If You Like The Shins, Try...

Remember that scene in Garden State, where Natalie Portman's character promises Zack Braff's that if he listens to a song, it'll change his life? That song was "New Slang" by The Shins, and although I wouldn't say listening to the Shins changed my life, it certainly has brightened it. I love the contrast of their dark lyrics and catchy, upbeat pop music. And I was so sad to miss their recent sold-out concert at the Rialto! So, to console myself, I've been listening to a lot of stuff that sounds like vintage Shins.

For bands with physical CDs in the library for you to check out, I highlighted their names in bold. For bands with tracks available on Freegal (three free downloads a week, with your library card!), I italicized them. Some are available both ways!

First up: Broken Bells. This is really the perfect band to get into if you like the Shins, because guess what...they share a singer. It's his side project with Danger Mouse (also known as half of Gnarls Barkley and Sparklehorse, as well as the genius behind the Grey Album, the epic mashup of Jay-Z's Black Album and the Beatles' White Album.) Broken Bells is just as catchy as The Shins, although a little less guitar-driven and twee (which, in my humble opinion, is a good thing!). Try listening to "The High Road" and you'll be hooked. Read on for more sound-alikes!

Mercer's Mark--The Shins

"Caring is creepy" according to The Shins, but let me tell you why you should care that James Mercer is at it again with his band's latest album, Port of Morrow...even if it is creepy to care. It has been about eight years since The Shins gained national momentum as a result of their presence on the soundtrack of the indie favorite, Garden State. Many of us remember the scene where Zach Braff puts on Natalie Portman's humongous headphones to hear "New Slang," the song that will "change your life." Charming as that was, I sure hope it hasn't been that long since you have checked up on The Shins; especially since the album prior to their latest, Wincing the Night Away, is an absolute delight. The album  propels easily from one song to the next, leading listeners through a kaleidoscopic build that never fails to disappoint. The tracks "Phantom Limb," "Sea Legs" and "Split Needles" are best heard with the volume cranked, that way you can let Mercer's impeccable vocals, lyrical abstractions, and tonal complexity consume you.  Oh, and if you enjoy Isaac Brock and his little band, Modest Mouse, you may just adore hearing the fruits of his collaboration with Mercer on the following tracks, "Florida," "We've Got Everything" and "Missed the Boat" (on the Modest Mouse album, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank).