Opposites Werewolves - Naked As We Came (The Official Music Super Duper Video)

About This Footage

In a peculiar twist on music promotion in 2004, Sam Beam, aka Iron & Wine, released a DIY cover of The Decemberists' song "Naked As We Came." What's remarkable about this footage is that it's one of the earliest examples of an artist embracing low-budget, amateurish visuals to accompany their music.

At the time, Beam was still an independent artist, having self-released his debut album "The Creek Drank the Cradle" in 2002. He had yet to sign with a major label and was still honing his craft. This cover of "Naked As We Came," however, marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his willingness to experiment and push boundaries.

The footage itself is a haphazard mix of found images, home movies, and what appears to be Beam's own amateur filmmaking efforts. It's a far cry from the slick, high-production-value music videos that dominated the airwaves at the time. And yet, this rough-around-the-edges aesthetic has become an endearing hallmark of Beam's style.

What makes this clip rare is its candidness and honesty. Unlike many music videos, which are carefully crafted to create a specific mood or atmosphere, this footage feels raw and unpolished. It's as if Beam is sharing a private moment with the viewer, rather than trying to sell them on his artistry.

One of the most striking aspects of this clip is its use of found images. The footage jumps between shots of nature – trees swaying in the wind, birds flying overhead – and snippets of everyday life – people walking down the street, children playing in a park. These images are often grainy and poorly lit, adding to the overall sense of informality.

The clip's amateurish quality is also reflected in its editing style. The cuts are jarring and abrupt, with no clear narrative thread or cohesion. It's almost as if Beam is throwing together a bunch of disparate images and hoping they'll somehow coalesce into something meaningful.

Despite – or perhaps because of – its rough edges, this footage has become an important part of Iron & Wine's legacy. It showcases the artist's willingness to take risks and push against traditional notions of what makes for good music promotion. And it offers a fascinating glimpse into the DIY ethos that defined the early 2000s indie scene.

For viewers, watching this clip is like experiencing a piece of history unfold before their eyes. They're witnessing an artist at a pivotal moment in his career, when he's still figuring out what works and what doesn't. And they're seeing the seeds of innovation that will eventually lead to some of Iron & Wine's most beloved songs.

Ultimately, this footage is notable not just for its rarity or significance, but for the way it captures the spirit of creative experimentation that defines so much great art. It's a reminder that even in the age of high production values and slick marketing campaigns, there's still value in embracing imperfection and taking risks.

Curated from public records and music databases.