The Shins’ (James Mercer’s) new album is here! It’s been 5 long years since their last full length album was released and a lot has changed with the band. Gone are Martin Crandall, Jesse Sandoval, and Dave Hernandez. Newcomers include singer/songwriter Richard Swift, Modest Mouse drummer Joe Plummer, Yuuki Matthews of Crystal Skulls, and Jessica Dobson. Indeed, the only original band member remaining is Mercer and well, he IS The Shins.
I have to admit, when the single, Simple Song was released ahead of the album, I had high hopes. And while, this album is clearly the weakest Shins album so far, it is still better than 90% of the crap on the radio and there are some gems to be found. Overall, the album has a very mellow tone; you won’t find many poppy, upbeat tunes (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing depending on your mood). One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is Mercer’s songwriting ability; he can still weave lyrics together that will make you feel as though you’re floating through an eerily beautiful dream. Here are some of my favorite tunes off the new album:
Simple Song: “Girl, what a gift you tell me with your tongue and your breath goes in my lungs”
It’s Only Life: “Died in the womb you’ve been cornered by a natural desire. You wanna hop along with the giddy throng through life.”
September: “Under our softly burning lamp she takes her time, telling stories of our possible lives. And love is the ink in the well when her body writes.”
No Way Down: “Out beyond the western squalls, in an Indian land, they work for nothing at all. They don’t know the mall or the layaway plan.”
You've listened to Broken Bells I hope, right? Obviously as a fan of The Shins, I feel kinda dumb asking that question. But I wanted to make sure, in case you happened to miss James Mercer's project with Danger Mouse.
ReplyDeleteUm, yes. I'm offended that you would even ask that. ;-) I love The Mall and Misery...and October...and the rest of the album.
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