I have always been a fan of Sam Beam and his project known as Iron & Wine. From the home recordings that Sam has done over time to his recent excellent collaboration with Calexico on the In The Reigns EP. So when the first single from the album The Shepherd’s Dog hit the web, I was quite excited for the full length album and it really is all it was cracked up to be.

The Shepherd’s Dog is truly a masterpiece for Iron & Wine. Sam has not only crafted another excellent bunch of songs on this album, but has also taken the step forward to make this project more accessible to those by adding a new element of diversity and sound for those that have found themselves napping after his previous albums. And don’t get me wrong, I love those other albums as well, but this really takes things to a new level.

And of course, those die hard fans will not be dissapointed either, and the lo-fi is not gone, it has just decided to turn up the volume, and add some incredibly infectious layers. Here is a sample from the album, which I recommend you purchase right away….

Also, be sure to check out Iron & Wine this Friday night on on The Late Show with David Letterman!

Iron & Wine – Innocent Bones