Recently, I've made a pact with myself to never again purchase an album with an oxy-moronic title. This is due solely to the fact that usually the majority of emphasis can be placed on the word moronic. But, like any rule there exists a few exceptions, and surprisingly this album is one of them. Rather than sending my life into a state of bewilderment caused by baffling symbolism, the Iron and Wine cast offered me the comfort of clarity.
Front man Sam Beam, who bears a frightening likeness to a certain Home Improvement character, gently whispers intimate secrets over all twelve of the beautiful composed tracks. At certain points during the album I questioned whether he should stick to indie-folk music, or take up a career reading prophesies in creepy apocalyptic B-movies. Maybe I'll drop him an email with the suggestion.
The album opens up with "On Your Wings", an eerie tune that seems fitting to serve as a soundtrack for chain gang members to smash rocks to. When I first heard the song I was concerned that the rest of the album would follow its dark and melancholy lead, but as the album progressed its emotional state continually jumped between different highs and lows. An experience that is far too similar to many of our lives. Thankfully, there are strategically placed tracks like "Sunset Soon Forgotten" that allow the listener to come up for air, and bask in the warmth of reminiscence.
Although, the squeaky clean production on Our Endless Numbered Days is a far cry from the hissing four-track that captured Beam's debut The Creek Drank the Cradle (2002), no intimacy was lost during the treacherous journey into the digital world. It's the same ol' Southern themes combined with the same haunting voice, except now polished and ready for Sub Pop induced domination.
The most remarkable aspect of this album is its simplicity. The song "Radio War" is composed of no more than a few chords, yet it is strikingly powerful. In the age switchboards, turntables, pedals, processors, and other complex gadgets its refreshing to hear an album that is so simple, and - gulp - real. There is a certain subtle feeling that is derived from each track on the album, an existing allure that is both strong and intoxicating. Is this a direct link between the album content and the name of the band, or just a clever play on words - why don't you decide.
