Review: Iron & Wine - Around the Well (* * * 1/2)

Rarities and b-side collections are tricky beasts. On the one hand, fans should be thrilled about new material from one of their favorite artists. On the other, nothing says 'avoid me' like a selection of tunes that didn't make the cut on previous records. The age-old conundrum is presented once again with Iron & Wine's latest release, a two-disc album spanning 23 songs and 90 minutes comprised of unreleased material, covers, and non-album singles from one of indie's most adored folksters. While the record may be a mixed bag by definition, Sam Beam presents a hefty amount of solid material on Around the Well, which should be of interest to even moderate Iron & Wine fans.

The project gets off to a shaky start as the first disc of Around the Well is the decidedly less impressive of the two, with the majority of the tunes coming across as blander versions of Beam's earliest work. There are certainly a few highlights, like the opening pair of "Dearest Forsaken" and "Morning" or the gentle, down-tempo covers of Postal Service's "Such Great Heights" (which we've all heard before) and Flaming Lips' "Waitin' for a Superman" (which you probably haven't), but the disc makes too little impact to be truly compelling when digested all at one time. Recommended for diehards (Iron & Winers?) or for picking and choosing your favorite moments.

The second half of Around the Well is MUCH more interesting and consistent, featuring a varied selection of Bean's different musical styles. On the simpler folk side is the spectacular New Order cover "Love Vigilantes" and the gripping "God Made the Automobile," both stronger than anything found on the previous disc. Even on these lighter numbers, Bean asserts himself more powerfully, giving his voice a bit more muscle and keeping the melodies sharper. Later on, we're treated to Iron & Wine's more experimental tendencies for several great tunes, especially the slinky, Arabian-esque "Serpent Charmer," and the darkly emotional "Arms of a Thief," which feels most at home with Beam's music on Shepherd's Dog.

The whole project is brought to a close with the nearly ten minute epic, "Trapeze Swinger," a familiar tune to many fans, but a welcome addition just the same and another good reason to consider Around the Well as a worthwhile release despite its inconsistency. Plus, for a reasonable nine or ten dollars, you're getting plenty of bang for your buck.

Download "Belated Promise Ring" from the record's second disc for a preview.

Review: Horse Feathers - House With No Home (* * * * 1/2)

I'm not sure what the deal is with all of these amazing folk albums being released this year. Maybe I'm just paying more attention, or perhaps the folk music movement is gaining momentum, or maybe the muses have been working overtime to bring us such an impressive array of quality tunes. Whatever the reason, 2008 has been a great year so far, and with this new release by Horse Feathers it gets even better.

Justin Ringle, the singing/songwriting force behind Horse Feathers, sings and writes in a style reminiscent of many past and present folk artists, including Bon Iver and Iron & Wine. Like them, Ringle is primarily concerned with creating mood and atmosphere to make impressions. However, instead of completely embracing music in loneliness and isolation like so many of his peers, he works closely with people like multi-instrumentalist Peter Broderick to arrange and fill out his otherwise sparse acoustic songs with violin, cello and banjo, enhancing the gorgeous melodies and haunting vocals.

The resulting bittersweet sound pervades the album's 11 tracks. Sadness, anger and frustration all take their turn, but never depression. While a few songs, like "Heathen's Kiss," the album's most tense track, sound genuinely dark, somehow Ringle allows the feeling of peace to distill the more disquieting moments, as on the gentle "Helen" and the rollicking "This Is What. The songs swell gently, building momentum and then subsiding as if being exhaled. Ringle's soft tenor voice is just strong enough to carry emotional weight, and at times he almost fades into the background with his songs. Occasionally, cellist Heather Broderick brings further beauty with some well-placed vocal harmony, as on "Working Poor," a definite highlight.

House With No Home requires a certain amount of attention to be fully enjoyed, but with each careful listen the songs appreciate. Horse Feathers have created a truly unique and stunning experience; a quiet triumph that should not be overlooked.

Favorite Tracks: "Rude to Rile, "Working Poor," "This Is What"