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Wincing the Night Away
The Shins
Retail Price (not our price): $15.98
Release Date: 2007-01-23
Manufacturer: Sub Pop
Format: Audio CD
Discs: 1

Track List
Now here, for your listening pleasure, the tracks...

Disc 1

Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) Amazon.com
Indie-rock's hardest-working slackers finally release their third album, on which they've made the clear transition from bedroom-pop to stadium-rock without losing everything that makes them great. Those soaring vocals that sound like the unholiest collision of the Cure and Simon and Garfunkel, the nimble pop hooks that are never overused, those lyrics that are as self-deprecating and razor sharp as they are playful--dude, it's all still here. Relax, you can still swoon. Musically, there are some new elements, from the ragged surf-rock that propels "Pam Berry" to the near hip-hop beats of "Sea Legs" and percolating electronica on "Sleeping Lessons" (which two thirds of the way through shows Band of Horses how to write a song). Wincing is neither the clever genre recombinant exercise of their second album nor is it the perfect little self-contained universe of their debut. This is not the Shins' best album; it's their growing pains third record. James Mercer has learned how to shout his words so the folks in the back row can hear; a slightly harder edge and more confidence is on display. But it doesn't gel fully. Mercer remains one of the most talented songwriters working in pop today, and what this album proves is that the group deserves to move beyond the little Zach-Braff-movie-watching, This-American-Life-listening, Frappuccino-sipping demo-ghetto they've found themselves in. Wincing confidently bristles with stupendous and smart rock music that deserves to be enjoyed by your kid brother and your folks as much as your dorm-mates. --Mike McGonigalThe Shins Get Their "Sea Legs"More from the Shins & FriendsOh, Inverted WorldChutes Too NarrowGarden State Soundtrack (Features tracks by the Shins)

2) Album Description
It could be said that the Shins third album, Wincing the Night Away is the most heavily anticipated record of 2007. Post Garden State notoriety, the band has reached beyond their indie-darling status to something approaching mainstream recognition. Recorded over time in James Mercer's basement studio, Phil Ek's Seattle digs, and in Oregon City with veteran engineer Joe Chiccarelli (Beck, U2) - Wincing the Night Away is a whole new animal. It is the sound of a band growing up and out. Mercer's infectious, indelible melodic style is still at the core, and unfaltering. But anything can happen around it - and in this case, it does. Channeling a Morrissey vibe, "Sea Legs" pairs a hip-hop (yes, hip-hop) beat with lush melodic lines and searing guitars. Elsewhere the band toys with tweaked-out piano steeped in psychedelic strings ("Red Rabbit"); fractured synth samples ("Spilt Needles"); gauzy, arpeggiated keyboards cloaking thunderous anthems ("Sleeping Lessons"); and, taking cues from early Jesus and Mary Chain albums - sweeping, fuzztoned epics ("Phantom Limb"). Finally, "Turn on Me," "Girl Sailor" and "Australia" are the lilting, exhilarating, rollicking, rock-solid pop songs we've all come to covet from The Shins.

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5

1) An absolute pleasure to listen to   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
The Shins never fail to amaze me, every album has it's own special sound. Wincing the Night Away in particular shows a band whose melodic maturity has easily jumped far beyond most popular acts today, yet they still remain in a perfect state of obscurity. James Mercer's lyrics, and voice along with the almost psychedelic/space rock sound are in perfect sync through out the album. Favorite tracks: Black Wave, Sea Legs, Sleeping Lessons(If you like or dislike review, please vote. Thank you)

2) Wow   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
It took me 3 months to realize that this is the one of a couple of the best albums i've heard in the past 5 years. James Mercer is a musical genius cleverly disguised as a mid tempo rock-pop singer. Just awesome.

3) Better with each album   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
The Shins seem to get better with each album. I strongly recommend this album for those who are even mildly interested in The Shins. I can't wait for their next release!Matt ZarnstorffZarnstorff

4) amazing   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
I won't write a long review of this, but just a few thoughts....The first 4 tracks are simply outstanding, and come together incredibly. The rest of the album is outstanding. A big fan of their first two albums, I didn't much appreciate this one. After I bought it, it went into storage for about a month after I heard it the first time. As of now, I listen to it through about 1 or 2 times a week. It is truly a great album.

5) Word Salads   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Hey, I am a newcomer to the Shins. Please be patient with me here. Their lyrics are cryptic, and all over the pyscho map. The words remind me of tossed salads, or the kind of stuff you find text messaged on your cell phone from strangers. However the melodies are hummable, almost danceable, with lots of feedback and electric buzz. I found "Phantom Limb" and "A Comet Appears" above the others. Color me crazy, but "A Comet Appears" touches on some deep issues, cool stuff set to electric guitar. What's most enjoyable about The Shins is that they do not seem to take themselves all that seriously, and yet there is some creative heavy stuff going on here. Kudos to this indie bunch !