Damien Rice + Iron & WIne

In 2014, twelve years since his magnificent debut album ‘O’ and eight since the follow-up ‘9’, Damien Rice finally released his long-awaited third album. ‘My Favourite Faded Fantasy’ (co-produced by Rick Rubin) more than lives up to the raw delicacy of ‘The Blower’s Daughter’ and the majesty of ‘Cannonball’. Iron & Wine is the work of Sam Beam, a former Florida cinematography teacher who has turned into an unlikely folk star in recent years. Beam's music doesn't exactly peel out of the starting gate. Still, there is resonance in his restraint, and an aching loveliness in his quiet confessions.