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March 11, 2007
Posted by Kyle
I leave for SXSW today. While I am gone, enjoy this CD review by guest reviewer Aaron Kramer.
Music Bath Review #1---The Shins WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY
Brief Overview of me, “Kramer the Guest CD Reviewer”: I am self-confessed “music snob” but only because mass media has forced it upon me. I still listen to some music that receives radio play (Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2) but the majority of the music that is being promoted (either via radio, MTV and the like) today is that which isn’t being recognized by 95% of the listening public. I pride myself on trying to give every artist their fair shot at gaining my respect (because we all know that EVERY ARTIST wants to receive the Kramer seal of approval).
I was really psyched for the Shins’ new album primarily because I had a friend turn me onto them prior to the big GARDEN STATE blow-up. They are one of the best Indie-rock bands writing songs today and their newest effort was a wonderfully surprising step WAY forward. A band that came to mind with their progression was The Strokes. Their first two albums were parallel efforts with really no musical and lyrical maturity between the two. However, the third album shows huge improvements in regards to song structure, lyrics (some of the most witty around) and overall accessibility to their sound.
1. Sleeping Lessons
1. A great opener for the album; Perfect mood setting especially with the development towards the end
2. Australia
1. This is the Shins with the sound that they created in their first two albums; Very catchy pop with clever lyrics that make me smile
3. Pam Berry
1. I’m not a big fan of filler songs that last less than a minute so this my least favorite song on the album
4. Phantom Limb
1. The first single is a perfect initial taste of the maturity of the Shins; A more complex song structure with some layered effects
5. Sea Legs
1. Sea Legs is a prime example of a Shins step forward. It uses some great sampling and an interesting tempo to play on the ears.
6. Red Rabbits
1. At the moment this is my favorite song on the album; I love string sections in songs, especially when they are used correctly; Finally, the crowd cheer at the end is the icing on the cake; I think I have repeated this song about 25 times on my IPOD already
7. Turn On Me
1. Turn on Me and Australia remind me the most of the “old” Shins sound; They are probably the two least impressive songs but they are still solid
8. Black Wave
1. This is my least favorite song on the album; It just seems like the lyrics are contrived and I don’t really like the melody
9. Spilt Needles
1. Another interesting tempo with LOTS of sampling and effects within the song; Tracks 8 and 9 are the two weakest on the album
10. Girl Sailor
1. Girl Sailor is a nice change of pace for a love song; You can hear a lot of the influences for the album on this song (especially the influence of Brian Wilson)
11. A Comet Appears
1. Every Shins album so far closes with a lovely acoustic piece at the end that is one of the highlights of the album; A Comet Appears does not disappoint;
