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In The Reins [EP] - Iron & Wine + Calexico
User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12

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  1. CherylP
    Nov 28, 2005
    9
    I've always liked Calexico and I've enjoyed some of Iron & Wine, but Iron & Wine can sometimes be too sleepy for me. This collaboration is truly beautiful.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. GaryE
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    Just as "you've got chocolate in my peanut butter" now we have "you've got Calexico in my Iron & Wine" acheiving mutually delicious heights seemingly made for each other.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. romanmc
    Jan 24, 2006
    8
    It's pleasant listening. The first track, the last track, and the middle of the EP is the strength, especially "Red Dust." The way Iron and Wine's acoustic blues riff accelerates in tempo and Calexico steps in with its rhythm section is a credit to how well these two acts meshed. "Prison on Route 41" and "Sixteen, Maybe Less" are both a little too much on the 'precious'; side and should be avoided for those who quickly fall asleep to Iron and Wine.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. radar
    Oct 14, 2005
    10
    Why don't all artists only release EP's? This is how it's supposed to be done. Only 7 tracks - only quality!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. StevenL
    Oct 2, 2005
    9
    I'd never heard of Calexico prior to this release, but I must say that the two bands certainly compliment eachother (unless Calexico is AMAZING by themselves, which they very well could be). It's short, but hell, it's an EP. Very satisfying.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. AndyP
    Sep 19, 2005
    9
    Really great move for both bands. The added flavor and tempo of Calexico makes Iron and Wine even more amazing.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    The best parts of Iron & Wine songs are almost always the bridges between chorus and verse or the outros, the spaces void of singing where Beam adds subtle riffs on top of the normal progression... They are the sharpest hooks, and, unfortunately, Calexico pretty much cuts out the effect of these bridges on In the Reins, replacing them with dull saxophones, harmonicas, trumpets, and ill-defined electric guitar parts.
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  2. Prefix Magazine
    70
    A solid set of tunes with some interesting musical elements not typically present in Beam's dynamic.
    Read full review
  3. All Music Guide
    80
    Fans of both bands will want to get In the Reins because it rates favorably with their best work.
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