The Shins
| The Shins are a band I've only very recently discovered. I think it was due to one of those "if you liked _________, you'll probably like _________." sort of things they do on Amazon.com. Anyway, I saw the album "Chutes Too Narrow" at a local record shop a couple of days later and thought I'd check it out. It sounded good the first time through, better the second, and fabulous the third. For a couple of weeks there I couldn't take it out of my cd player! These guys are easily the best band to come out of New Mexico. Apparently they've grown up together and played in several bands together under various names over the past 12 years or so. Their sound is unique but hardly pioneering. What they do they do very well, and that is write quirky, pretty, funky, rockin' tunes that have true substance and at the same time don't take themselves too seriously. James Mercer plays guitar, sings, and writes all the songs. Critics have made many comparisons between James and Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, but that seems terribly unfair to both men. James appears less preoccupied by complex harmonies and more focused on the guitar hooks and central melodies. These guys also seem to have the unique ability to deliver in many varied styles. They appear unconcerned with filling a niche or wearing a particular moniker such as "alternative rock," or "garage band." I'm guessing the people they're really writing and playing for are themselves, and if other people like it too...cool. |
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