Baby, You Got a Stew Goin'!: Go Hear New Shins

Friday, October 20, 2006

Go Hear New Shins

Go here to listen to two new Shins tracks entitled "Phantom Limb" and "Australia".

I'm listening to "Phantom Limb" now, and I have a feeling Pitchfork's gonna end up referring to it as "Phantom Limp", because it's kinda boring.

Edited to add: I actually just got the full album. It has its moments, but my initial impression is pretty bleh. Props to them for changing their sound a bit, but it's just a bit boring to me.

2 Comments:

At 4:36 PM, Steve said...: I actually just got the full album. It has it's moments, but my initial impression is pretty bleh. Props to them for changing their sound a bit, but it's just a bit boring to me.
At 12:40 AM, Anonymous said...: I just finished listening to this album. Overall, a 6 out of 10 from me. This time the production is definitely more experimental and interesting. The lyrics are pure Shins with plenty of metaphors (I'm sitting on the handlebars of a blind man's bike) for anyone still trying to find themself (Zach Braff) to identify with. One thing noticeably missing are the sing-along, stuck-in-your-head melodies that were so apparent on the first two albums. This time the songs are melodically scattered and at times may even leave the listener feeling exhausted. You'll have to listen to these songs many, many times before you'll be able to whistle them in the shower. Having just finished listening to this album, here is a breakdown of each track while it's fresh in my mind:

1. Sleeping Lessons
Forgettable until the last minute or so then it picks up and gets interesting.
2. Austrailia
Can't remember it very well, sorry
3. Pam Berry
Short segway to track 4
4. Phantom Limb
Sub Pop has this as the first single, of the first 4 songs, this one is the better, but at this point I was still waiting for something great.
5. Sea Legs
This was the only song that I wanted to hear again as soon as it finished, my favorite track so far
6. Red Rabbits
Boring up until about half way, then it gets creepy and interesting...then it finishes boring again.
7. Turn On Me
Trying to be like Gone For Good, but not as good, in fact not very good at all.
8. Black Wave
I liked this one. Melancholy, and repetitive in a good way. Sea Legs is still my favorite.
9. Split Needles
This one just drowns in with other tracks.
I skipped to the next track halfway through.
10. Girl Sailor
This song is probably my 2nd favorite next to Sea Legs. Chorus melody is better than the verse melody.
11. A Comet Appears
I actually shut my ipod off before this song finished.

Anyway, that's my honest, first gut reaction to the record. 2 good songs off the first listen, Sea Legs and Girl Sailor. I'm sure the other songs will grow on me in time. Overall an average record.