demonofthefall's Full Review: The Creek Drank the Cradle by Iron & Wine
Of all the new singer songwriter's that have emerged in the past several years Sam Beam, aka Iron and Wine, is my favorite. His songs are poignant and touching, soft and frail, . He sings with a voice that sounds unlike anyone else I have ever heard.
I first heard of Iron and Wine while browsing a local independent music store. The clerk had this album playing on the overhead speakers and I was immediately captivated by the genuinely unique folk songs. I did not actually buy 'The Creek Drank the Cradle' however until I already had 'Our Endless Numbered Days' and the 'Woman King' EP.
Much as I love those two (especially 'Woman King') I get a special feeling from 'Creek' that I have never felt from any other album before. The rough, low-fi production is undoubtedly part of the charm (these songs were recorded in Sam's home on a four-track) as is the simplicity of the songs.
At any given time there are never more than two instruments: a combination of fingerpicked acoustic, slide guitar and banjo which are always played to perfection.
And then there is Sam's achingly gentle tenor, which he overdubs and harmonizes with himself throughout most of the album. It is so fragile (even more so than Nick Drake's) yet so full of life.
Each of these songs tells a different story. The lyrics are plainspoken poetry, full of the joys and sorrows of life. More than anything, these songs resound with the spirit of the American south where Beam grew up.
It is so hard to pick highlights on an album of this quality but 'An Angry Blade' definitely tops my list. It is dark and strange with the best vocal harmonies of Beam's career so far. The excellent 'Faded From the Winter' has a similar feel to it.
The slow, lazy feel of 'Promising Light' and 'Bird Stealing Bread' are delightful. The more upbeat tempo of 'Promise What You Will' and the uplifting melodies of 'Southern Anthem' also make for great listening.
'Upward Over the Mountain' is probably the most melancholy (the hushed whisper of the last verse is especially heartbreaking). 'Weary Memory' sounds like its name: weary and exhausted.
Then there is the wild card of the album. 'The Rooster Moans' is characterized by plunking banjo rolls that recall a dusty country road in summer. The 'rusted train' of the lyrics is a good image for the song.
Interestingly my two least favorites are the first and last on the album. 'Lion's Mane' and 'Muddy Hymnal' are good songs but they just don't do it for me the way the others do.
Although I think 'Woman King' is the best Iron and Wine release so far, it would be unfair to compare it to 'The Creek Drank the Cradle' since they are so vastly different from each other. The Nick Drake-esque 'Days' has some truly amazing and beautiful songs but the overall quality is not quite as strong as this one. Although its strong points are better than anything here, 'Creek' is simply more well-rounded in my opinion. I don't have 'The Sea and the Rhythm' yet so I can't compare it.
Regardless, Iron and Wine is a superior talent and 'The Creek Drank the Cradle' is one of the most original, well-written and downright listenable albums I have ever come across.
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