Oh My Rockness

Photo by: photo by Kim Black

Sam Beam, also known as Iron and Wine, is clearly the greatest Miami songwriter of all time. Then again, I don't know if I could name another Miami musician. Was Rico Suave from Miami?

Beam is unquestionably near the top of his craft as he creates one hauntingly beautiful song after another. With hushed, intimate, lyrical portraits revealing a depth not seen since the 60's folk movement, it's hard not to resort to cliché and call Beam's work pure poetry. Which is really amazing, because how could you possibly be a poet and a resident of the state of Florida? But Iron and Wine is just that good.

Beam's homemade songs have piercing clarity, leaving you to absorb every fret change and every plucked string. Sam Beam has no desire to use Iron and Wine as a showcase for vocal dexterity; he tells his stories in the only (mono) tone he knows how. And it's perfect.

Published 03/12/10