muddymay (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

i used to work in a musical instrument store in Melbourne, Australia. One day while on tour in Australia, Sam cam into the store to have a look around (very early in his career), and i told him i love his music. He was genuinely surprised to be recognised, (not to mention humble, and offered my friend and i tickets to his show later that week. He was a gentleman as well as an amazingly heart wrenching songwriter. Needless to say, the show was truly inspiring.

chickenjojo (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

it didn't occur to me to find Sam on youtube until today...and here he is making me weep in such a good way. thank you for posting this.

dat136 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

It makes me so happy to read about other people who are so moved by Sam's voice and words...

metallica3191 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

ok first off maybe its cuz those people have no right to tell him what to play. and his earlier stuff is better with a lotttt less money

themeanstar (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

The funny thing about Such Great Heights is that it has been assigned to I&W in many peoples' minds and even The Postal Service somehow said it was kind of a "theft" of their original song :) I guess it was more of a joke yet I think Sam Beam kinda felt frustrated of having a cover being put upfront instead of his own material. It was a lofi cover according to the sound. Probably something done for fun like anyone would do with a cheap microphone or a cam.

mnaoss (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

before he starts singing, the accordion makes it kinda sound like Through the Roof and Underground by Gogol Bordello. it's weird.This song is amazing, btw as is all of Iron and Wine's music

letambourinnoir (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I dunno, I just think it's a popular song, what's wrong with that? Because it's a cover? Because he enjoyed moderate commercial success with it? I'm sure money from that song (in commercials & Garden State) helped him to be able to produce the Shepard's Dog, and I'd support almost anything in that effort- SD turned out to be a fucking incredible album...

mrmet5 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

that's some tasty accordion playing... goes along perfect with the song. just like the pedal-steel of the original

shuckslbj (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Burger's accordion sounds great. I still wish he'd stayed with Tin Hat, but whatever. This is cool too.

aaj3f (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

With each strum of his guitar and with every word of this song, my being melts into nonexistence, its purpose on this world fulfilled.