Album Notes

Husband and wife duo Dividing the Plunder (Justin & Tasha Golden) are excited about the conversations that their new CD, "The Ordinary" may spark. Far from ordinary, aided by the talents of Steve Mason (Jars of Clay) and Matt Slocum (Sixpence None the Richer), and featuring photography by industry giant Michael Wilson, the CD is a brilliant marriage of high-quality production values and astonishing songwriting. Justin & Tasha find themselves, like so many of their generation, pursuing life, love and identity regardless of where the chase takes them-a journey that's evidenced in nearly every track, from the desperately weary "Blood and Breath," to the gritty "A Little Lower" to the painfully self-aware "Perimeter of Me," and "I'd Rather." It's an aversion to easy answers and a corresponding commitment to honesty that make the lyrics so compelling (we're reminded that there's more mystery than proof) even when reality turns out to be a little more earthy that we'd like to believe. And while there are enough good hooks (e.g. live favorite "The Son that Went Away") to work in your convertible at 80 mph, the record is best experienced alone in the fall when it's raining-this is not background music!
 
Emotionally the album's fulcrum is "Maybe it's Faith," which reflects on the correlation between identity and faith as well as the post-modern inability to label anything with any confidence, however it's the record's title that gives away the heart of who they are and the life they're pursuing--convinced that "on the ordinary, common path of every day are the extraordinary steps we take in grace."
 
Justin and Tasha began making music together in college before they married and "The Ordinary" is the second musical child of their life together. The pairing of Tasha's breathtaking lyrics and voice with Justin's distinct guitar work and Indigo Girls-good ear for vocal harmony is proving to be a match made (literally?) in heaven. Having traveled for over three years, they continue to create art with the intention of excellence and connection. Their alt-folk style is solid ground for working in the relevant vulnerability that seems to simply draw people in and keep them around.
 
The Goldens live in the Greater Cincinnati region of Northern Kentucky (hence the river references) surrounded by fellow pilgrims and working hard at living with wider eyes.