Iron & Wine - The Shepard's Dog

The newest offering from Sam Beam out September 25th on Sub Pop is going to surprise long time fans and win over new ones. The songs on this album are more orchestrated, more diverse, and more fun. His vocal stylings have hints once again of Elliot Smith's drawl and some of the longing made famous by Red House Painters and Sun Kill Moon singer Mark Kozelek. Most of the people familiar with Iron & Wine know the group for its inclusion in the Garden State soundtrack with his cover of Postal Service's "Such Great Heights" but I'm hoping that The Shepard's Dog will expand his fame and notoriety.

The first track "Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car" begins with a picked guitar, some sloppy (and wonderfully so) drums, and a choir of Sam Beam. The way it begins lends itself to morph into a track with over driven guitar and pounding drums. However, it never really picks up, but it's the type of track you never want to. It's great. My other favorite track is "The Devil Never Sleeps." The tenth track of the nearly 50 minute album is an early Elton John song through and through. Other tracks to check out: White Tooth Man, House by the Sea.

Rating: Get a hard copy.

(Disclaimer: my rating system is as follows: skip it, listen, borrow and burn, buy it, get a hard copy)