Staring Down the Brilliant Dream is a summation of what the Indigo Girls have accomplished over two eventful decades. This double-disc live collection features 31 tunes recorded at various venues during the duo’s 2006-2009 tours. Since their emergence in the late ‘80s, these folk-rock icons have stood up for human dignity and creative freedom without backing down an inch, surviving label changes while forging an unshakable bond with their fans. As musicians, Ray and Saliers have grown into masterful, road-seasoned troubadours, playing their impeccable vocal harmonies against stinging guitar licks and rollicking melodies. Staring Down the Brilliant Dream gives a sense of how much they’ve accomplished, as well as their ability to transfix and galvanize a crowd. From early favorites like “Closer to Fine” (heard here in sing-along form) and “Kid Fears,” through outstanding recent songs like “Digging for Your Dream” and “What Are You Like,” the full scope of the Indigo Girls’ work to date is documented here. Long-time devotees and newcomers alike will find this album an inspiring experience.