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Iron & Wine — Peace Beneath the City
Album: The Shepherd's Dog
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1111









Released: 2007
Length: 4:42
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Here's a prayer for the body buried by the interstate
Mother of a soldier, a tree in a forest up in flames
Black valley, peace beneath the city
Where the women hear the washboard rhythm in their bosom when they say
"Give me good legs and a Japanese car and show me a road"

Sing a song for the bodies buried by the riverbank
A well-dressed boy and a pig with a bullet in the brain
Black valley, peace beneath the city
Where the white girls wander the strip mall, singing all day
"Give me a juggernaut heart and a Japanese car and someone to free"

Say something for the body buried like a keepsake
Mother of million mouths with the very same name
Black valley, peace beneath the city
Where the women tell the weather but never ever tell you what they pray
They pray, "Give me a yellow brick road and a Japanese car and benevolent change"
Comments (93)add comment
That occasional buzzing is really distracting.
Posted 2 years ago by talexb    [ Reply ]

At first I thought it was Depeche Mode in a moment of tech deprivation.  Cool song.
Posted 3 years ago by terryweir    [ Reply ]
I've never seen a Javanese car.
Posted 3 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]

He had me at "...bodies buried by the riverbank..." 

But when he whipped out "...body buried like a keepsake..." I was in love. 

8 
Posted 3 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
That "hum" happens to be my girlfriend!!!
Posted 7 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
The electronic hum is interesting but ultimately distracting.

 
Agreed.  PSD.
Posted 7 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
The electronic hum is interesting but ultimately distracting.

 
It's actually a reverse recording of a low piano note...it is odd though.
Posted 8 years ago by molson    [ Reply ]
Double double plus good +
Posted 9 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
The electronic hum is interesting but ultimately distracting.
Posted 9 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
love Iron & Wine. hate the recurring low hum/buzz in this song.  finally had to psd it.
Posted 9 years ago by gofishbish    [ Reply ]
and LYRICS ...
Posted 10 years ago by Amyjacksoncc    [ Reply ]
I must say I cannot get ENOUGH of Iron and Wine ... until I actually have and do ... but really ... I am truly fascinated by the music ... 
Posted 10 years ago by Amyjacksoncc    [ Reply ]
OK, that was strange.
Posted 10 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
 steuss wrote:

Yeah, I was annoyed by the hum as well, perfectly sober this morning.

 

Hmmm...
Posted 10 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
 dig wrote:


Settle down man. You're just having a bad trip. It'll all be OK.

 
Yeah, I was annoyed by the hum as well, perfectly sober this morning.
Posted 11 years ago by steuss    [ Reply ]
 cosmiclint wrote:

Probably because of the delay effect


 
The chanting sing-song also echoes "Do It Again." 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 V-bro wrote:
This song sucks! There's this humming sound in the background that keeps returning and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the further ok song!

It freaks me out!

It's sounds like something electronic is going bad....

Edit: reading back here I see I'm not the only one who complained.{#Silenced}

Edit2: I have listened to the rest of the album and I have to say, It's GOOD!
 

Settle down man. You're just having a bad trip. It'll all be OK.
Posted 11 years ago by dig    [ Reply ]
 rtrudeau wrote:


I'll take BillG's human error any day over the highly programmed crap on FM stations, thankyouverymuch. It's kind of like the lumps in  mashed potatoes - that way you know they're homemade.

And FWIW I like the electronic hum in this song, too. I think it adds nicely to the creepy texture of the song.

 
I like the electronic "drone" as well - it does add to the mood.  Good "lumps".
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
wicked cool.
Posted 12 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
Brilliant segue - sonically and thematically:

MC 900 FT Jesus — The City Sleeps >
Iron & Wine — Peace Beneath the City

Posted 12 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
Slithering
 
Posted 12 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
By far, the best I&W song I've heard. Most of their other stuff reminds me of a feeble attempt to be Simon and Garfunkel wannabees.
Posted 12 years ago by Steve    [ Reply ]
actually echoes Public Image "Pop Tones" for me. "Drive through the forest in a Japanese car" kinda thing
Posted 12 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
 rtrudeau wrote:


I'll take BillG's human error any day over the highly programmed crap on FM stations, thankyouverymuch. It's kind of like the lumps in  mashed potatoes - that way you know they're homemade.

And FWIW I like the electronic hum in this song, too. I think it adds nicely to the creepy texture of the song.

  {#Clap}  It really DOES add to the creepy ambiance of this song!  I love it... Just bought one Iron and Wine CD, but I'm thinking I'll need a few more to keep me happy on the road.


Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 rtrudeau wrote:


I'll take BillG's human error any day over the highly programmed crap on FM stations, thankyouverymuch. It's kind of like the lumps in  mashed potatoes - that way you know they're homemade.

And FWIW I like the electronic hum in this song, too. I think it adds nicely to the creepy texture of the song.
 
Plus homemade tastes so much better. ;)
Posted 13 years ago by zair99    [ Reply ]
Cool song, 7.
Posted 13 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
 Hippostar wrote:
Toonces the stuck-gas-pedal cat

 

Oh Toonses, have you gone corporate? Watch out for that dog!!

Posted 14 years ago by stephw    [ Reply ]
I hear it too

 Audiofile wrote:
I hear Steely Dan Do It Again.
 


Posted 14 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
 BillG wrote:


That sort of thing is never intentional. Songs by the same artist are separated by at least 3 hours (usually a lot more) — subject (as evidenced there) to human error.
 

I'll take BillG's human error any day over the highly programmed crap on FM stations, thankyouverymuch. It's kind of like the lumps in  mashed potatoes - that way you know they're homemade.

And FWIW I like the electronic hum in this song, too. I think it adds nicely to the creepy texture of the song.

Posted 14 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
This song sucks! There's this humming sound in the background that keeps returning and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the further ok song!

It freaks me out!

It's sounds like something electronic is going bad....

Edit: reading back here I see I'm not the only one who complained.{#Silenced}

Edit2: I have listened to the rest of the album and I have to say, It's GOOD!


Posted 14 years ago by V-bro    [ Reply ]
It's the lyrics.  Sam writes amazing lyrics.
Posted 14 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]


Kinda sounds like he's standing a few feet away from the microphone.(?)
Posted 15 years ago by choiceimage    [ Reply ]
 Audiofile wrote:
I hear Steely Dan Do It Again.

 
Probably because of the delay effect

Posted 15 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
what is that background noise in there for? it's so, so annoying!
Posted 15 years ago by AdyMiles    [ Reply ]
I think the RP community got this one right on with a 7. Very solid beat. Kind of slithers from underneath the peaceful city. I like the mystery. Quite likeable.

Posted 15 years ago by Jamunca    [ Reply ]
I hear Steely Dan Do It Again.

Posted 15 years ago by Audiofile    [ Reply ]
 ch83575 wrote:
2 Iron & Wine songs in the last 10 on the playlist!  Perhaps a bit much.
 

That sort of thing is never intentional. Songs by the same artist are separated by at least 3 hours (usually a lot more) — subject (as evidenced there) to human error.
Posted 15 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
2 Iron & Wine songs in the last 10 on the playlist!  Perhaps a bit much.
Posted 15 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
 freddyfender wrote:
Enough, that assinine vibration eminating from who knows what, I can't take it.
 
I thought something was wrong with my computer/monitor!

Posted 15 years ago by jenakle    [ Reply ]
assinine vibration eminating sounds good to me, sorry it is not your thing....
Posted 15 years ago by mr_toad    [ Reply ]
♥

Posted 15 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]

I love this album. I love RP for introducing me to it.



Posted 15 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
Excelsior wrote:
xkolibuul wrote: This album was released in September 2007. 8 months later, we're still hearing most of this album's cuts daily.


Maybe that's because it's one of the best albums to come out since September 2007.

And since last week I realized that most of the Iron and Wine songs that RP is playing are on this album, I bought a copy, so it's still 'relevant'.


Posted 16 years ago by bc    [ Reply ]
So I just bagged Dylan again and I'm over here drooling on Iron & Wine again. The irony is fitting and amusing. I STILL love this album in an irrational way. So I guess I understand you Dylan folks a little better...but really, let's evolve...
Posted 16 years ago by BWGunner    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
Nice sound on this cut.
yes. Either the rhythm just morphed, or my mind suddenly heard it in a new way. Interesting!
Posted 16 years ago by Gednabb    [ Reply ]
Nice sound on this cut.
Posted 16 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Hey. They just put out an album, and the new songs are in high rotation--well, high for RP anyway. Deal with it.
This album was released in September 2007. 8 months later, we're still hearing most of this album's cuts daily.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Shimmer wrote:
I love Iron & Wine, but I don't think it works within the Radio Paradise format. Beam's songs are like tiny paintings full of incredible detail. But the canvases are almost always small, and that just doesn't come across in a "radio" format.
bla bla bla .... and yet still very enjoyable
Posted 16 years ago by MTlady    [ Reply ]
Shimmer wrote:
I love Iron & Wine, but I don't think it works within the Radio Paradise format. Beam's songs are like tiny paintings full of incredible detail. But the canvases are almost always small, and that just doesn't come across in a "radio" format.
Au contraire, mon frier
Posted 16 years ago by oldviolin    [ Reply ]
I love Iron & Wine, but I don't think it works within the Radio Paradise format. Beam's songs are like tiny paintings full of incredible detail. But the canvases are almost always small, and that just doesn't come across in a "radio" format.
Posted 16 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
Brimmy wrote:
Ummm... "Personal Jesus" anyone.....
Sure, I like Depeche Mode, but I'm trying to listen to this now, which sounds nothing like that song.
Posted 16 years ago by valerama    [ Reply ]
I like some of their other stuff better but still a 7.
Posted 16 years ago by agbar713    [ Reply ]
Iron & Wine Boy With a Coin The Shepherd's Dog Iron & Wine Lovesong of the Buzzard The Shepherd's Dog Iron & Wine Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car The Shepherd's Dog Iron & Wine Peace Beneath the City The Shepherd's Dog
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
After many listens and much critical thought, this is the best album I've ever listened to. NO, seriously.
Posted 16 years ago by BWGunner    [ Reply ]
I bought this album after hearing a few songs here and I really like it! Thanks RP!
Posted 16 years ago by heybets    [ Reply ]
Ummm... "Personal Jesus" anyone.....
Posted 16 years ago by Brimmy    [ Reply ]
Great mood, but I think they need to take a look at that transformer before it fails. ;)
Posted 16 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
They pray, "Give me a yellow brick road and a Japanese car and benevolent change." Mu hah hah! Fugging genius. We're truly doomed. 7->8
Posted 16 years ago by omniphiliac    [ Reply ]
loversclub wrote:
one of the best album in 2007 !!!
I hear that!
Posted 16 years ago by SpaceCase    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by the_om    [ Reply ]
one of the best album in 2007 !!!
Posted 16 years ago by loversclub    [ Reply ]
Damn this guy is good.
Posted 16 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
must.... acquire..... iron and wine albulms....... i sampled this album at my local record store and remember disliking it when i heard it for the first (and only time). every time i hear bill play it i wanna go buy everything they have.
Posted 16 years ago by strange_brew00    [ Reply ]
love the psychadelic elements
Posted 16 years ago by adroc    [ Reply ]
thewaxtadpole wrote:
It's like he set out to make a song that was as uninteresting as possible without actually being offensive. It reminds me of being in a room with no circulation so the air gets stale and everybody starts yawning.
Sorry, what? I nodded off in the middle of your comment.
Posted 16 years ago by diazo    [ Reply ]
I prefer the studio version of this one. The sound quality's not very good and I feel like I'm missing something. Sounds like it would have been great to be there and hear it live, though.
Posted 16 years ago by Welly    [ Reply ]
mrzipmann wrote:
This is definetely one of the best albums of the last year.
Agreed!
Posted 16 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
Fantastic CD. I have turned my 15 year old on to it and several cuts have been stolen from her friends on myspace. It is about time teenager hear good music! Boy with a Coin seems to be their fav as well as track one (1).
Posted 16 years ago by Nanners63    [ Reply ]
The more I hear from Iron & Wine the more I like. They fit a mood for me similar to Morphine; very different music but both have a dark quiet groove that feels a little dangerous.
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
I've always liked Iron & Wine but I like Sam's creations even better with the expanded sonic palette and additional players on this album.
Posted 16 years ago by Inamorato    [ Reply ]
mrzipmann wrote:
This is definetely one of the best albums of the last year.
Agreed!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
I just bumped this from 7 > 8. What a fantastic song! If I'm lucky, maybe I'll see this album in my stocking in a few days...
Posted 16 years ago by music_man    [ Reply ]
Hey. They just put out an album, and the new songs are in high rotation--well, high for RP anyway. Deal with it. tompoll wrote:
I like it okay, but I&W is starting to feel a bit overplayed here on RP to me... (sorry)
Posted 16 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
I love this song! I want to hear some of their other ones.
Posted 16 years ago by Floatinghawk    [ Reply ]
slartibart_O wrote:
2nd that. 1st thing I've heard from them that I like.
I'll second that. I actually ENJOYED this one. Usually I can barely tolerate them!
Posted 16 years ago by russteaches    [ Reply ]
I like it okay, but I&W is starting to feel a bit overplayed here on RP to me... (sorry)
Posted 16 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
Beautiful, incredible music... And the lyrics... Reminds me of T.S Eliot. Still figuring them out...
Posted 16 years ago by DarlingRizzo    [ Reply ]
...instant nine upon second listening, loudly!..
Posted 16 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
This is definetely one of the best albums of the last year.
Posted 16 years ago by mrzipmann    [ Reply ]
...starting as a seven on first listen, could easily move up to an eight on repeat listenings... (aside: i'm curiously bemused by sam beam's segue from horses and stables to japanese cars as lyrical subjects)
Posted 17 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
music_man wrote:
I personally enjoy the expanding of the I&W sound. It sounds fresh to me.
2nd that. 1st thing I've heard from them that I like.
Posted 17 years ago by slartibart_O    [ Reply ]
It's like he set out to make a song that was as uninteresting as possible without actually being offensive. It reminds me of being in a room with no circulation so the air gets stale and everybody starts yawning.
Posted 17 years ago by thewaxtadpole    [ Reply ]
Sounds nice and fresh
Posted 17 years ago by GeneP59    [ Reply ]
....hmmmm.....
Posted 17 years ago by eman    [ Reply ]
crockydile wrote:
I prefer the more acoustic I&W sound...
I personally enjoy the expanding of the I&W sound. It sounds fresh to me.
Posted 17 years ago by music_man    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
A really excellent album
Iron & Wine's, or Moses's?
Posted 17 years ago by FeydBaron    [ Reply ]
meloman wrote:
I imagine this is what Moses might've looked like if he'd played the guitar
A really excellent album
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
driver8 wrote:
I read somewhere Sam Beam did it himself.
I imagine this is what Moses might've looked like if he'd played the guitar
Posted 17 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
Can't wait for this one. It's a goody!
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
UltraNurd wrote:
Anyone know who painted the cover art for the album and the "Boy With a Coin" single?
I read somewhere Sam Beam did it himself.
Posted 17 years ago by driver8    [ Reply ]
I prefer the more acoustic I&W sound...
Posted 17 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Well, not my favorite from the new album compared to the other stuff we've heard previewed on RP. It's interesting to hear him experiment with some electronic effects in the intros to songs.
Posted 17 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
Anyone know who painted the cover art for the album and the "Boy With a Coin" single?
Posted 17 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]