Around the Well is a collection of “rarities” from Iron & Wine: outtakes, B-sides, soundtrack cuts, demos. Considering the low profile of the “band” in question (really singer-songwriter Sam Beam with whomever he chooses to collaborate), it’s merely a handy-dandy assembly of stray tracks that loyal fans will want in order to complete their collection. Everything that makes Beam such an attractive performer is here. The soft, whispered vocals, the impeccable finger-picked acoustics, the thoughtful enigmatic lyrics, the laidback, chilling melodies all coalesce into a formidable whole. If these are “leftovers,” then Beam is one solid, prolific songwriter. Covers of the Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights” (featured in the film Garden State) and the Flaming Lips’ “Waitin’ for a Superman” add to the intrigue factor. The 23 tracks begin with mostly quiet, unadorned acoustic tunes (“Loud As Hope” is simply gorgeous) with slide guitar and hushed arrangements, eventually expanding into fuller band excursions such as “Kingdom of the Animals” where piano and electric slide spike the punch. 

Tracklisting

1. Dearest Forsaken
2. Morning
3. Loud As Hope
4. Peng! 33
5. Sacred Vision
6. Friends They Are Jewels
7. Hickory
8. Waitin’ For A Superman
9. Swans And The Swimming
10. Call Your Boys
11. Such Great Heights
12. Communion Cups & Someone’s Coat
13. Belated Promise Ring
14. God Made The Automobile
15. Homeward, These Shoes
16. Love Vigilantes
17. Sinning Hands
18. No Moon
19. Serpent Charmer
20. Carried Home
21. Kingdom Of The Animals
22. Arms Of A Thief
23. The Trapeze Swinger

Apple Music

Videos

Iron and Wine - Love Vigilantes (a New Order cover)

More Videos

• Iron and Wine - Such Great Heights (a Postal Service cover)
• Iron and Wine - The Trapeze Swinger
• Iron and Wine - Carried Home
• Belated Promise Ring - Iron & Wine
• Iron and Wine - Swans And The Swimming
• Around The Well [Iron & Wine, 2009]
• Peng! 33

Release Images

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Release Information