I'll be up front, I'm not a huge Iron & Wine fan by any means, I really wouldn't call myself a fan at all. This EP that he has released recently is completely different from his other work in the past. To me Iron & Wine's albums have always had poor production value but this one (being on Warner Bros.) is actually very clear and shows his real talent. The older albums always sounded like he was being confined in a cardboard box and was only allowed to sing at a minimal decimal. This EP is only three songs but Beam really shows off his talents with multiple instruments and a different sound but still captivating that Indie Rock sound that he has always had. For hardcore followers and fans of Iron & Wine this album might be a shock or a little different but you will enjoy it. I've always had respect for Beam in the past but if Iron & Wine's new album (1/25/11) is anything like this EP I will consider myself a fan.

LoopedEyeless

Around The Well
The Shepard's Dog
In The Reins (EP)
Woman King (EP)
Our Endless Numbered Days
Iron & Wine iTunes Exclusive (EP)
The Sea & Rhythm (EP)
Tour (EP)
The Creek Drank The Cradle

Track:
Walking Far From Home

The debut release from Atlanta-based band, The Constellations, has a little bit of everything. There are clear rock/indie rock roots, but as the album progresses there is a distinct hip hop flavor that becomes more prevalent. With guest appearances by Cee-Lo and Asher Roth, the album holds water with hip hop fans and indie rock fans alike. There are smooth bass lines throughout, at times coupled with pronounced synth beats, there's sort of a low and heavy sound on some tracks. There is a certain ominous quality that has been compared to Massive Attack. The lyrics are dark and laced with references to drugs and sex. It's definitely an album one would listen to on a track by track basis. There isn't a clear theme that unifies the songs and it is kind of all over the place. For a band having formed in 2002, they haven't advanced themselves very far musically. The album shows potential, but sounds like a debut in a juvenile sense.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
N/A

Track:
Perfect Day