In the Reins

Calexico and Iron & Wine | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 13, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Overcoat Recordings
• ASIN: B000AMJD8I
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,222 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #46 in Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo-Fi > Lo-Fi

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In the Reins features Sam Beam of Iron & Wine and Calexico aiming to combine the best of each of their 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 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 Sweeny 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 from the bedroom into Calexico's full-on cinematic marquee limelight--something there is great potential for with this exciting grouping.--Gabi Knight

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 situations, that recording didn't happen. Finally, after much acclaim for both bands, recording for 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. These tracks offer something new and exciting beyond what the listener has come to expect from either act. Overcoat. 2005.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like Peanut Butter and Chocolate, December 26, 2008

By 

S. Finefrock (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In the Reins (Audio CD)

Two of my favorite artists over the last few years have been Sam beam's Iron and Wine and the Tucson, AZ band Calexico. On IN THE REINS they team up to make some great music that dovetails the strengths of the two artists, while covering their weaker aspects.

Calexico has made some breathtaking music by combining eclectic influences such as mariachi music and jazz into their folk-rock stew. Their music resembles the Southwest where they live with a wide open sound. Their cinematic music has a broad enough palette to move in several directions and still retain their distinct personality. If their music has a fault, it's that their lyrics can sometimes fall short of the high standard of their instrumental work.

Iron & Wine on the other hand features the great songwriting of Sam Beam. At this point in his career, he delivered his sublime songs in a whispered acoustic manner that reminds one of Nick Drake or early Elliott Smith. If his early work has a fault, it's that it sometimes needs more dramatic arrangements to differentiate one song from the next.

By collaborating here, both bands mesh their strengths together. The opening track HE LAYS IN THE REINS gives the full Calexico treatment including a dramatic Flamenco vocal that definitely wakes the listener up. From there, it's highlight after highlight with Beam's delicate songs getting just the right amount of instrumental support to make them shine. Elements of Latin, country and jazz wrap onto the bluesy folk rock songs like a custom velvet glove. I'm sure that the experience of this recording encouraged Iron and Wine to tear down its musical boundaries on the excellent THE SHEPHERD'S DOG which was recorded after this in 2007.

This is a definite highlight of both artists' careers; the only drawback is that it's an EP, not a full length release. One can only hope that their paths will cross again.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Release!!, September 15, 2005

By 

Barry Wilkerson "BarryW" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Reins (Audio CD)

Like the above reviewer I was a little worried about this one but for the opposite reason. I love Calexico and had never heard Iron and Wine so I was concerned the band was taking some new direction from the stuff I have really grown to love. I have since been listening to some Iron and Wine and realy like it as well. This EP is fantastic and sounds like they have bee together for a long time, not just as a novelty. Can't wait for the concert!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful - A Perfect Blend, February 5, 2006

By 

Shambalagala - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Reins (Audio CD)

This album is absolutely beautiful. The full musical sound and talent of Calexico together with the soothing warm vocals of Iron & Wine make the perfect match.

It's almost unheard of that I love EVERY song on an album, but this one makes the cut. Each song wraps you in a warm trance, a coccoon of well-being. It has a really positive emotional effect on me. It creates an ambiance of gentle strength.

Wonderful. I really hope to see a these two bands getting together for more albums.