2007-02-05
Spooky sounds abound on this 3rd album from Albuquerque NM, now Portland OR based band the Shins. Maybe a relocation shifted their focus. Maybe the followed the Decemberists in that they have put out their most radio friendly album to date. Wincing The Night Away tends to lean more to The Shins named influence Echo and The Bunnymen but the tracks are somehow subdued among all the poetic lyrics. Sometimes these songs work.quite well like on the 2nd track Australia. Track 5 Sea Legs is almost a throwback to late nineties Blur and more recent offerings from Beck. This album is pop friendly, and is less intense as their last album Chutes Too Narrow. Track 8 reminds me of the first Greg Sulli solo album. The Shins are definetely reaching. This is a nice record, but the ferocious retro, but somehow still new sounding sound is a little less present. Don't get me wrong, this is still a kick in the pants. Standout tracks: Track 2, Track 5, Track 7, Track 8BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO
100% Fortified Zydeco
El Perro Del Mar
From The Valley To The Stars
4 Way Street
Pretzel Park
MILTON AND THE DEVIL'S PARTY
How Wicked We've Become
Dave Mason
Future's Past
The Outer Vibe
Full Circle
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