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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GREAT JOURNALISM, SLOW FUNDRAISING

Our team has been on fire lately—publishing sweeping, one-of-a-kind investigations, ambitious, groundbreaking projects, and even releasing “the holy shit documentary of the year.” And that’s on top of protecting free and fair elections and standing up to bullies and BS when others in the media don’t.

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So, two things:

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