The Shins Return

The Shins released the first studio album in 5 years, "Port of Morrow," on March 20th to many mixed reviews. Loyal fans were split down the middle; to one side the pleased, to the other the disappointed. Some long time fans were displeased with the unfamiliar line up of musicians on the record, saying that the only person consistent in the Shins is James Mercer. Others argue that James Mercer is The Shins. The reality is that James Mercer started the Shins as his own one man band, the project evolved, and Mercer added members as needed to suit his creative vision. The Shins is Mercer's project, so his creativity reigns, and that is nothing to complain about. Mercer is nothing short of a genius, and his music shows.

There is review after review on websites and music magazines alike, all of them different, but none quite satisfying. None do "Port of Morrow" justice, and none give Mercer the credit he deserves, except for the review on Pitchfork.com. Pitchfork is an esteemed online music magazine, and a picky one at that. There musical tastes are borderline pompous and pretentious, and until they deemed The Shins's "Port of Morrow" best new music, many thought Pitchfork didn't like any of the music they reviewed at all.

Larry Fitzmaurice was spot on in his review of "Port of Morrow." He gave Mercer and his new band members credit where credit was most certainly due. Fitzmaurice points out that The Shins's newest tunes combine all the best elements of every type of Rock music. Happy rock ballads like that of John Mellencamp, mixed with the electronic sprites of today's indie music movement. "Port of Morrow" is a light-rock hybrid, spotted with James Mercer emotional past, sure to make any indie music fan's heart warm.

Fitzmaurice also covers the most debated topic: Is this band even The Shins, or just James Mercer with a back up band. He states simply, "James Mercer is not a member of the Shins, he is the Shins." This is nothing but the truth. The Shins is Mercer's creation, and it is his outlet to let his creativity shine. It is his brainchild to control, to tweak, and to fix.

I have to agree with everything that Fitzmaurice says. "Port of Morrow" is surprisingly unique in its simplicity and freshness. It is not overwhelming or artistically saturated beyond recognition. It is classic James Mercer, and it will be a timeless record to listen to with the windows rolled down on a spring day

READ THE ARTICLE HERE: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16390-port-of-morrow/