Iron and Wine - "Around the Well"

There are two key points to keep in mind should you fancy buying Around the Well. The first--and most important--is that this album provides a wonderful look at the career arc of Sam Beam as a singer, songwriter, and musician. As the album moves from start to finish, those whispering, forlorn solo numbers ("Dearest Forsaken"; "Hickory") slowly transform into the powerful full band arrangements ("Serpent Charmer") that characterize Iron and Wine today. It's chronology, maturation, and evolution all wrapped together into two discs worth of material.

But, unfortunately, herein lies the second point. Iron and Wine's music--especially the earlier material--has always had that campfire quality about it. Beam's voice tends to lull you into these trances of contemplation, which, as emotionally effective as they are, are often difficult to focus on at length. This double-disc certainly gives the listener a lot to chew on, and at times, suffers a blurring effect from track to track. In this respect, Around the Well probably works better as a harvesting disc: pick your favorites and keep them near and dear (for me, it's "Sinning Hands" and the cover of the Flaming Lips' "Waitin' for a Superman"). And of course, there's always the option for a campfire soundtrack. This one could repeat several times as it provides the backdrop for all your late night tales and enjoyments.