There is something particularly daunting about reviewing an album that is split into a two CD set. Each clearly has its own identity, in this case disc one sultry home recordings and disc two studio sessions. Each generally contains memorable songs that stick out from the rest of the tracks. Each particular CD makes it case for the “best one.” Yet, an artist generally makes the task easier for a listener by having disc one flow nicely into disc two creating a delicate flow of music throughout. But, Mr. Sam Beam (me up Scotty, my nickname for him) kindly decided to throw out normal conventions, like he has done throughout his long musical career, and instead, with “Around The Well” he has created two widely different albums with his two discs of B-Sides and Rarities. For the purpose of this inadequate review let us call Disc One “Amazing” and Disc Two “Amazinger.” Yes, it is a made up word and no I am not that stupid. You see there is no proper English term to describe how monumental Disc Two is. It is like I just stepped into a portal where there was no war, Dunkin Donuts Coffee Rolls were healthy, and the Mets were World Series Champions. Since there is no such portal I will settle with these discs to comfort me as I come back to reality.
Disc Amazing can easily be defined by “Such Great Heights” which many may know as that song by “The Postal Service.” Beam throughout this album includes many well placed covers and like “Such Great Heights” he turns these songs into his own masterpiece. Beam maintains the remarkable ability to twist a popular song into something so unrecognizable you will almost be tricked into believing it is actually his song. “Such Great Heights,” which also appeared in the movie “Garden State,” (wow two straight days of Zach Braff references, I am on a roll) is a mellow tune with a homely feel. It is defined by a soft acoustic picking and Beam’s whispered grainy voice merging melodically with the guitar and the constant harmony. Yet, while many may point to this track as Disc Amazing’s number one contribution there is one song that really should gain this credit. “Swans And The Swimming,” features Beam’s soft falsetto which rolls off his tongue like a timid plea and mixes with the lower harmony with such precision you are left alone staring off into space while you get lost in the guitar combinations defining notes that hit like bullets. And the lyrical work, “oh how the rain sounds as light as a lover’s word and now and again she’s afraid when the sun returns.” It is hard to out duel a song like that. But, Beam never seems to fail in surprising his listeners.
Disc Amazinger begins with a faster paced and oddly titled “Communication Cups and Someone’s Coat,” where one can immediately feel the studio’s touch. It is short, only two minutes long, but a study recently showed the perfect song length is around two minutes thirty seconds. The study gave much credit to the average human attention span which is that closer to my goldfish when it comes to music. The song, and its following track “Belated Promise Ring,” portray the necessity for catchy melodies that can swiftly gain the interest of listeners. Beam obviously understands this concept and captures listeners with his bass licks, guitar progressions, and the sweetest of vocal harmonies. Yet, these songs remain only mere appetizers to the nine minute epic “The Trapeze Swinger” which clearly defined both the album and sends Disc Amazinger into the ultimate and rare realm of “Holy Moly This is Godly.” “The Trapeze Swinger,” begins lulling you into a relaxed state with a simple chord progression and an angelic choir of tender voices crowding the background. Beam strings together lyrics like a puppeteer and truly manipulates the listener in a good way. You long for a lyricist and singer to manipulate your musical senses. The song is simply powerful, effective, and structured perfectly and you will read more about it in the Song of The Day section #2 coming up shortly.
This album can be bought on Itunes and I really suggest you to at least spend the money to buy “The Trapeze Swinger” and “Swans And The Swimming.” Totally worth it.
The Music Court 