Album Review: Port of Morrow by The Shins

After five years of anticipation The Shins finally released a new album. Turbulent times followed the release of Wincing the Night Away (2007). After a domestic abuse incident with a live-in girlfriend, keyboardist Marty Crandall was booted from the band in 2009. Drummer Jesse Sandoval was also replaced that year.  Lead singer and front-runner James Mercer used this as an opportunity to explore a sound new to The Shins. Anyone expecting something similar to Oh, Inverted World (2001) or Chutes Too Narrow (2003) will find themselves quickly disappointed with Port of Morrow. This album is better listened to with no expectations of a sound similar to that of the past.


Though the lyrics and music were lackluster in some tracks (very few solid guitar leads), a handful came through as very good tunes. The tracks featured sounds that surprised me and piqued my interest. Simple Song was reminiscent of older Shins and the chorus reminded me of Gone for Good ("I found a fatal flaw/in the logic of love"). For a Fool is a neat track. It has a slow country feel to it with acoustic guitar throughout, though the chorus was a bit weak, "taken for a fool / yes, I was because I was a fool". Fall of '82 caught me by surprise. It has striking similarities to Steve Miller or Chicago with classic electric keys and organs. The drums and bass, played tightly together like a Steely Dan song, fed that retro feeling. The tune even featured a trumpet solo to tie is all together. 


Another notable tune was 40 Mark Strasse, featuring lots of acoustic guitar and that same retro feel that Mercer nailed in "Fall of '82". The vocals in the chorus were dreamy, with an echoing piano accompanying Mercer. It was around this point in the album that I realized Mercer wasn't going for that classic The Shins feel but rather something new, possibly a mix of power-pop and 1970s-era rock. Taken for what it is, Port of Morrow is something to be celebrated, afterall, this album was long overdue. However, it did fall a bit short of my expectations, for I am a fan of the old Shins. Even a continuation of Wincing the Night Away could have served them a bit better, but it is clear that Mercer is ready for something different and I respect that. I give the album 3 out of 5 stars. Port of Morrow was released March 20, 2012.