The Shins - Wincing The Night Away (2007)

The Shins' latest album was released a couple of weeks ago. If you haven't as yet purchased the album, or at the very least given it a listen, may I suggest that you do so promptly. There are many people who have loudly sung The Shins' praises since the release of their 2001 debut album - Oh, Inverted World - particularly following the appearance of the track New Slang in the Zach Braff indie flick, Garden State. I am not one of those people.
Don't get me wrong - I own the bands first two albums and am of the opinion that they are really quite cool, however, for some reason, I have always felt that the albums were missing... something. Maybe I am crazy, because I certainly couldn't tell you what that certain "someting" is - it is simply a feeling I get when I listen to them. I can tell you, though, that Wincing The Night Away is missing absolutely nothing at all. It is a fantastic album! The Shins have brought together the best elements of their first two albums and have thrown in something extra special into the mix (a little fairy dust, some extra herbs and spices - I couldn't really say) to fully realize their potential.
From the opening track - the excellent Sleeping Lessons - through to the album's first single - Phantom Limb - and onwards, each song is an aural delight that begs multiple listens. One of my particular favorites is the delicate, 60's-psych-pop-esque, Red Rabbits - one of the album's many high points.
If you are unfamiliar with The Shins, it is probably time you cozied up and introduced yourself. If you have already formed an opinion of the band - even a high opinion, Wincing The Night Away could very well alter that opinion for the better, as it has certainly done for myself. Go Shins!

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