Woman King Review

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(More customer reviews)If you have kept your radar programmed for news about Sam Bean/Iron and Wine, you've probably read about the changes in his sound for this EP. For faithful fans who haven't heard this album yet, I will assuage any fears you might harbor of Iron And Wine having stray from the hushed Americana path.
There's indeed a bit of exploration toward fiercer musical territories, particularly on Woman King and Evening On The Ground with its more intense pace than the usual fare -even an electric guitar here and there!- yet none of it would seem unrecognizable to the long-time listener.
Overall, this is some of the music that Mr. Beam does so well, Folk and Country-tinged melodies sung in a hushed and moving tone with warm acoustic guitars behind it, now subtly accompanied by some bass lines and, at times, measured percussion.
Of course, this is not bad news. At least for me, if he were to continue to release albums in the style of The Creek Drank The Craddle, I'd continue to buy his music.
Speaking of his gorgeous debut, two songs here -Jezebel and My Lady's House- not only may remind you of The Creek Drank The Craddle, you may actually conclude that these beautiful compositions have nothing to envy the former set of songs.
Overall, this is a very respectable follow up to Our Numbered Days -his second album- and worth owning, although it may not take his sound to new altitudes. That's OK, the height at which this music hovers is high enough for me.

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This Latest Release is Striking Both for Its Broadened Palette and Its Thematic Focus on Female Characters Both Archetypal and Personal.

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Michigan Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a stunning album which, in different ways on this page, has already been pretty well documented. It is wonderful, promising, and somewhat ironic that a number of the best recordings of recent date have been made by young musicians and composers, both women and men -in addition to Stevens, Laura Veirs, Vetiver, Devendra Barnhart ... the list could go on!- mostly in their own bedrooms, on a shoe-string budget and not having to count, in most cases, on big name producers nor virtuoso session players.
What can you expect from this album? Some of the most beautiful, open-hearted and downright honest music being made today.
You, like me no doubt, will soon acknowledge favorites among these songs, yet because it is meant to be a suite about the, at times beleaguered, state of Michigan, it ought to be appreciated as a whole as it was intended by Sufjan Stevens; and, because I would not want to taint your listening experience with my preferences.
If you can afford it, buy it -and buy it new- so this guy gets some money for this gift of an album. If you must borrow music, try Sting or Madonna ... I'm sure they can manage on their savings.

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Natural Forces Review

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(More customer reviews)I own every album that Lyle Lovett has ever made, and I waited anxiously for this new release. Unfortunately, it's not his best work. There are still the ballads in his unique voice that grace every album, but they're not HIS songs. He's used other songwriters for some songs (not a problem on his "Step Inside This House" album) but on "Natural Fores" the choices seem a bit thin on emotional stirrings. Lyle is an amazing songwriter, and I prefer his touching words to almost anyone's. That being said.....the songs he did write on this album are ridiculously childish! Normally every album has a "quirky" or "fun" song or two, but they always tell a great story, albeit in a light-hearted way. The goofy songs he chose to put on this album are just...dumb. "Keep It In Your Pantry" is repetitive and nonsensical (though the acoustic version is the better of the two versions). "Farmer Brown", while a nice reel, is not my choice for labeling a "good Lyle Lovett song".
That being said, there is still his wonderful voice and style, and "Empty Blue Shoes" is up there with his best work. "It's Rock And Roll" was a great rockin' treat. This album earned 3 stars because it's Lyle Freakin' Lovett, and he's awesome. Not his best, but he's still better than almost anyone out there, so I'll purchase everything he puts up for sale!

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Natural Forces showcases Lyle's unwavering songwriting alongside amazing songs from such Texas writers as Eric Taylor, Don Sanders,Tommy Elskes, David Ball, Vince Bell, Robert Earl Keen, and the legendary Townes Van Zandt. Produced by Billy Williams and Lyle Lovett

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