Sam Beam, perhaps better known as indie-folk whisperer Iron & Wine, has a name that sounds like whiskey and a voice that sounds like oatmeal. This year, Beam emerged from underneath his usual moniker to join singer/songwriter Jesca Hoop on their joint release Love Letter for Fire. Whether billed as Sam Beam or Iron & Wine, the result is much the same: precious, expressionistic, and contemporary indie-folk music grounded in gospel tradition with icy and treble-y acoustic aloofness. Jesca Hoop's rootsy alto—as well as midnight-blue string arrangements and some inventive production—warm Beam up a bit, but overall this is still music for soft places, moonlight, shiny marbles, and sailors. WILLIAM KENNEDY