Continuing a look back to pop of the early 'aughts. I admit I loved that first Shins record, then gradually tired of the preciousness. Which is not to say I want any kicking to come their way. They actually could rock it out in their fashion. Not on this one though. Pure melodic gracefulness and an angelic swirling outro. Such a pretty way to endure a weekend of 9/11 memorial saccharine.
Style never goes out of style, I've heard it said. You can shine with well-worn fabrics if you wear them well. Which I guess is why a band like this can give me those good shivers even though I've probably heard every note, timbre, and lyric somewhere before. A track that can make both dinner prep and a new subway walk feel cinematic is worth enjoying well beyond a nod to its sources.
Well, damn, Blogger seems to have re-asserted its usually invisible dominion over the SB space. Which is to say, "site maintenance" has not only delayed today's post, but seems to have deleted yesterday's altogether. Thanks much, Google. No one should have an excellent Yellow Magic Orchestra tune taken away from them, so I'll fix that when I get time. 
I suppose this one would've made a better segue from Friday's track, but it's a pretty one on any day. It takes me back to those years in the '00s where doing a half decent Morrissey impression was enough to get you a gig at a respectable venue and maybe even a little East Coast tour. But these guys are better than that, even on this number that seems to wistfully recall Belle & Sebastian's now-classic chamber pop records. I'm inclined to nod approvingly at the whole arrangement, but I find myself oddly focused on the bass, which motors along dashingly without ever preening too much for your ears.
