 | New SlangThe Shins |
Writer(s): James Mercer (see lyrics here) Released: February 2001 First Charted: -- Peak: 21 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, 0.2 UK, 2.2 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 32.5 video, 417.58 streaming |
Awards:Click on award for more details. 
|
About the Song:The song that “will change your life.” Or so said Natalie Portman’s character in the 2004 movie Garden State. It certainly changed the life of singer/songwriter and guitarist James Mercer, the only consistent member of the Shins. As Spin’s Robert Devine said, “Almost overnight, the Shins became indie-rock icons.” WK The indie rock band formed in 1996 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their debut album, Oh, Inverted World, was well received by critics, but only reached #168 on the Billboard album chart. However, the album would eventually reach platinum status after the song “New Slang” was featured in the movie Garden State and on the soundtrack. It built up an audience for the Shins, who landed a #2 platinum album with their third release, 2007’s Wincing the Night Away. Songfacts.com says the song “is about one person telling another how perfect things would be if they had began a romantic relationship.” SF Mercer wrote the song about his experiences in his hometown of Albuquerque, specifically how he felt depressed and disconnected. As he said, “It's definitely a moment in my life, that sort of angst and confusion about what my future was going to be.” WK AllMusic.com’s Charles Spano said it “could be a lost single from a brilliant, obscure ‘60s psych-folk band.” AM Rolling Stone called it “a shuffling folk ballad with a spaghetti-western feel and a somber melody.” WK On NPR’s All Things Considered, Will Hermes called the song a “masterpiece.” WK
The song caugh the attention of Sub Pop Records, who offered the Shins a one-off single deal. |
No comments:
Post a Comment