Customer Reviews

Our Endless Numbered Days

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I first read that "Our Endless Numbered Days", the follow-up to the perfect "The Creek Drank the Cradle," was somewhat of a departure from the Iron & Wine formula, I was skeptical. I loved the lo-fi sound of his first effort and I was afraid that this one might lack that certain intimacy evident in it. However, even though the sound is different, the song thankfully remains the same. Sam Beam no longer records on his four-track in his home; rather, he has made the jump to the recording studio and as a result, that lo-fi sound is admittedly lost, making the songs sound much more sharp and clear. However, the intimate sound and simplicity of the songs is still very much there, with only light arrangements included this time around. But the focus in all the songs is still Sam's pleasant, whispery voice and slide guitar, which is a great thing. What the studio enabled him to do was add nice instrumental touches to various songs, giving the entire album some variety and liveliness, including backing vocals from his sister (Sarah Beam); drums and a tambourine on the great, bluesy "Free Until They Cut Me Down;" and the interesting chants at the end of "Cinder and Smoke." There are also some great acoustic ballads akin to the ones on "Creek Drank the Cradle," such as "Naked As We Came," "Sunset Soon Forgotten," and "Fever Dream," among others. The direction he took for this album seems to be just a natural progression in Beam's career, not an immediate shift in production or values. The bonus CD also features some nice, lo-fi sounding recordings that will make anyone who liked his debut happy. Strongly recommended for established fans (you won't be disappointed) and newcomers alike.

More in line with Nick Drake than Johnny Cash in the country section, here's some more dreary slide guitars, vaguely optimistic finger picking, and guttered vocals to tread the emo-country line, joining Blanche in making 2004 the year country finally realizes its power. Though not quite as precise as Pink Moon, the lyrics and overdubbed vocals of Sam Beam drag you through the mud before the rain falls, taking you through an experience before catharsis can be attained and showing us that, although things may not turn out the way we want them, though we may not remember every sunset, we will grow from them regardless. This CD will bum you out yet, hopefully, help reaffirm your life. The trials and tests of your life can make you stronger and can kill you only if you let them. The beautiful and powerful people of this world don't exist as we do. These people who can bounce from one gorgeous girl or boyfriend to another and/or never have to worry about food or shelter will never have to rely on themselves; they are never abandoned. And when the world ends, and it will, they will end with it. The strugglers, rejects, social retards, the meek cannot as we live out our endless numbered days in search of truth and true love. This is the meaning of spirit.

not much that hasn't already been said about this- without a doubt one of the top albums of the year. Sam is amazing in so many ways. Practically every song is terrific... what a follow up to another album that was a revalation.

See Sam and co. in concert if possible, such a good show.

quiet is the new loud, don't you know.

Sublime and beautiful from start to finish. Sam Beam has managed to go from home to studio and not lose the surreal feeling you get while listening to his music, as with his previous albums. Track 2 is haunting in its' subject and is the lyrical highlight for me, whilst the understated piano on track 10 is brilliant. I constantly find myself replaying tracks over, as with each listen, something new in the mix or lyrics comes to light. Amazing

As always, part of the confusion here is that this album is not for everyone. It may sound a little monotonous on first listen. Play it again once or twice, and the beauty of the subtleties may hit you. If not, maybe this isn't for you.

The critical reviews have been overwhelmingly favorable. Though one less favorable review said it "makes John Mayer sound like Slayer" which is both a pretty good joke and slightly true.

It may help to start with tracks 2. Naked As We Come, 12 Passing Afternoon and maybe 8. Each Coming Night and 10. Fever Dream. By the way, in terms of tunes that work well as single tracks, that you'll play over and over, you could argue this album is better than the first.

In terms of what it sounds like, the nearest I can come is a Southernized version of the first Kings of Convenience album.

I was so happy to get this C.D. It's so much different from what we're fed these days. It puts me in mind of Frazer and DeBolt, another GREAT alternative folk band from the early 70s (Don't even bother trying to find it, folks, and if you do, let me know where). Listen to Frazer and DeBolt, and then listen to X, and tell me they never heard them. Anyway to get back to Iron, and Wine; I heard them for the first time the very day AFTER they played in Philadelphia. I was not too happy. I'll be waiting, but not very patiently for their return. This guy is really in a class by himself. Well, maybe he shares it with Sufyan Stevens. You won't ever hear them on MTV, or the radio, so I guess you're just going to have to hit the "listen" button here on the site, and then you're going to have to get it.

Floridian Sam Beam, mastermind behind Iron and Wine, explores love, religion and the South throughout the 12 laid-back tracks making up Our Endless Numbered Days. While nicely layered with beautiful string arrangements, the album seems stuck, going nowhere from start to finish.

Each song on Our Endless Numbered Days follows the formula of soft, breathy vocals on top of breezy acoustic banjos and guitars. While cool at first, the album soon becomes monotonous. Waiting for an explosion of sound that never comes, coming across Iron and Wine is a frustrating experience of wanting more.

Listening to Our Endless Numbered Days is like listening to your hippie friend with an acoustic guitar: cool while passing a joint on the back porch but not made for extended play.

How can anyone resist mellow guitar with such a tranquil voice? Even if the ear is just skimming the music, it is pleased. If the one wishes to delve deeper into the songs, it will find amazing lyrics and percussion used sparsley, yet perfectly to complement the mood. A must have for anyone searching for some great sound!

This album is a trip in itself. They are the perfect bunch of songs to relax and mellow out to. Sam Beam is probably one of the best singer/songwriters that has graced us with great music in recent times. The whole album seems to have a poigant, melancholy feel to it. It's absolutely great. It's a must have.