Indie folk project Iron & Wine dropped a cover of Midwest emo legends American Football’s hit song “Never Meant,” on Wednesday, as part of the 25th anniversary celebration for the latter’s self-titled debut in 1999.
American Football has also announced a remastered re-release of their debut record, also known as LP1, set to release Oct. 18 along with a full covers album, American Football (Covers), from various artists in the indie/alternative music scene, with Iron & Wine’s “Never Meant” set as its opening track.
Compared to the original’s laidback production that portrayed a distant narrator trying to turn their back on a meaningful relationship that they’ve lost, this cover has a warmth to it that makes it feel more full, complete with backing vocals. The percussion present in the original song is absent here in favor of an emphasis on the acoustic guitar, including some particularly pleasant fingerpicking.
A calmer and more intimate vocal delivery from Iron & Wine mastermind Sam Beam replaces the quiet yet desperate wailing of American Football frontman Mike Kinsella. This almost gives the impression that the narrator of the Iron & Wine version has become more accepting of what they are saying, compared to the original, where it feels like the narrator is still trying to convince themselves that they believe it.
Additionally, the tempo is slowed down by this cover, as opposed to the quick, almost frantic movement of the original version. This bolsters the contrast in tone and gives this version more of an outdoor jam session feel.
Overall, Iron & Wine’s rendition stands firmly on its own as a great cover while also being a harbinger of good things to come from further American Football covers.
