The Watson Twins

Although better known as the backup singers for Jenny Lewis on Rabbit Fur Coat, Chandra and Leigh Watson are no slouches on their own. Having grown up in Louisville, Kentucky, these twin sisters, like many Southern kids, started singing in the church choir. Upon relocating to Los Angeles, the twins became acquainted with a bevy of accomplished artists in the Silver Lake neighborhood and ended up touring the world. This spring, they released Fire Songs on Vanguard Records, a venerable imprint best known as the home of legendary folk artists John Fahey and Joan Baez. The act's songs are a gauzy mixture of countrified folk, warm harmonies and gentle melodies. Less enlightened people might comment on how these girls are easy on the eyes, but it's the sisters' captivatingly tender songwriting that shines brightest.