If you like this year’s Iron and Wine album you’ll probably like the last one, Beast Epic, and its follow up EP, Weed Garden, too. As a steadfast Iron and Wine fan I agree the stuff after Endless Numbered Days was a departure but I must object to the dip in quality remark! These days are almost a return to folksy instrumentation but with a tendency to break into free jazz.
Objection noted and a very fair point. I do remember reviewing The Shepherd's Dog for another publication and I'm sure I gave it a 5* review at the time. Then I saw Iron & Wine (supported by Bon Iver) in 2008 and it was a really flat performance and I suspect I started to tune out after that. I will do some digging and look forward to eating my words!
Very kind response. Supported by Bon Iver is a surprising aside! I’ve been to more Iron and Wine shows than any other band. I think he must have come to the same conclusion about his shows. After 2010 his shows feature sometimes drastic reinterpretations of his classics. His latest tour had a duo of shadow puppeteers on stage with him which was ART!
Love that Good Looks album. Those shots at The War on Drugs and Drive-By Truckers cut me deep though (ha). I just can't seem to get into any new Iron and Wine albums. I've really enjoyed some of the "Archives" releases though. The Creek Drank the Cradle, Endless Numbered Days, and Around the Well are all-timers.
I am quite fond of Drive-By Truckers to be fair - The Unraveling was top 3 on my 2020 list - so that wasn‘t intended as a major dig. I never really clicked with The War on Drugs, so that was! I will revisit Around the Well on your recommendation.
There have been several wonderful sub-30 minutes albums this year. I love a record I can finish on my commute and Cloud Nothings is a great early morning blast in the car.
If you like this year’s Iron and Wine album you’ll probably like the last one, Beast Epic, and its follow up EP, Weed Garden, too. As a steadfast Iron and Wine fan I agree the stuff after Endless Numbered Days was a departure but I must object to the dip in quality remark! These days are almost a return to folksy instrumentation but with a tendency to break into free jazz.
Objection noted and a very fair point. I do remember reviewing The Shepherd's Dog for another publication and I'm sure I gave it a 5* review at the time. Then I saw Iron & Wine (supported by Bon Iver) in 2008 and it was a really flat performance and I suspect I started to tune out after that. I will do some digging and look forward to eating my words!
Very kind response. Supported by Bon Iver is a surprising aside! I’ve been to more Iron and Wine shows than any other band. I think he must have come to the same conclusion about his shows. After 2010 his shows feature sometimes drastic reinterpretations of his classics. His latest tour had a duo of shadow puppeteers on stage with him which was ART!
Love that Good Looks album. Those shots at The War on Drugs and Drive-By Truckers cut me deep though (ha). I just can't seem to get into any new Iron and Wine albums. I've really enjoyed some of the "Archives" releases though. The Creek Drank the Cradle, Endless Numbered Days, and Around the Well are all-timers.
I am quite fond of Drive-By Truckers to be fair - The Unraveling was top 3 on my 2020 list - so that wasn‘t intended as a major dig. I never really clicked with The War on Drugs, so that was! I will revisit Around the Well on your recommendation.
Final Summer is just a great record all around.
There have been several wonderful sub-30 minutes albums this year. I love a record I can finish on my commute and Cloud Nothings is a great early morning blast in the car.