2008 Woodie Awards
This week's CD review...
The Shins: Wincing the Night Away
By: Jessica Bova
Issue date: 1/22/07 Section: Entertainment
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The Shins "Wincing the Night Away" debuts Jan. 23 and is the third full length album from the band- not to mention several singles such as "Fighting in a Sack."
Their debut album "Oh, Inverted World" was released in 2001 and sparked indie buzz with such hits as "New Slang" and "Caring is Creepy." "Chutes Too Narrow" followed in 2003. James Mercer (vocals), Dave Hernandez (bass), Marty Crandall (keyboards) and Jesse Sandoval (drums) make up this Albuquerque-originated band.
"Wincing the Night Away" is a versatile indie rock album. Tracks span from melodic and soothing to dark with electronic undertones as well as pop and folk-sounding melodies.
"Phantom Limb" and "Red Rabbits" have a familiar feel that fans of their previous work will enjoy. "Turn on Me" has a new-wave sound that any '80s music fan would enjoy.
The best track on the album is "Sleeping Lessons," which sounds like a dream. The only bad track on this album is "Pam Berry" - too close for comfort to the Levi's commercial's version of Johnny Cash's "Walk the Line," not to mention it's extremely short length barely wraps you in before its finished.
Mercer's vocals are hypnotizing and soothing overall, with the emotions projected in each song by his phenomenal voice. No wonder Zach Braff featured the band in the "Garden State" movie soundtrack. This album's feel can portray any emotion.
The Shins will be promoting the album and upcoming tour on Tuesday Jan. 23. The Chicago stop on the tour is Feb. 10 at the Congress Theater.
This album may prove to be an indie classic and should be a staple in any alternative rock lover's album collection. In the words of Natalie Portman in Garden State: "Have you heard of [The Shins]? Listen to this; it will change your life."
Their debut album "Oh, Inverted World" was released in 2001 and sparked indie buzz with such hits as "New Slang" and "Caring is Creepy." "Chutes Too Narrow" followed in 2003. James Mercer (vocals), Dave Hernandez (bass), Marty Crandall (keyboards) and Jesse Sandoval (drums) make up this Albuquerque-originated band.
"Wincing the Night Away" is a versatile indie rock album. Tracks span from melodic and soothing to dark with electronic undertones as well as pop and folk-sounding melodies.
"Phantom Limb" and "Red Rabbits" have a familiar feel that fans of their previous work will enjoy. "Turn on Me" has a new-wave sound that any '80s music fan would enjoy.
The best track on the album is "Sleeping Lessons," which sounds like a dream. The only bad track on this album is "Pam Berry" - too close for comfort to the Levi's commercial's version of Johnny Cash's "Walk the Line," not to mention it's extremely short length barely wraps you in before its finished.
Mercer's vocals are hypnotizing and soothing overall, with the emotions projected in each song by his phenomenal voice. No wonder Zach Braff featured the band in the "Garden State" movie soundtrack. This album's feel can portray any emotion.
The Shins will be promoting the album and upcoming tour on Tuesday Jan. 23. The Chicago stop on the tour is Feb. 10 at the Congress Theater.
This album may prove to be an indie classic and should be a staple in any alternative rock lover's album collection. In the words of Natalie Portman in Garden State: "Have you heard of [The Shins]? Listen to this; it will change your life."
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