The Shins - Port of Morrow

I was able to score tickets to see The Shins at Terminal 5 in New York City on April 29th. They're touring in support of their new album, Port of Morrow, and playing three nights in NYC. I've never had the chance to see them live, so I jumped at the opportunity. When was the last time they even toured? Since this was the first album release in five years, it had to be around that long ago, at the very least.

I've always been a fan of frontman James Mercer's music. Not absolutely obsessed, but a fan. I could listen to any Shins album in its entirety and enjoy every track. I love the popular hits (Caring is Creepy, New Slang, Australia, Phantom Limb), but I especially liked that their albums could be appreciated from start to finish. I also absolutely loved Mercer's side project with Danger Mouse, Broken Bells. I've never had a Shins "phase," but Mercer's music has been in my iPod, on my computer, in my CD cases, and on my shelves for a long time now.

The Shins - Port of Morrow

Port of Morrow is James Mercer at his best. It's everything I like about the Shins and more. It's that same unique brand of classic guitar pop/rock. The jangling, daydreaming sound is still there, as is the focus and effort in the studio and the top-notch production value. It's a vibrant record with each individual song presenting it's own story and feel.

"The Rifles Spiral" opens the album with a fury, it's a rock song that's powerful and heavy, getting your head bobbing right away. "Simple Song" is the immediate standout on the record. It's Mercer's power pop that he's become known for, slowly building to a musical swell and a blissful chorus, resulting in a broad smile while listening. "40 Mark Strasse" and "September" both have a drifting, breezy feel, with a subtle country swing. They're beautiful ballads that remind me of Ryan Adams' best efforts. "Fall of '82" sounds like easy-listening pop-rock from the 70s and 80s. And there's "No Way Down," a bouncy, pop-rock-driven tune with a strong rhythm and lines like "Make me a drink strong enough to wash away the dishwater they said was lemonade."

With so many shifts in styles and different flavors for each song, it's hard to pin down this Shins' album to a specific genre or even time period. It's an all-around fantastic record that should be listened to from beginning to end. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that is at the same time nostalgic as it is groundbreaking.

Port of Morrow is already topping lists as one of the best albums of 2012. Don't call it a comeback, Mercer's been here for years.

Album Highlights: The Rifle's Spiral, Simple Song, September, No Way Down, 40 Mark Strasse... just listen to the whole album ok?!