'Lion's Mane,' Iron and Wine
From 2002's 'The Creek Drank the Cradle'

It was in the bittersweet last months of college when I first heard Iron and Wine, and I was immediately warmed by the voice of Sam Beam. 'Lion's Mane' is the first track on the breakout album, 'The Creek Drank the Cradle,' from this then Floridian professor of film. It's acoustic and gentle, and sounds and feels just like a lion's mane -- welI , I'd imagine -- which could be comforting or scary, depending on who you ask.

The tune itself is about love and desire, expressed by beautiful and heartfelt lyrics. "The earth is warmer when you laugh," Beam sings. "So I'll clear the road, the gravel and the thorn bush in your path."

With a banjo and slide guitar, the song feels nothing more than wholesome, which I suppose makes me nostalgic for time passed.

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