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In The Reins [EP]
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In The Reins [EP] Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: This mini-album finds seven new originals written and sung by Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) with Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino performing as his backing band.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Drawer B
    90
    Gorgeous, lush, and surprisingly optimistic.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Heartbreaking and haunting. [23 Sep 2005, p.90]
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  3. Junkmedia
    80
    While In The Reins bears the unmistakable imprint of both Calexico and Iron and Wine, these collaborators donâ??t seem to be interested in playing it all that safe.
  4. Stylus Magazine
    75
    In The Reins is intelligent but natural, different but not queer.
  5. ShakingThrough.net
    74
    In the Reins will please fans of both Beam and Calexico, and perhaps bring crossover business to each.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    70
    A solid set of tunes with some interesting musical elements not typically present in Beam's dynamic.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    These country-blues laments are seriously sleepy-eyed. [10 Sep 2005, p.66]
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See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. 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!
  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 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.… Expand
  4. 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.
  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 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.… Expand
  6. 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 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.… Expand
  7. 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 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