Iron and Wine - "Ghost on Ghost" (8.0 out of 10)

Jazzy in places (a la Van Morrison) and melodic everywhere, Iron and Wine's latest may come as a disappointment to some of his hardcore fans, but it is a musical feat seldom heard in the 21st century.  God bless him.  It hearkens back to Elton's Madman Across the Water perhaps - I can't quite place it - but the production is stellar and the overall aural experience has a certain healing quality to it.  Which is what great music should have.  I'm just giddy to see an artist make The Leap and contribute something fresh and, above all, unpretentious in such a medieval era of music that we find ourselves in.  98% of todays musicians should either quit and go find a proper trade or hang their heads in shame and wonder in the presence of Mr. Beam.  Again, God bless him.