The Shepherd's Dog by Iron & Wine

Sam Beam is back with a another indie triumph in The Shepherd's Dog ($10). The album doesn't slow Iron & Wine's progression towards a more robust, fuller sound, but fortunately the extra percussion and other elements don't detract one bit from the excellently-written and performed songs. Simply fantastic. Standout Tracks: "Resurrection Fern," "Lovesong of the Buzzard," "Flightless Bird, American Mouth."