| |
|
|
|
album: The Shepherd's Dog
artist: Iron & Wine
label: Sub Pop / 2007
score: 88
< click to learn more
by Tim Mathiesen
What is going on with Iron & Wine? Drums? Where did all of these extra instruments come from? Is he actually singing, rather than whispering his songs? I think so.
A little bit of time with Calexico during their collaboration on In Reins may have musically stretched Sam Beam (a.k.a. Iron & Wine). The change was slightly evident on his incredible Woman King EP a couple years ago, and he's continued that trend on his latest album, The Shepherd's Dog.
His quick, simple melodies still exist, but they are built on a more upbeat and complex foundation. Adding more drums and instruments, Iron & Wine has stretched his unique folk sound. Where he used to sound like he was whispering his melodies, he now sounds more confident in his voice and it's definitely to his benefit. While he reverts back to his whispering now and then, it's now used with a purpose. His former albums were incredibly relaxing and a nice listen, but after hearing The Shepherd's Dog I don't think I will ever be able to listen to his earlier work without feeling like there's something missing. So whether you take that as a positive or negative comment, I, personally, think this is his best work to date.
|
|
|
