In 2002 I walked into where? The WHEREHOUSE and saw "Oh, Inverted World" by The Shins on the shelf. Without listening to it, I made the purchase. Popped it into my car CD player. Really liked the first song ("Caring Is Creepy"), scanned the next few songs. Then I heard the intro to "New Slang". I sat in the car and played that song 3 times in a row. Life stood still.
Mercer said that "'New Slang' is about that Saturn Returns part of my life." What does he mean? same interview, Mercer explained "It's about that time of my life, about getting out of Albuquerque and leaving everything behind I was in this place that I felt depressed about.felt like I couldn't relate to the people I had been hanging out with. I had become a hermit making a record and recording and lost interest in the bingeing and partying I would indulge in things but it wouldn't be much fun.
You know what sucks, If these guys were more "marketable" they would be huge.. I love that James is 42 as his music reflects his maturity. So creative, So original and plays with joy for the love of music. Much respect.
... My life would be a much different one if it weren't for the lyrics of James Mercer and The Shins. About 14-15 years ago I first heard their music and I can't begin to express how grateful I am. Without complaining, dealt with some hard things back then and this song[/album] was the one that muted the world, gave me perspective, and pulled me through it. The only musician that if I were to see in person I'd start crying and hug.
Kind off subject... Mate of mine was such a big fan of mgmt that when they played in Dublin he got so drunk he had to go back to the flat about 2 songs into the concert to sleep it off on the couch. The rest of the lads stayed watched the concert and waited for the band outside their tour bus at the end. When the band came out the lads shouted where's the after party? The lead singer said there was no after party.. So The lads said come with us and they took the guys from the band to a karaoke bar. After the karaoke they all went back to the flat where the die hard mgmt fan was passed out on the couch... Long story short... The guy who was a massive mgmt fan woke up the next morning to see the lead singer of his favourite band sitting on the couch beside him playing Fifa😂😂
One of the greatest songs ever written. I was fortunate to see The Shins at the Hollywood Palladium a few years ago. It was magical. The entire audience was nothing short of nice, kind hearted people. I felt at home for once.
