The Story

Released in 2007, 'The Story' is the definitive breakthrough for Brandi Carlile, moving her from Pacific Northwest indie-folk circles into the global Americana spotlight. Produced by the legendary T Bone Burnett, the album was recorded over a brisk eleven-day period at The Warehouse Studios in Vancouver. The decision to record live to two-inch analog tape is central to the album's identity, preserving the spontaneous energy and the 'perfect imperfections' of the performances. This is most famously heard in the title track's vocal break, which Burnett insisted on keeping despite its technical 'flaw.' The record solidified the creative partnership between Carlile and 'The Twins' (Phil and Tim Hanseroth), whose telepathic harmonies provide the album's backbone. Critically, it was lauded for its bridge between 1970s singer-songwriter traditions and modern alt-rock intensity, eventually becoming a cultural touchstone through heavy placement in television dramas and a full-album tribute cover project years later.