Joseph Arthur's duet with R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe wended its way halfway around the world from Down Under to the Rocky Mountain State, and the more I've listened to it, the more it's grown on me and put roots down into me. Joseph has been recommended to me before several times, and I've long said that Michael Stipe has my favorite male vocalist voice of anyone, so his addition to this already-beautiful song is welcomed.
The moment around 2:30 where Stipe muses, "I don't know anymore what it's for, I'm not even sure if there is anyone / that's in the sun" I can feel the paralyzing indecision.
Joseph's voice is gravelly and raspy, but somehow soothed, as if with honey and whiskey. It reminds me alternately of Ray LaMontagne and the Stereophonics' Kelly Jones on the wails. I love this song.