Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

Sam Beam, more commonly referred to as Iron and Wine, is one of those artists better known for a cover of someone else’s song than he is known for his own. His version of the Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights” graced the critically acclaimed soundtrack to Garden State. 

With his new album on the way he is finally looking to break out from behind the shadows. Unfortunately, the first single off the forthcoming The Shepherd’s Dog album, Boy With a Coin, contains more of the same lo-fi minimalism from his past. While very melodic and soothing the longer tracks seem to drag on forever and get nowhere. 

Three tracks are included on this single. Boy With a Coin, provides the most excitement with its handclap beat and driving acoustic guitar. Carried Home is as boring as can be. It seems to be building up to something but never gets anywhere. The piano driven Kingdom of the Animals kind of lingers until the drums kick in at about two and a half minutes. 

Seeing as how the first song starts off at a turtle’s pace, the second song is wandering and the third track is taking a brisk walk hopefully the momentum will continue and the full album will take off running.