Venus

Audio Mixer: Mark "Spike" Stent.Recording information: DTR Studios, Nashville, TN; Earthstar Creation Center, Venice, CA; Remote Control Productions, Santa Monica, CA; The Art House, Nashville, TN.Photographer: Chuck Willis .Joy Williams, known to much of the world as half of the now defunct Grammy-winning Americana duo the Civil Wars, offers her first solo LP in a decade. In light of the much publicized dissolution of her partnership with bandmate John Paul White, her return to solo work comes loaded with the weight of fan expectations and the tumultuous life changes that occurred prior to the album's release. On a tip from friend Justin Timberlake, she connected with producer and multi-instrumentalist Matt Morris to craft the 11 songs that would become Venus, an expansive, decidedly modern record that marries Spartan electronic landscapes with warm acoustic elements. Aside from Williams' delicate voice, the sonic palette of Venus has little to do with the slick country-toned balladry