Music Review: “The Desert Babbler” by Iron and Wine

album cover

TRACK 2

“The Desert Babbler”

From Iron and Wine’s Ghost on Ghost

NONESUCH

Liner notes: Never mind the knotty lyrics. Instead, bask in the radiant warmth of Sam Beam’s gorgeous melodies, and if the summery vocal harmonies and mellow horns don’t bring a tear to your eye, check those vital signs.

Behind the music: Raised in South Carolina, Beam took his stage name from a throwback dietary supplement called Beef, Iron and Wine. In addition to cutting five studio albums, he’s collaborated with sagebrush rockers Calexico on an EP.

Check it out if you like: Thoughtful types like Bon Iver, Bright Eyes, and Elliott Smith.

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And the essential ingredient that makes all this possible? Readers like you.

It’s reader support that enables Mother Jones to devote the time and resources to report the facts that are too difficult, expensive, or inconvenient for other news outlets to uncover. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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