The first two Iron and Wine albums were very intimate affairs. Recorded in Sam Beam’s house, The Creek Drank the Cradle (2002) and Our Endless Numbered Days (2004) are considered classics of the neo-folk movement.

Unsurprisingly, his later approach has been to go for a fuller sound, with his latest albums recorded in studios as his budget grew. He lost a few people along the way, which is a pity, as his whispered husky vocals are just as inviting, and he hasn’t lost the knack of writing a beautiful tune.

Dave Clarke