We’ve all heard “Simple Song” and “It’s Only Life” (if you haven’t, you missed SNL last weekend and/or you have been neglecting the blogosphere), but now you can hear The Shins’ brand new album, Port of Morrow, in its entirety for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. It’s hard not to love the allure of free music, and I know you agree — otherwise Megaupload never would’ve gotten shut down (thanks a lot, you guys!). Anyway, we know you’re as curious as a cat o’ nine’s tail to hear what the newly assembled Shins are sounding like, or rather, what the force of James Mercer is making sure they sound like.
I can tell you have questions, so I’ll ask them for you: Will it live up to the expectations of the fabulous “Simple Song”? Does Mercer’s balding affect his singing voice? Will Wincing the Night Away become a forgettable mess after we hear this new one? Are The Shins the anti-Bonnaroo answer to The Flaming Lips?
While no one could possibly have all the answers for you, you can at least attempt to address these pressing issues by heading on over to a little online marketplace known as iTunes. You’ll be able to access Port of Morrow for a whole week before the March 20 release date via Columbia/Aural Apothecary. So, now you’ll be able to sleep at night.
• The Shins: http://mercerhouse.theshins.com
• Columbia: http://www.columbiarecords.com
• Aural Apothecary: http://www.facebook.com/Aural.Apothecary