I’m torn with the Shins. As popular as the Albuquerque band (yes, I said ALBQ because that’s where they were originally from) has become, it is quite evident that the once indie pop act has become a vehicle for James Mercer to flex his creative chops when he’s not messing around with Danger Mouse. I know there’s always going to be riffs between bandmates, but, it just seems like most of the band got the axe and two guys from Fruit Bats came to fill the void. Ex-Shins drummer,Jesse Sandoval, sought out a culinary passion by peddling tacos in Portland by default. Things could be a lot worse.
The Shins’ new album, “Port of Morrow,” will be out March 20 via Columbia Records. Look for them to be at SX this week and on tour for three dates with Sub Pop’s, the Head and the Heart. I bring this up because one of those dates will be on our home turf of Red Rocks and good luck getting tickets. You might have better luck at a casino playing blackjack.
the Shins “Simple Song” on SNL
the Shins “It’s Only Life” on SNL
Tour Dates
04/13 – Las Vegas, NV @ Cosmopolitan
04/14 – Indio, CA @ Coachella Music Festival
04/17 – Honolulu, HI @ Blaisdell Concert Hall
04/18 – Maui, HI @ Castle Theatre
04/21 – Indio, CA @ Coachella Music Festival
04/22 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
04/23 – Davis, CA @ Robert Mondavi Center
04/25 – Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
05/25 – Bend, OR @ Les Schawb Ampitheatre #^
05/26 – George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
05/28 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Red Butte Garden Ampitheater #^
05/29 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Ampitheatre #^
05/31 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Harrahs Council Bluffs *^
06/04 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant *
06/05 – Columbus, OH @ LC Indoor Pavilion *
06/06 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore *
06/08 – Cleveland, OH @ Masonic Auditorium *
06/09 – Louisville, KY @ Iroquois Ampitheatre *
# = w/ The Head and The Heart
^ = w/ Blind Pilot
* = w/ The Antlers