The Creek Drank the Cradle

( 6 )

Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Tim Sendra
Iron and Wine's debut record, The Creek Drank the Cradle, is written, produced, and performed by Sam Beam and features only Beam's voice, a gently strummed acoustic guitar, some slide guitar, and the occasional banjo. Iron and Wine creates intimate and emotional songs, recorded bedroom-style but never letting the lo-fi get in the way of the tune. The obvious comparison has to be Lou Barlow/Sebadoh/Sentridoh, as they share the same breathy voice, melancholy outlook on life, and devotion to Nick Drake. The difference is that there are no traces of punk rock or noise for the sake of noise in Iron and Wine's music. Beam isn't interested in rocking out or obscuring the beauty ...
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Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Tim Sendra
Iron and Wine's debut record, The Creek Drank the Cradle, is written, produced, and performed by Sam Beam and features only Beam's voice, a gently strummed acoustic guitar, some slide guitar, and the occasional banjo. Iron and Wine creates intimate and emotional songs, recorded bedroom-style but never letting the lo-fi get in the way of the tune. The obvious comparison has to be Lou Barlow/Sebadoh/Sentridoh, as they share the same breathy voice, melancholy outlook on life, and devotion to Nick Drake. The difference is that there are no traces of punk rock or noise for the sake of noise in Iron and Wine's music. Beam isn't interested in rocking out or obscuring the beauty that bursts from within his simple songs; he embraces it and lets his sadness twist in the wind for all to see. Besides, his vocal harmonies are more soft rock than punk rock. "Lion's Mane" opens the record and immediately takes your breath away as Beam's voice is so beautiful and his hooks are razor sharp. Every song that follows is just as memorable, Beam sounding positively angelic as he harmonizes with himself. "The Rooster Moans" is a chilling side trip into Appalachian folk; "Southern Anthem" a falsetto-led indie-gospel track with an absolutely soaring chorus. The simple musical backing never gets boring either, as there are musical hooks to match the vocal hooks -- the banjo in "Lion's Mane," the double-tracked repeating slide at the end of "Faded from the Winter," the gently chugging rhythm of "Upward Over the Mountain." As soon as the almost jaunty, Neil Young-esque album closer, "Muddy Hymnal," ends, you'll want to hit repeat and start again. The Creek Drank the Cradle is a stunning debut and one of the best records of 2002.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 9/24/2002
  • Label: Sub Pop
  • UPC: 098787060027
  • Catalog Number: 600
  • Sales rank: 13,411

Album Credits

Performance Credits
Iron & Wine Primary Artist
Technical Credits
Rick Fisher Mastering
Samuel Beam Producer, Engineer
Kim Black Etching
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 6 )
Rating Distribution

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(5)

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Sort by: Showing all of 6 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Creek Drank the Cradle

    I bought this LP because I was told that Iron & Wine sounded something like Will Oldham, which is absolutely not the case. Nevertheless, the second I began listening to this album, I knew i'd made a great mistake. Very soft, very beautiful melodies. And.. I just can't stop listening to track two. If you're going to buy or try an album by Iron & Wine, this is probably a good place to start. Great album all over. The vocals are very peaceful, relaxing... you'll enjoy this if you like this kind of music at all. Hope I was helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    i'm obsessed

    i love this album. it's my first iron & wine, and i'm asking for the second for my birthday! if you like folk music or anything related you will probably like this album.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 4, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 30, 2009

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 22, 2009

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    Posted November 22, 2009

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Sort by: Showing all of 6 Customer Reviews