Home → Iron & Wine → Around the Well
Around the Well
Folk · 2009

Around the Well

Iron & Wine

A captivating compilation of early, unreleased tracks and B-sides from Iron & Wine, 'Around the Well' offers an intimate glimpse into Sam Beam's evolving artistry. It's a treasure trove of hushed acou

Find on Amazon

'Around the Well' is like finding a forgotten box of old photographs, each one a tender, sepia-toned memory.

'Around the Well' is like finding a forgotten box of old photographs, each one a tender, sepia-toned memory. This compilation gathers the quiet, often lo-fi origins of Iron & Wine, presenting a collection of unreleased tracks and B-sides that feel deeply personal and profoundly intimate. Sam Beam's signature whispered baritone and intricate acoustic guitar work are at their most vulnerable here, creating a soundscape that is both melancholic and serenely beautiful. It's an essential listen for anyone who cherishes the delicate artistry of early Iron & Wine, offering a window into the evolution of a singular folk voice. Critics widely praised its ability to provide valuable context and reinforce Beam's consistent songwriting prowess, even in these unearthed gems.

Around the Well · vs · Iron & Wine
Melancholic+1.6σ

Melancholic saturates this record notably more than the artist's norm.

Moments Worth Waiting For
The way a simple, intricate acoustic guitar line can suddenly blossom with a subtle, layered vocal harmony, creating an unexpected moment of warmth and depth.
A particularly fragile, whispered vocal delivery on a track that feels like a private confession, drawing the listener intimately close.
The sparse, almost skeletal arrangement of certain songs, where every note and breath feels deliberate and heavy with meaning, often punctuated by a distant, melancholic cello.
The unexpected shift in mood on a track that moves from a stark, solitary acoustic beginning to a slightly more fleshed-out, albeit still gentle, folk rock arrangement, hinting at future sonic explorations.
Reviews
BBC Music
Read review
Pitchfork
Read review
AllMusic
Read review

Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →