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Title: Soft vocals and strong but spare instrumentation
Review: "Minimalist" is a word I've heard used to describe Sam Beam's recordings. In a world of heavy bass and angsty lyrics, Iron and Wine's definitely a delightful departure from the norm, but not an unwelcome one.Lyrics come at an intimate whisper. The vocal harmonies drift out of the speakers like springblown seeds. Accompaniment is sparse and yet critical.My favorites from this CD:"Naked as we Came" the first Iron and Wine song I heard and one I bought singly before I got into the group. The lyric:She says "If I leave before you, darlingDon't you waste me in the ground"I lay smiling like our sleeping childrenOne of us will die inside these armsEyes wide open, naked as we cameOne will spread our ashes round the yardThen, there's "Sunset Soon Forgotten" which reminds me of summers long ago, bandaided children and june bugs....If you're looking for some quiet, introspective folk, this is the place to come.Rebecca Kyle, May 2009
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