I’ve tried to buy an Iron and Wine CD on several occasions. Yet each time, I read something in the lyrics that discourages me, because it’s something I don’t wish to have playing through my mind. Of course, I can always buy individual tracks, but I’m still a child of the ‘90s—still delighted and dazzled by an entire CD in physical form.

For folk artist Jamie Barnes, I’ll make an exception to my silly rule. He cites Iron and Wine as an influence, but he’s strived for his own voice and chosen to write lyrics that edify the soul. His newest project is a five-song EP—a free download from his Myspace page. It’s the first taste I’ve taken of Jamie’s work, and it leaves me salivating for more. I could complain and say this project is too short, but I’ll just have to purchase a few of his full-length projects to satisfy my craving for more music.