"Recorded by Sam Beam with the assistance of longtime producer Brian Deck and engineer Colin Studebaker, The Shepherd’s Dog succeeds in accomplishing a similar cathartic recasting of the artist’s intentions. The arrangements here are kaleidoscopic and rich. 'White Tooth Man' rocks with a desperate, menacing intensity while 'Boy with a Coin,' the album’s first single, is darkly playful with a handclap hook tumbling under its cascading melody. The whole album breathes. Its seductive rhythms percolate and undulate, from the Psych-Bhangra-redux of 'Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car' to the album’s last dance—a waltz—'Flightless Bird, American Mouth.' Compositionally, it is Iron and Wine’s most ambitious and accomplished recording to date. It’s also the most satisfying." - Sub Pop

• black vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
  
• digital download included
• music label: Sub Pop 2007

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2006