Shepizzle

The Shepherd’s Dog by Iron & Wine has been released. The sound is a little less mellow than some of Sam Beam’s past work.

This album follows more along the lines of "Woman King" than it does "Love And Some Verses". A little bit more rock than folk, but never too far from it.

Have a listen to "Boy With A Coin" and see what you think.

Also, check out the original Iron & Wine post.

I am anxiously awaiting the release of Iron & Wine’s new album, Shepherd’s Dog. The band’s website says that the album is due out 9.25.2007 and I just can’t wait. My experiences with Our Endless Numbered Days and Woman King have been good ones and I’m sure that Shepherd’s Dog will be just as cool.

Iron & Wine is Sam Beam with a little bit of female vocal help from his sister Sarah Beam. In the true Indie spirit, Beam single-handedly wrote, recorded, and produced his debut album The Creek Drank The Cradle and is totally committed to his music. Since his debut, Beam has added other band members and instruments to his studio recordings as he explores his folk sound.

Be prepared to slow things down a little with Iron & Wine, sit back and enjoy the floating acoustic guitars delicately wrapped with soothing vocals. On a personal note, I got married two weeks ago and Iron & Wine is just sappy enough to get me thinking about love and relationships but not enough to cause nausea. The feeling that pervades much of the music produced by this band is kind of dreamy and whimsical. The album cover for Our Endless Numbered Days is a depiction of Sam Beam laying in the grass resting/dreaming/relaxing and that is exactly the mood that his music will put you in.

Favorite songs are “Jezebel,” “Love and Some Verses,” “Promise What You Will,” and their cover of The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights.”

• ironandwine.com

If you like Iron & Wine, try: Sufjan Stevens, Jose Gonzalez, Andrew Bird.
(more…)