For two decades, Samuel Beam has been releasing music as Iron & Wine. His official debut album The Creek Drank the Cradle was released in 2002 on Sub Pop—but in a different reality, that may not have been his official first album. A month from today, Beam and Sub Pop will release the “lost-in-time” actual debut called Tallahassee; Archive Series Volume no. 5.
The collection of songs was recorded from 1998 to 1999, when Beam attended Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts. Its 11 tracks were saved by Beam’s former roommate and past Iron & Wine member EJ Holowicki, who worked as both engineer and bassist on Tallahassee.
The first glimpse we’re getting at these lost recordings is the serene, acoustic-based “Calm on the Valley.” It’s a track that fits right in with the early releases of Iron & Wine—a folky balm featuring pastoral critters and the melancholic feeling of loss twilight inspires.
Listen below.
