1. The Shins - "The Rifle's Spiral." James Mercer, the lead singer and mastermind of the Shins, said that this "song is written from the perspective of somebody funding and paying for suicide bombers to engage in that horrible activity. Just the perverse and grotesque thing that that is, and you know, living in the age we live in and my disrespect and fear of religion in general just fueling that intense hatred and appalling violence.” I would've never fathomed this interpretation, especially for such a sunny opening song, although that does explain the chorus's beautifully-written prophesy: "Long before you were born / You were always to be a dagger floating / Straight to their heart." The Shins really do know how to open an album: "Caring Is Creepy," "Kissing the Lipless," "Sleeping Lessons," and now "The Rifle's Spiral" are all catchy, pop-infused gems -- some of the group's best tracks to date. These opening songs also demonstrate the band's progression from its lo-fi, indie roots to its glossier pop sound. The gradual change to a more mainstream genre hasn't compromised the group's music in any way -- in fact, as Mercer's quotation shows, the subject matter of the Shins' songs appears more serious than ever. I haven't given this album enough attention as I should have, but I believe Port of Morrow will, like Chutes Too Narrow, be a staple on my summer playlists.
Showing posts with label Sleigh Bells. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sleigh Bells. Show all posts
Friday, May 4, 2012
April Mixtape
Highlighting the songs I've discovered, rediscovered, or repeatedly played each month. The order reflects an attempt to create a cohesive mixtape, not to rank the songs in any way.
1. The Shins - "The Rifle's Spiral." James Mercer, the lead singer and mastermind of the Shins, said that this "song is written from the perspective of somebody funding and paying for suicide bombers to engage in that horrible activity. Just the perverse and grotesque thing that that is, and you know, living in the age we live in and my disrespect and fear of religion in general just fueling that intense hatred and appalling violence.” I would've never fathomed this interpretation, especially for such a sunny opening song, although that does explain the chorus's beautifully-written prophesy: "Long before you were born / You were always to be a dagger floating / Straight to their heart." The Shins really do know how to open an album: "Caring Is Creepy," "Kissing the Lipless," "Sleeping Lessons," and now "The Rifle's Spiral" are all catchy, pop-infused gems -- some of the group's best tracks to date. These opening songs also demonstrate the band's progression from its lo-fi, indie roots to its glossier pop sound. The gradual change to a more mainstream genre hasn't compromised the group's music in any way -- in fact, as Mercer's quotation shows, the subject matter of the Shins' songs appears more serious than ever. I haven't given this album enough attention as I should have, but I believe Port of Morrow will, like Chutes Too Narrow, be a staple on my summer playlists.
1. The Shins - "The Rifle's Spiral." James Mercer, the lead singer and mastermind of the Shins, said that this "song is written from the perspective of somebody funding and paying for suicide bombers to engage in that horrible activity. Just the perverse and grotesque thing that that is, and you know, living in the age we live in and my disrespect and fear of religion in general just fueling that intense hatred and appalling violence.” I would've never fathomed this interpretation, especially for such a sunny opening song, although that does explain the chorus's beautifully-written prophesy: "Long before you were born / You were always to be a dagger floating / Straight to their heart." The Shins really do know how to open an album: "Caring Is Creepy," "Kissing the Lipless," "Sleeping Lessons," and now "The Rifle's Spiral" are all catchy, pop-infused gems -- some of the group's best tracks to date. These opening songs also demonstrate the band's progression from its lo-fi, indie roots to its glossier pop sound. The gradual change to a more mainstream genre hasn't compromised the group's music in any way -- in fact, as Mercer's quotation shows, the subject matter of the Shins' songs appears more serious than ever. I haven't given this album enough attention as I should have, but I believe Port of Morrow will, like Chutes Too Narrow, be a staple on my summer playlists.
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