I remember reading a blog about a week ago with the headline, "Sam Beam challenges you to a beard-off. Ready, set, you lose." If that's not how it went, it was something very close. The headline caught my attention and so did the photograph of Beam. I didn't realize how long his beard had gotten. Kudos on the beard Mr. Beam. Kudos.

For those of you who do not know Sam Beam, he is the bearded mastermind of Iron & Wine! In 2002, he released his first album, The Creek Drank The Cradle, a Sub Pop realease. Since then, Iron & Wine has released over half a dozen EP's and singles.

The Shepherd's Dog, is Iron & Wine's latest release. It is said to be I.W.'s most ambitious and accomplished recording to date. The album features a track called, "Boy With A Coin", that contains rhythmic clapping, a melodic acoustic progression topped off with Beam's soft, hypnotic vocals. If you haven't picked up this album yet do so now!



From the Album, "The Shepherd's Dog"
Boy With A Coin
Innocent Bones

From, "Our Endless Numbered Days"
Each Coming Night

Bonus:
Such Great Heights

Lastly, Tour Dates.

and so it is.

Labels: Alternative, Folk, indie