Iron and Wine - “Tree By The River”

This song, from Iron and Wine’s latest Kiss Each Other Clean, takes Sam Beam’s signature gentle vocals and places them atop a throwback sound — a little doo-wop and hints of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound. By evolving his sound throughout his four records, Beam has created a tradition of experimentation, but based around simple songs, harmonies, and themes of the Gothic South and childhood memory. With this latest offering, the Dripping Springs resident expands on his sound, throwing in bits of Fela Kuti, soul, and seventies Krautrock, all wrapped up in a sound that continues to entertain and surprise. Read Amanda Petrusich’s great article on Beam here. 

Calexico - “Alone Again Or”

This cover of the classic Love song gives it the signature Calexico treatment - taking listeners on a trip through the American Southwest. Though they impose their sound on this 60’s psychedelic rock tune rom their EP Convict Pool, it keeps the spirit of the Arthur Lee-penned original. Also worth checking out is In The Reins, Calexico’s collaboration with Sam Beam of Iron & Wine.

Iron and Wine - “Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car”

Many first experienced Iron & Wine from his cover of The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights” on the Garden State soundtrack. The entire Iron & Wine discography has a dark and eerily beautiful sound that Sam Beam has made his staple, from his first record The Creek Drank the Cradle to this 2007 album, The Shepherd’s Dog, which was produced in his new home studio outside of Austin.