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March 7, 2007

Shin-sational

A relaxed set by The Shins provided for high excitement

Story by: Alexa Garcia-Ditta

The Shorthorn news editor

COURTESY ART

For a guy small in stature, James Mercer’s voice reaches far beyond any other. The Shins’ front man, with his unique vocal range and contagious energy, led an eclectic show that drew audience members of all ages.

Upon the release of their new album, Wincing the Night Away, The Shins performed a healthy mix of new songs and old favorites Monday at Dallas’ Palladium Ballroom. The band opened with “Sleeping Lessons,” the new album’s first track. As the synthesizer built through the song’s introduction, I felt my adrenaline increase right along with the tempo. When the drums took over and the jam session began, audience members shared my excitement and began break dancing in place.

The synthesizer and Mercer’s soothing voice set the mood for a mellow-yet-energetic show. Dark purple and turquoise lights flooded the stage, creating an almost sensual feel that would prevail until the end of the night.

After a few songs, I heard the familiar tambourine of a song Natalie Portman deemed life changing in Garden State. Yes, the band played “New Slang.” I closed my eyes and was immediately sitting in that doctor’s waiting room with Portman and Zach Braff.

Bassist and keyboardist Martin Crandall, the curly-haired comedian of the group, kept things light by entertaining the crowd between songs. With a smile on his face from beginning to end, Crandall jammed with an ease that some musicians only have when they’re practicing in a garage.

The Shins tweaked some of its material Monday night, turning originally peppy songs to mellow ballads and adding a jazz twist to others.

After about 90 minutes of music, the energy I felt when the show started was still there. Mercer and his band members never lost their mojo. They delivered a stellar performance, from “Sleeping Lessons” to what seemed like the last song, “Caring is Creepy.” After singing this old hit and Garden State favorite, audience members only wanted more.

The band delivered.

The band members sauntered out after the crowd beckoned them back on stage, each holding a beer, to perform three more songs before ending with one of my favorites, “So Says I.”

When I left the concert, I was on a high I never thought I could reach from music I listen to usually to settle my nerves. The Shins gave me everything I have been needing — fun, relaxation and excitement. Thanks guys.