The Shins
Rhapsody.com classifies The Shins under the Indie Rock/ Baroque Pop category. But what does that even mean? Does it properly sum up their sound? No. The Shins have influences drawing from different corners. Yes, they are a rock band with some country influences. Yes, the have a pop sound in there as well. And then, there’s that unmistakable Beach Boys flavor that seeps through.
This Portland Oregon based group draws from all of these things, and comes up with something that is like them in some respects, but vastly different in others. The band is made up of several multitalented musicians. James Mercer, Martin Crandall, Eric Johnson, Dave Hernandez, and Jesse Sandoval each bring their own flair and style to the band.
The Shins have released four albums - When You Land Here It’s Time to Return in 1997, Oh, Inverted World in 2001, Chutes Too Narrow in 2003, and four years later in 2007 they finally released their forth, Wincing the Night Away. Fans and critics have determined that it was worth the wait. They’ve also been featured on several compilation albums such as the soundtracks for Garden State and Wicker Park. They also have an exclusive itunes live release of their newest album.
Tags: independent music, music, indie music, indie, the shins
It would of been nice if the band actually chose a decent band name… but people these days seem to have problems doing that. Anyways, their musical sound kind of reminded me of My Chemical Romance, and their cover art of something George Harrison like. Hopefully we can see a new compact disk from them sometime soon.
I first heard about The Shins when I purchased the Garden State soundtrack. They are such a great band, and so soothing. I would never compare them to My Chemical Romance though, I never really thought about a link there. “New Slang” is an awesome song, if anybody is interested in checking out The Shins.
I was trying to hear the similarities of Chemical Romance as well, but I didn’t hear it. They kind of remind me a bit of Morrissey meets the Beatles with a new style twist on it. I enjoy their music. I’ve heard a few songs of theirs before, but I think “Phantom Limb” is my personal favorite.
I agree, Leighdu. I do not recall listening to “Phantom Limb”, but I might have heard it before. How did you happen to stumble upon The Shins, by the way?
As for the MCR reference, I still just do not hear it.
Jewel,
I had actually never heard of them until I stumbled across them here on Indie Update. I did a search for them on Myspace, and voila, there they were. If you want to check out “Phantom Limb”, I am sure it is still on their page. Here is the link to their page:
http://www.myspace.com/theshins
The Shins is a United States indie rock group comprising singer, songwriter and guitarist James Russell Mercer, keyboardist/guitarist/bassist Martin Crandall, bassist/guitarist Dave Hernandez, drummer Jesse Sandoval, and Eric Johnson of the Fruit Bats. Their sound draws on several musical genres, including pop, alternative, alternative country, and folk. Since forming in Albuquerque, New Mexico, The Shins are now based in Portland, Oregon.