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The Shins' third album, I'm happy to say, seems to maintain their weird paradox of sounding as if they literally lived in Brian Wilson's head for their formative years, yet at the same time achieving a style that is so completely their own.
The first single from James Mercer and his band's by all accounts splendid Wincing The Night Away, sees them repeat the formula that has seen them unconditionally loved by the awkward and the geeky, and since their inclusion on the soundtrack of the film Garden State, also the hip and the happening.
That formula being simplicity in melody and instrumentation, yet with a lyrical sophistication that really does locate them in a musical bloodline descending from The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and maybe The Troggs. Of course, this comparison is helped by the whole Pet Sounds, sounds-like-it-was-recorded-in-a-cathedral style of production behind it. Furthermore, Mercer's voice on Phantom Limb is reminiscent of Mike Love at his best.
If they had existed 35 years ago we'd be rushing them into every hall of fame there is going. As it is, there's nothing for it but to listen, learn and sing along.
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