The Shins – Sea Legs (2007)

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Owing to the very high standards of their first two albums Oh, Inverted World and Chutes Too Narrow, there was some hefty critical reception awaiting their third. The band decided to diversify away from their established sound, and no more so on ‘Sea Legs’. Its funky bassline would not be out of place on a hip hop track. “Throw all consequence aside In a cheerless pyre that we will set alight”. The song and lyric appear on 2007 LP Wincing Tbe Night Away.

The Shins – Caring Is Creepy (2001)

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‘Caring Is Creepy’ is the opener of The Shins debut and indie classic Oh, Inverted World. For that alone, it deserves reverence. But the song stands on its own merit, making great use of James Mercer’s shimmery vocals and Marty Crandall’s floaty keyboards. Have a great week.