lambchops's Full Review: The Creek Drank the Cradle by Iron & Wine
One day, not too long ago actually, I got an e-mail from a fellow I’d never spoken to much less met. He had a big ol’ list of music suggestions for me and atop that list sat an album from a man known as Iron and Wine. So after a tiny bit of investigation, I decided “what the hell” and picked up the Florida native’s 2002 Sub Pop debut The Creek Drank the Cradle.
Born Samuel Beam, Iron and Wine is a rather secretive personality. Little is known about him, but it is said that he is a cinematography professor at a Miami college. The Creek Drank the Cradle is a very minimalist affair. The album is scratchy and not at all produced, but this setting is perfect for Beam’s old fashioned acoustic folk rock. Listeners would be hard pressed to see it as anything contemporary—it feels as comfortable and real as a well worn boot. The songs on this disc were compiled from the two CD’s of material Beam sent to Sub Pop for consideration. Quiet and evocative, the songs strike a major chord in me. It is, without question, an incredible although almost completely unknown album.
In addition to Beam’s wispy, light vocals the album is peppered by an acoustic guitar—not to mention an occasional slide guitar and banjo. Sub Pop truly made a wonderful choice in signing this artist whose music is rootsy and real, not to mention timeless. And timelessness is an element sorely missing from about 99% of all music. But in the same breath that I call this album genius, I need to mention that it isn’t for everybody. It is slow and emotional and starkly acoustic. The production isn’t awe-inspiring; The Creek Drank the Cradle is the outstanding work of just one man. He doesn’t pull any punches or dress things up. This is carefully, lovingly assembled music.
The Creek Drank the Cradle works best when swallowed in one long, smooth gulp. Often I find myself pointing out the fault of “sameness” on an album, but if the music is on the whole excellent some amount of this is of zero concern. Beam uses pretty much the same musical equation throughout his debut, but his talent is so very rare and magical that I can’t find anything wrong anything.
Zip. Zero. Zilch.
The Creek Drank the Cradle is a very special album that combines the soul and hurt of country music with the sensibility and simplicity of folk. The end result is something to behold. From the first notes of Lion’s Mane through the last fading chords of Muddy Hymnal I’m enchanted by Beam’s poignant creation. There are high points of the album, but throughout it my attention is held. My heart is caresses and my mind is transported to a dusty, desolate, Southern road.
Maybe the best way to describe Beam’s work is to make comparisons. On one level he’s like a modern Nick Drake in that he possesses a somber and reflective vocal style rooted in folk. But there are hints of other folkies here—Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and even Simon and Garfunkel come to mind. But none is an exact match; hence I fully believe that The Creek Drank the Cradle is a new kind of classic folk. It is a true gem.
The album is sheer brilliance. But in the same breath I must admit my heart belongs to songs Bird Stealing Bread, The Rooster Moans, Upward Over The Mountain and Muddy Hymnal. Bird Stealing Bread is undoubtedly my favorites. Beam’s quietly evocative voice is incredible, but it is with his arrangement that the song comes into full view. Words escape me—this is so perfect, so traditionally wonderful that it transcends boundaries and years.
The Rooster Moans actually reminds me of another Florida native by the name of Jim White and his dark, backwoods sensibility. I think that’s why I’m drawn to the song—Beam’s voice is stark and pained but not so much so as to make the album seem overly melodramatic. Nothing more than a voice and a banjo make this a song to grab hold of and never let go.
Both Upward Over The Mountain and Muddy Hymnal are also incredible offerings. I could lay down compliments to each of the songs in the same matter, but that would be ridiculous. This is music that makes you think and hurt and appreciate all the special things in life without feeling sorry for yourself. The Creek Drank the Cradle is a rare exquisite masterpiece that should be held, cherished—heck coveted—for years and decades to come.
Had it not been for that one fateful e-mail I wouldn’t have ever found Iron and Wine. Thank you to member robvp for the suggestion. And to all you out there reading this right now, consider my review a hearty recommendation for immediate purchase.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Lion's Mane
02. Bird Stealing Bread
03. Faded From The Winter
04. Promising Light
05. Rooster Moans, The
06. Upward Over The Mountain
07. Southern Anthem
08. An Angry Blade
09. Weary Memory
10. Promise What You Will
11. Muddy Hymnal
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