I really love The Shins.
There’s a scene from the 2004 movie Garden State, where Natalie Portman’s character Sam, and Zach Braff’s Andrew Largeman meet in a clinic’s waiting room. At one point, she holds out her earphones and says, “You gotta hear this one song, it’ll change your life, I swear…” The song was New Slang. I’ve loved this band ever since.
I can’t call myself a die-hard fan, but every single song I’ve ever heard by them makes me feel good, and pensive, and romantic, and torn, and… wonderful. I hear their songs often during the day, on the adult rock alternative station I listen to while at home.
They have a very listenable, comfortable, retro kind of vibe I dig… I can’t quite put my finger on who they remind me of (their influences are rather varied, I think) but I tell you, they just fit. Their vibe is good.
They sang Simple Song on SNL the other night, and I thought the performance was terrific. For a so-called simple song, James Mercer works an impressive range with his vocals – it’s a tricky song to sing live. He did rather well with it the other night, I though.
Also, I love hearing a real band play on this show – one you’re certain is performing a bone fide rendition, rather than a lip-synching one-hit wonder variety.
Remember walking a mile to your house,
Aglow in the dark?
I made a fumbling play for your heart,
And the act struck a spark.
You wore a charm on the chain that I stole
Especial for you.
Love’s such a delicate thing that we do,
With nothing to prove,
Which I never knew.
This song makes me feel romantic, in a tender, springtime kind of way… especially when your love is old. It makes me remember things. Reminisce, even. It is good.
They have an new album, Port of Morrow, due for release on March 20th.
Enjoy your Friday, people!
love them! and love that scene in the movie.
I think I really need to watch that movie again soon… le sigh. The whole soundtrack is super-excellent, actually. LOVE it!
Oh, I like that acoustic version as well… good!
OMG!!! That scene is exactly why i fell in love with the shins too!!!! it’s just so beautiful and, well… right!! especially on a nice sunny day =D
Oh I like the New Slang song. Thanks for sharing, I agree they have a cool retro sound. Lately I can’t stop playing We are Young by FUN. I especially love the acoustic version with Janelle Monae. His smile and her voice. Perfection