The husband-and-wife DIY country duo Shovels & Rope — known to their parents as Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent — got off to a nice start with their “first” album, last year’s O’ Be Joyful, which proved to be something of a surprise indie hit. The band landed a track on the television series Nashville, an appearance on David Letterman, and the album on several year-end lists. In fact, Hearst and Trent have been touring for years, both separately and together. They met while playing in different bands, fell in love, recorded together, got married, and formed their own band. They each have released solo records, plus a joint album under their Christian names called Shovels & Rope. The duo’s live shows tend to be long, sweaty, lusty, rambunctious, and completely unscripted. Even though it’s just two of them onstage, they make a mighty racket, trading off instruments between almost every song. Hearst plays guitar and sings, then switches to drums. Trent often manages to sing, drum, strum, and blow a harmonica all at once. Shovels & Rope play the 1884 Lounge at Minglewood Hall on Tuesday, July 16th, with locals Star & Micey. Admission is $12. Showtime is 8 p.m.
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