In The Reins - Iron & Wine/Calexico > Reviews > Iron & Wine/Calexico - In The Reins

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Two of country music's finest join forces
Disadvantages:	It might not happen again

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Epic.

That's one way of describing the 2005 collaboration between Florida based alt. country artist Iron & Wine (real name Sam Beam) and Tucson, Arizona country/latin/jazz etc. band Calexico. Wriiten entirely by Beam, this record showcases not just his ear for a melodic winner but also Calexico's ability to wrap their baked desert sound around Iron & Wine's swampy, lo-fi balladry.

Here's hoping this isn't the last time these two share a recording studio.

1. He Lays In The Reins: acoustic guitar flourishes and horse clopping in this Spaghetti Western opener. And wait, what's this? An almost operatic Spanish vocal, fuelled by its owner's conviction? That'll be the guy who does the horse clopping then. With his mouth.

2. Prison On Route 41: slide guitar aplenty as Beam's banjo slows things down. A wonderful shared harmonica/whistling solo evokes images of dusty mid-west highways at sunset. Dreamy.

3. A History Of Lovers: A purposeful rhythm section drives this sunny tune with darker lyrical implications. Burns and Beam's harmonies almost defy belief, while the horn section is given a triumphant workout. And whoever that is playing piano is having far too much fun.

4. Red Dust: does exactly what it says on the tin - a dusty intro with Beam's weary vocal backed by wriggling guitar riff soon turns into a rollicking improv jam and proceeds to kick sand in faces. Yeehaw!

5. 16, Maybe Less: executed perfectly, Sam Beam tells of a childhood sweetheart he's longing for as he realises he is not happy with his lot. Never going beyond a whisper, he is backed by wistful slide guitar, staccato electric and a starry sky above the Western plains.

6. Burn That Broken Bed: A smoky jazz number employing the trumpet magic of Calexico's Jacob Valenzuela and Martin Wenk. After starting steadily with gorgeous vocal interplay, the horns take over and push this track ever skyward to a breathtaking climax.

7. Dead Man's Will: A heartbreaking tale of a dying man's final wishes and regrets, Calexico lend only their voices and vibraphone to the best track here. Recorded in Beam's usual lo-fi style, it exudes a warmth and charm that belies the gritty message behind the lyrics. Stunning.