Around the Well cover

Around the Well

Iron & Wine · 2009

93 min · 23 tracks · country · folk

A tender tapestry of folk melodies and introspective lyrics woven together with intricate instrumentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective moments of quiet reflection
  • dynamic exploration with emotional peaks
  • tender melodies for cozy evenings
  • headphone detail hunting on long
  • gentle waves of soothing sound

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking high-energy party vibes
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Around the Well is a compilation album released in 2009, following Iron & Wine's acclaimed album The Shepherd's Dog from 2007. This collection showcases previously unreleased tracks alongside live recordings, illuminating the evolution of Sam Beam's songwriting during his rise to prominence in the indie folk scene. At this point in his career, Beam was solidifying his reputation as a poignant storyteller and an influential figure in folk music.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Nick Drake· Fleet Foxes

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Dearest Forsaken 3:49
  • 2 Morning 2:41
  • 3 Loud as Hope 2:56
  • 4 Peng! 33 3:28
  • 5 Sacred Vision 3:19
  • 6 Friends They Are Jewels 4:14
  • 7 Hickory 4:35
  • 8 Waitin' for a Superman 4:34
  • 9 Swans and the Swimming 3:24
  • 10 Call Your Boys 3:47
  • 11 Such Great Heights 4:11

Disc 2

  • 1 Communion Cups and Someone's Coat 2:02
  • 2 Belated Promise Ring 3:45
  • 3 God Made the Automobile 3:54
  • 4 Homeward, These Shoes 1:34
  • 5 Love Vigilantes 3:26
  • 6 Sinning Hands 5:30
  • 7 No Moon 4:15
  • 8 Serpent Charmer 2:39
  • 9 Carried Home 6:31
  • 10 Kingdom of the Animals 5:05
  • 11 Arms of a Thief 3:41
  • 12 The Trapeze Swinger 9:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata