The Borders of Things

Bones of Iron and Blood of Wine: Sam Beam as American Prophet

I've been told that the philosopher Stanley Cavell opposes literary and artistic criticism on the grounds that it is violence. To critically analyze a work is to do it an injustice; criticism is derivative, secondary, and inferior. In many ways I disagree with Dr. Cavell's position, except when it comes to Iron and Wine. I don't know how you can speak about Sam Beam and his music. Seeing him in concert last night reiterated this belief.

Sam's set reminded me of a church service, for it is only in such a service that I have seen so many people so utterly silent, listening to one man and a guitar. The music, so simple and so pure, mixed with his unbelievably haunting voice, filled the room like a spirtual presence. I feel like I could have stayed there forever.

As outstanding as his original recordings are, Beam had no problem abandoning the arrangements from the albums for new ones. Not necessarily better, but just different, and equally remarkable. The confidence to do this shows, I think, his commitment to his art and his understanding of it. Of course, there was his voice to provide a sense of continuity. His sweet, sweeping, voice like a ghost from another world. High, low, silent, driving, whispering at times. It gives me chills.

His music is only surpassed by his poetry. And that is where my criticism falls particularly short. Beam's lyrics are captivating, can stand independently of anything else, and yet are remarkably performative -- no one sings them like he does. Moreover, they are the best sort of poetry because the transcend any common definition of poetic meaning. We can detect themes, forces that run throughout, threads of cultural and aesthetic narrative, but we cannot capture these forces. The significance is always outside/inside you; they possess you. Every time I listen to his songs, a new labyrinth of metaphor strikes me.

But I can't talk about it. How can we talk about words that themselves are beyond complete understanding? I think I am being intentionally theological here; Beam is, I believe, a secular prophet of the highest caliber. All good poets are.

Go listen to his albums. I have nothing else to say.

Posted by pjaussen at December 13, 2004 04:31 PM