Author: CALEXICO / IRON & WINE

Format: Import

Release Date: 13-09-2005

Details: Product Description Three years ago, Iron And Wine's Sam Beam entertained the idea of recording with Calexico founding members Joey Burns and John Convertino as the backing band for what would have become his debut record. Due to unavoidable circumstances, that recording didn't happen. Finally, after much acclaim for both bands, the recording of IN THE REINS took place in December of 2004. It's a collaborative affair that features seven Sam originals with the backing of the full Calexico band and vocals by Joey Burns. A truly harmonious affair with equal parts Iron And Wine and Calexico to satisfy fans of either or both. Amazon.ca In the Reins features Sam Beam of Iron & Wine and Calexico aiming to combine the best of their respective musical strengths, a collaboration that was discussed by both bands for years but never came together until now. The CD unfolds with Beam's evocative melodies backed by Calexico's blend of mariachi horns, soaring strident pedal steel, and jangly '60s-era reverb guitars; there's even the contribution of Salvador Duran's operatic Flamenco vocals on the first track, "He Lays in the Reins," to really flesh out the Western feel. Given the EP's title, images of being tied or controlled come to mind, especially on "Dead Man's Will," a track that features a nice peppering of vibraphones to round things out at the end. "Red Dust" is reminiscent of the roustabout feel on Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's recent collaboration with Matt Sweeney on Superwolf. Here is a song that begins quietly and opens into a ballsy, four-on-the-floor honky-tonk. On "Burn That Broken Bed," muted trumpets linger in space and the blended band is cautious with dynamics like a seasoned jazz quartet. As a first EP together (though it seems unlikely their last), Calexico and Iron & Wine seem almost tentative. It would be interesting to see Beam nudge the sweet, introverted songs he's mastered in the bedroom into Calexico's full-on cinematic, marquee limelight—something there is great potential for with this exciting pairing. --Gabi Knight

UPC: 036172612826

EAN: 0036172612826

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Note: From a library collection

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood