In The Reins [EP]
by Iron & Wine + Calexico
  • Record Label: Overcoat
  • Release Date: Sep 13, 2005
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14

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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.
  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.
  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 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
  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!
  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.
  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.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

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.
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  3. AllMusic
    80
    Fans of both bands will want to get In the Reins because it rates favorably with their best work.
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