Archive Series Volume No. 1 cover

Archive Series Volume No. 1

Iron & Wine · 2015

61 min · 16 tracks · country · folk

A tender collection of introspective folk melodies, rich with poignant storytelling and delicate instrumentation.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its exploration of unreleased material that provides insight into Iron & Wine's artistic process. It received positive critical reception, highlighting Beam's intricate songwriting and emotional depth, further solidifying his impact on the folk genre during a time when indie music was gaining mainstream attention.
Career context
By the time 'Archive Series Volume No. 1' was released in January 2015, Iron & Wine, led by Sam Beam, had established himself as a prominent figure in the indie folk scene following his breakthrough album 'The Shepherd's Dog' in 2007. This compilation showcases previously unreleased tracks, reflecting Beam's continued evolution as an artist while revisiting earlier works that shaped his sound.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Slow Black River Standout 2:28
  • 2 The Wind Is Low 3:33
  • 3 Eden 2:43
  • 4 Two Hungry Blackbirds Standout 5:09
  • 5 Freckled Girl 2:45
  • 6 Judgement 5:40
  • 7 Sing Song Bird 1:45
  • 8 Beyond the Fence 6:40
  • 9 Quarters in a Pocket 3:52
  • 10 Loretta 2:55
  • 11 Everyone's Summer of '95 Standout 3:10
  • 12 Minor Piano Keys 5:18
  • 13 Your Sly Smile 3:22
  • 14 Halfway to Richmond 5:20
  • 15 Wade Across the Water 2:05
  • 16 Postcard 4:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata