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The Shins (Wincing the Night Away)
Released: 01/23/07 - 11 Tracks - (41:46) - (Sub Pop)
Standout Tracks: "Sleeping Lessons", "Phantom Limb", "Turn On Me"
Wincing the Night Away, the Shins newest release is best classified as an extension of their previous work, and yet the album could stand independent of its predecessors. Those hungry for more of the Shins’ acoustic goodness will find what they’re looking for on this release, even if it is masked behind layer upon layer of distortions. Though there’s not much that sets this apart from anything you’ve heard (other than said distortions), this album still lives up to the Shins’ reputation. Here, the Shins range from quietly meditative (“Black Wave”) to upbeat and poppy (“Phantom Limb” and “Australia”), but nearly every track is similar in that each one has the capability of getting stuck in your head.
Critics assert that the Shins are boring to begin with, and add that each song sounds the same. The Shins reply with an album full of songs that are surely different but still have the same overall feel of quiet beauty. Almost in defiance of their naysayers, the band tosses in a handful of effects that add another dimension to their music. This new dimension suddenly changes the texture of the band, which is surprising, seeing as the beauty and ingenious of Chutes Too Narrow and Oh, Inverted World was due to these albums' simplicity and intimacy. The effects the band uses add a foggy cloud between the listener and the band, thus making Wincing a less personal record. Less personal does not mean less good, however. For the Shins, less personal means more different. This album shows the band far from what they know best: an intimate feel.
My initial reaction to this album was surprise. The album opens with “Sleeping Lessons”, a song that starts off without guitar or drums. My surprise immediately dissolved as the guitar was seamlessly integrated into the track. The rest of the album follows a similar pattern, so don’t sigh and roll your eyes when you hear the dreamlike “Black Wave” and “Spilt Needles.” At some point, you’ll have to come to terms with what the Shins have become on Wincing the Night Away. Even though some tracks are different, in typical Shins fashion, the best tracks are the ones devoid of any experimentation. This album only further proves that the Shins absolutely thrive in a non-experimental environment - but that's not to say that aren't good when they experiment.
SCORE: 6
Standout Tracks: "Sleeping Lessons", "Phantom Limb", "Turn On Me"
Wincing the Night Away, the Shins newest release is best classified as an extension of their previous work, and yet the album could stand independent of its predecessors. Those hungry for more of the Shins’ acoustic goodness will find what they’re looking for on this release, even if it is masked behind layer upon layer of distortions. Though there’s not much that sets this apart from anything you’ve heard (other than said distortions), this album still lives up to the Shins’ reputation. Here, the Shins range from quietly meditative (“Black Wave”) to upbeat and poppy (“Phantom Limb” and “Australia”), but nearly every track is similar in that each one has the capability of getting stuck in your head. Critics assert that the Shins are boring to begin with, and add that each song sounds the same. The Shins reply with an album full of songs that are surely different but still have the same overall feel of quiet beauty. Almost in defiance of their naysayers, the band tosses in a handful of effects that add another dimension to their music. This new dimension suddenly changes the texture of the band, which is surprising, seeing as the beauty and ingenious of Chutes Too Narrow and Oh, Inverted World was due to these albums' simplicity and intimacy. The effects the band uses add a foggy cloud between the listener and the band, thus making Wincing a less personal record. Less personal does not mean less good, however. For the Shins, less personal means more different. This album shows the band far from what they know best: an intimate feel.
My initial reaction to this album was surprise. The album opens with “Sleeping Lessons”, a song that starts off without guitar or drums. My surprise immediately dissolved as the guitar was seamlessly integrated into the track. The rest of the album follows a similar pattern, so don’t sigh and roll your eyes when you hear the dreamlike “Black Wave” and “Spilt Needles.” At some point, you’ll have to come to terms with what the Shins have become on Wincing the Night Away. Even though some tracks are different, in typical Shins fashion, the best tracks are the ones devoid of any experimentation. This album only further proves that the Shins absolutely thrive in a non-experimental environment - but that's not to say that aren't good when they experiment.
~Joe Pinsker
SCORE: 6
Joe's Bottom Line: To those who like the Shins: This album is different in terms of feel, but still worth your time. To those who don’t: This album provides a wide variety of songs that can’t possiblly bring about thoughts that this music is boring.
SCORE: 5.5
Aaron: I go through various stages of review and this album was definitely a ride. In my first listening, the first few songs repulsed me, but strangely enough, as I listened more, songs such as "Sleeping Lessons", "Phantom Limb", and "Sea Legs" began to become my favorites. Their unique rythms, seemingly a combo of the Beach Boys and Pink Floyd, drew me in. While the first songs were more downcast, the second half of the album was uplifting and a joy to listen to... at first. After awhile the latter half became boring after a closer listening, with the exception of "Turn On Me." All of all this album is decent for sporadic listening, but if you are like me and listen to albums multiple times, this album bores all to fast, if you listen closely that is.
joe_pinsker |
Latest page update: made by joe_pinsker
, Mar 5 2007, 10:42 AM EST
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| jeremy_wetpaint | Good album | 1 | May 19 2007, 12:26 AM EDT by Anonymous | |
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Thread started: May 18 2007, 4:23 PM EDT
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I liked this album though I know others that disregarded it as mediocre. I would argue that James Mercer set the bar so rediculously high with his previous work that it would be almost impossible to take it to a new level. So yes, it's a mediocre album; if by mediocre you mean equally as awesome as the last couple Shins albums.
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| Anonymous | The Shins | 1 | May 16 2007, 7:38 PM EDT by Anonymous | |
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Thread started: May 14 2007, 7:41 PM EDT
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People The Shins Rule no qustion about it! but nice review by the by
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| joe_pinsker | Minors Anyone? | 4 | Feb 26 2007, 7:45 PM EST by joe_pinsker | |
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Thread started: Feb 23 2007, 10:02 PM EST
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Does anyone have this album? If so, write a minor. If not, i can give it to you...
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