Labels: Sub Pop
Review by: Chris Bress
I’ve always enjoyed Iron & Wine. There’s a place for them (or him), and that’s on the stereo after a long journey home from college (especially with all this snow). Iron & Wine records aren’t exactly a challenge, but that’s where their place is: easy listening. Music that relaxes and takes no effort to enjoy, free of pretensions if you like. The opener, “Woman King”, has a steady pace. The rhythm on this track really works, and seeing Mr Beam backed by a group certainly doesn’t detract from the quality of the music. The injection of rhythm into his music reminded me of Pinback a little; this record certainly has the same good quality song writing and indie pop edge that most Pinback material has.
“Freedom Hangs Like Heaven”, on the flipside, is a more up-beat country tune with good playing from all members involved. The slight rock n roll edge that this track was loosely based on did, however, remind me of hearing Chas n Dave’s classic “Margate” for the first time.
Overall this is a really nice record, at times I felt it needed a bit of a kick up the arse but this record’s got its place.