remarkable artists who love their art and would do it for nothing if need be. Ron Talley​

Love this! Love Mandolin Orange!

One morning after drinking Heavy in the night Every inch of my poor bones Seemed to ache and moan away (?) All my troubles come tomorrow Would be gone and then it's on to Christmas day If Jesus had been born just eleven days before Would the world have stopped to see At least those on the street headed for Newtown And of all those on their way Could the miracle have made One lay his guns down Blue ruin That trigger stole his mind How am I to blame? I bet you never even aimed At one There's too many people killing people To put an end to evil What can be done? Well for now who'd like to tell me On that morning when twenty-seven fell How any lesson in counting Could ever ever amount to watching them fall And why worst of all Come Christmas morning They'll still be gone Blue ruin Blue ruin One morning after drinking heavy in the night I stopped to take a look At the crook that stole this holiday Well this Christmas My only wish is That we put these guns away

Thanks so much for this. This is maybe how healing starts. Beautiful music, beautiful lyrics.

Beautiful ever so much adore thank you

Hints of JJ Cale on the chorus. Fantastic music, keep it up!

Gosh! - we love your compositions. Wish we could see you live. Missed you in Frederick, MD this last round. We couldn't afford the trip. Perhaps Cumberland , MD we may witness your talents live.

Beautiful ever Mandolin Orange thank you

Breathtaking

What a beautiful duet. The way the strings and vocals interplay is exquisite.

What a beautiful song. Perfect interplay between the electric and acoustic guitar. I love the vocal performance as well. Emily, you are a beautiful woman.

Moment I heard this intro, I knew I had stumbled upon a beautiful folk tune....

Love to watch and listen to them....

Nice !!!! 👌👌👌😊

As beautiful as your song is Jesus .. Heavenly Father please remind us that 27 were under your welcoming care.

Indeed, beautiful as ever. Real folk.

Just continue to amaze me!

Yes, it's wonderful. Thank you so much.

And of all those on their way Could the miracle have made One lay his guns down? Makes me tear up.

The sweetest guitar work you will ever hear.

Perfect in what they do. Will be much appreciated in UK 2018.

This is so beautiful.

Kocham taką muzykę,sam też gram i dusza podpowiada akordy.a tekst przychodzą z nikąd,jest myśl,a potem fala.To jeden z nich Na wycieraczce Jeśienne liście kładą się po ziemi Wspomnieniem lata,zaplata nić w przestrzeni Zapach kawy o poranku i znów noce długie Wrony i sroki przeganiają wróble I tylko słowo śpi cicho na wycieraczce Zamknięte drzwi,za nimi... Ustał już deszcz i nocnych dźwięków jakby mniej Jedna kropla sen zbudziła,czuwam choć spać się chce W oddali szum auta,chwilę później tylko pies Jest cisza,nie obłęd,który wita w dzień I tylko słowo przysnęło na wycieraczce To tylko słowo,przypomnij mi ten sen Chwilę otuchy szukać dziś próżno Czy sen nadejdzie,aby nie za późno Gdy myśli słowem kreślonym na papier Czeka przy drzwiach,obudzone brzaskiem Coraz trudniej oderwać stopy od ziemi Zapaść ,panika ,czy wierzyć przeznaczeniu? Bo jedno słowo po wiekowej tułaczce Wciąż tutaj jest...,śpi...,

Such beautiful lyrics.. and so tragic :'(

Beautiful.

More beautiful playing So good

First time seeing this played live and surprise surprise .... It sounds just like the record! Love your music and talent! Catch you guys next time I go for a drive

tyler swift and conway west could only dream to have real talent like these two , i sear

Love it

Really nice . Thank you folks !

Just started listening to these guys beautiful

You guys are awesome

Really beautiful!

totally gorgeous ...mesmeric

Amazing combo. Awesome.

COOOOLIO!! Love Mandolin Orange!

Brilliant!! Such beauty and harmony!

🔥🔥🔥❤️

Brilliant as always.

Great mix on this one between electric and acoustic! Nice harmonies, of course, too. The message-I hope it can come about by keeping the guns in the right hands, who use them for protecting ourselves, target shooting and hunting game for food, and not harming others as some have chosen to do for other inexplicable reasons. That is what we need to do, though it is a hard road.

I'm here baby, your man is here !

Love it!

This tune is always part of my M O (Watchhouse) fix.

sweetness

I have a Fender Tele deluxe like that ecept its black on black with the blond neck, She plays well,nice tones can come from her.

Really like your sound, but seeing that Tele Deluxe made me a little sad. Had a '73 that looked exactly like one Emily is playing. Was forced to sell it during a rough stretch. Oh, well. Keep making great music like this!

Love sneaking this into a Christmas playlist, kind of a mind fuck, but such a beautiful rendition

...Lovely

i def love you both

As Fender as Fender can sound right there. That has got to be a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amp. Bet your life on it.

❤

Saddest song I ever heard

And now Thousand Oaks, CA...poignant song

No words