Ports of Morrow
(Columbia)
Remember in Garden State when Natalie Portman tells Zach Braff that The shins will "change your life"? Eight years later, only James Mercer, the band's singer-songwriter, remains from that "life-changing" lineup on this, the band's first LP in five years. As always, Mercer's songwriting is the highlight, and the shaggy-dog instrumentation of yore has been replaced with a coat of glossy production. Songs like "Bait and Switch" might not change your life, but they'll make you dance.
(Columbia)
Remember in Garden State when Natalie Portman tells Zach Braff that The shins will "change your life"? Eight years later, only James Mercer, the band's singer-songwriter, remains from that "life-changing" lineup on this, the band's first LP in five years. As always, Mercer's songwriting is the highlight, and the shaggy-dog instrumentation of yore has been replaced with a coat of glossy production. Songs like "Bait and Switch" might not change your life, but they'll make you dance.
