I listened to the Shins over 20 years ago, until now..The Shins is part of my life process and grow up. I'm lucky to know this band specially James Mercer.
Cyber-Funk The Shins have a been a melody of mine since I was a child but I suggest you check out Thom Yorke. Yes, Mercers music is really soul grabbing and uplifting but that is a big stretch, I agree.
Mercer's music takes me to a far off, oft not visited place deep inside of my soul where the world has no weight. If I could just only close my eyes and float here forever
The most gently touching, impossibly moving, tear wrenching singer songwriter ive ever heard. If any 'band' needed to do a whole acoustic album its the Shins. Pretty much every acoustic track he does sound better than the original, especially the last 2 over produced albums. When he 'flips' an album next time, he should flip it acoustically...
This is literally my favorite band, my first tattoo at 18 was a Shins lyric on my ribs. My high school teacher showed me this band in creative writing class when I was 15. I've seen them in concert three times + Broken Bells. I cannot believe I haven't seen this Tiny Desk yet. James Mercer has brought me back to Earth many times. Love them.
I grew up loving this band and have seen them 4 times. It’s been some years since I’ve listened and these stripped down version with just Mercer is bringing back what I first felt when I listened to them. Thank you. ❤
Fun fact: Mildenhall is also where 34 masterpieces of Roman silver tableware from the 4th century AD were discovered by a farmer ploughing his field in 1942, as you do in England. And, as anyone who read 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar' knows, Roald Dahl wrote about it. Most fun fact: The Shins are absolutely wonderful. Thank you for this, two years late.
It emphasizes the melancholy and his great voice for sure, but i think the beauty of the early Shins records was how he juxtaposed it with this uplifting energy.
I'm a bit older than James but still could not help think that either he or his song writing is getting old. Maybe I am just too nostalgic for the original Shins.
Singing is a very physical act, and no middle aged person sounds like they did at 30. Having said that, I dunno why he didn't just change the key, rather than drop the verse melody a whole octave. Sounds a bit odd to my ears
My friend from university had the Mildenhall experience too, a strange ersatz US theme park in the middle of Suffolk. He really missed life on the base as a kid.
Maybe... but the MELODY is all over the place in each case. Follow the melodies and see where they go :) Also note how he changes the melody from performance to performance and it's STILL GOOD, which is something I've heard very few rock and pop musicians be able to do.
This sounds really good through my monitors in my treated studio. Wish I knew what mics they used, and his guitar pickup. I think the shotgun is a Sennheiser, but can't see the mic pointed at the guitar, down below.
By the way, Josh, I just noticed that you are the guy who records these Tiny Desk Concerts. 1) The fact that you took the time to reply to me is GREATLY appreciated. 2) You are great engineer... your recordings are excellent. Keep up the awesome work and thank you, again!
was thinking just the same thing. the clarity is always amazing on these recordings. Was it seriously just the two mics on this one? Love how the guitar is nicely spread but the vocal still up front and with the full tonal range of the acoustic guitar all there. Any other secrets you wanna share @Josh Rogosin? ;)
I'd say so. If you listen to interviews with him you learn that he's the entire creative force behind the band. He rights all the parts and then calls in the band members to play them. He really is The Shins.
I listened to the Shins over 20 years ago, until now..The Shins is part of my life process and grow up. I'm lucky to know this band specially James Mercer.
James Mercer for me is the one of the most hearfelt songwriters around today. Gets me every time, every song.
James Mercer might be the greatest songwriter of the last 20 years
Your Midget Matzah cover is great
You are fookin' looney!
let's not stretch it.
Seeker of Truth agreed you all are off it...
Cyber-Funk
The Shins have a been a melody of mine since I was a child but I suggest you check out Thom Yorke. Yes, Mercers music is really soul grabbing and uplifting but that is a big stretch, I agree.
What an incredible songwriter. He's such an excellent storyteller through song.
Mercer's music takes me to a far off, oft not visited place deep inside of my soul where the world has no weight. If I could just only close my eyes and float here forever
I don't listen to a lot of songwriters. but something about his melodies with simple chord progressions is so clearly impressive to me.
The most gently touching, impossibly moving, tear wrenching singer songwriter ive ever heard. If any 'band' needed to do a whole acoustic album its the Shins. Pretty much every acoustic track he does sound better than the original, especially the last 2 over produced albums. When he 'flips' an album next time, he should flip it acoustically...
Can we chill with the suggestions for future artists for two seconds and show some appreciation for how awesome this is?
yes pls
no
This is literally my favorite band, my first tattoo at 18 was a Shins lyric on my ribs. My high school teacher showed me this band in creative writing class when I was 15. I've seen them in concert three times + Broken Bells. I cannot believe I haven't seen this Tiny Desk yet. James Mercer has brought me back to Earth many times. Love them.
I cant believe James started with 'Mildenhall'!!! That is my favorite song on the whole new album!!!! Thank you so much for posting this
Reminds me of my college days, listened to the them all of the time.
This is more like "The Shin".
'The Tibia'
thrillscience "A Shin"
thrillscience ...hahahah
thrillscience ahhhh why did u steal my op?
He has two.
Why does this not have more views? the shins are an absolute treasure.
because the band isn't there and he played none of their best songs?
Please invite James back with Danger Mouse so we can have a Broken Bells concert
Yes! Would be great
I disliked this comment so I could like it again
Still waiting for this to happen
I love James, his songs truly speak to me on a level I can't explain.
Same here
I grew up loving this band and have seen them 4 times. It’s been some years since I’ve listened and these stripped down version with just Mercer is bringing back what I first felt when I listened to them. Thank you. ❤
He's singing about somewhere near my hometown in England
WELL MY DAY JUST GOT INSTANTLY BETTER.
Really, does it get any better? Seriously. The simplicity just showcases his talents.
Fun fact: Mildenhall is also where 34 masterpieces of Roman silver tableware from the 4th century AD were discovered by a farmer ploughing his field in 1942, as you do in England. And, as anyone who read 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar' knows, Roald Dahl wrote about it. Most fun fact: The Shins are absolutely wonderful. Thank you for this, two years late.
Just a hail from someone who has also read Henry Sugar.
@@csp.9203 glad to see others
One of the greatest songwriters, and such unique melodies
This is life, all stripped down and enjoyed.
James Mercer inspired me to start learning the guitar, this guy is sooo good!!!!
Wow...just now come across this. Freakin amazing. Heard of Shins for years, never really listened before.
TTC strikes again. Thanks Bob and crew!
these songs sound so much better stripped down. i personally think i like the shins best when its just him singing with his guitar
It emphasizes the melancholy and his great voice for sure, but i think the beauty of the early Shins records was how he juxtaposed it with this uplifting energy.
So grateful for these little live shows. They're the Best! I've watched this one a few times and it just grows on you more
his rhythm is so incredibly steady. love this set as well :)
I love this guy. He is my favorite singer/songwriter and he's fantastic live!!
Wow, the audio is lit
So much sadness around here. Damn. This is beautiful.
Literally one of my favorite performers... such an inspiration
tiny desk never disappoints.
Love Mildenhall. It’s become my favorite James Mercer song. It’s so autobiographical, personal but still very relatable to me.
I come back to this constantly and I also ripped it so I could have it on my phone. This has to be the most underrated tiny desk, period.
I did not know they were on NPR...I'm so happy
I’m so late too!?! I’m in love and so happy!
I’m so late too!?! I’m in love and so happy!
I'm a bit older than James but still could not help think that either he or his song writing is getting old. Maybe I am just too nostalgic for the original Shins.
He looks like he has lived through a lot of sadness.
Is there really anything that could've made our Monday any better?
James still looks just like he did at Mildenhall - wishing much continued success pal
this is so lovely!!! would love to see a sufjan tiny desk concert 💓
ooo, yes please!
Yaaaas
I can listen this over and over. Great lyrics, what a hero James Mercer. So talented
Finally... a version of Young Pilgrims I can sing without my voice cracking.
Man, voice cracking is the cool thingy, how do you do that? (i mean i even watch video lessons about it)
Singing is a very physical act, and no middle aged person sounds like they did at 30. Having said that, I dunno why he didn't just change the key, rather than drop the verse melody a whole octave. Sounds a bit odd to my ears
They absolutely killed it last night at Lolla!
Joe Zidron yes omg !
Joe Zidron seeing them next month! Beyond stoked!
MrHobj34 it's amazing you won't be disappointed
Joe Zidron Very glad to heard friend!
I wish the band still had Jessica Dobson on lead. She is gorgeous, and fit right into the band.
His lyrics are hella poetic
This is brilliant. So happy they did this.
In this case, NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert Presents..."The Shin"
incredible, what a poet
My friend from university had the Mildenhall experience too, a strange ersatz US theme park in the middle of Suffolk. He really missed life on the base as a kid.
They were so good live on the 8th in Portland!
I've been waiting for this one! I just wish he had played some more of the new stuff that he hasn't already played.
Hello
Wow nice song i gest
I've watched this approximately 177 times.
Every time I find a different version of Young Pilgrims it’s almost a religious experience
James mercer tiny desk yaaaaaaaas finally!!!!!
Seems like he has a distinct voice change he can do at times to have a more "Shinsy" vocal sound.
I never comment on videos but what a great guitarist! Yeah, and writer, LOve You! But wow on the guitar, so cool. ROCK ON, ORE! haha
Holy shiiiiiiit! You finally got The Shiiiiiins one the tiny desk!
CheesecakeLasagna Well, just James
As another earlier post said, just a Shin. (Though he really is the band..)
If i was watching this live i would cry
Love how almost every song is the same few chords....just goes to show you...don't need to be so complex.
Maybe... but the MELODY is all over the place in each case. Follow the melodies and see where they go :) Also note how he changes the melody from performance to performance and it's STILL GOOD, which is something I've heard very few rock and pop musicians be able to do.
@@andrewbarrett1537 Spot on!
Tiny Desk should add time stamps to their setlist in the description
Yes! The Shins give me life 💗💗💗
Very Bob Dylan esc James thank you
anyone notice the old fashioned pin in the shirt to replace his button ups? that's the way you do it.
Sam Brough I don’t know how I didn’t see it before I read your comment!
2019, still amazing!
i like your guitar james mercer
thanks...............very lovely.
would love to see guster perform! they should be releasing a new album sometime this year
I would love to see The Dear Hunter here 🤯🧡
oh i love Broken Bell
Wow what a beautiful song...😘😘😘
The Shins is a rock band that appears in the episode "Bitzer Puts His Foot In It".
The Shins is a rock band that appears in the episode "Bitzer Puts His Foot In It".
Shout out to the safety pin on James Mercers shirt!
I wonder if he thought someone would mention that he's showing too much bust. Can never be too careful right?
Lol😂
This sounds really good through my monitors in my treated studio. Wish I knew what mics they used, and his guitar pickup. I think the shotgun is a Sennheiser, but can't see the mic pointed at the guitar, down below.
Precision Sound Works KM 84
Ah! The legendary KM 84. Thank you, Josh!
By the way, Josh, I just noticed that you are the guy who records these Tiny Desk Concerts. 1) The fact that you took the time to reply to me is GREATLY appreciated. 2) You are great engineer... your recordings are excellent. Keep up the awesome work and thank you, again!
was thinking just the same thing. the clarity is always amazing on these recordings. Was it seriously just the two mics on this one? Love how the guitar is nicely spread but the vocal still up front and with the full tonal range of the acoustic guitar all there. Any other secrets you wanna share @Josh Rogosin? ;)
In addition to the KM 84 and 418s there's a countryman DI and a pair of Schoeps MK4's hanging in the air for audience + room. 6 channels total.
Thats a great sounding J-45
Also please get ben howard on here soon
criminally underrated
Primus tiny desk please!
PLEASE!
Please god no.
i'll take "things i didn't know i absolutely despised the thought of" for $500, Alex.
These fukin hipsters will slip into cardiac arrest
Cody Zwick yeah, from terrible fucking music.
He is fantastic.
I’ve always thought of him as my generations Paul McCartney
Thats a valid comparison. Both masters of melody and emotive singers that can write amazing songs.
Love You Moon/Matt Embree Tiny Desk please!
This is the first time I’ve heard Willie Nelson in his voice.
This fear is a terrible drug... Great lyrics !
Young Pilgrims was *chefs kiss*
Hello npr, you guys should look into having palace on tiny desk. Very nice stuff. Okay have a good day
SHINS FOREVER
Wish he did more tracks
Wish he had done "Pink Bullets"
Reminds me of Josh Morningstar. Maybe Josh and James will do a thing someday.
Mogwai or Godspeedyou! Black Emperor.
Also Hiatus Kaiyote pls.
Very nice
love you all
I'm so happy right now 💕💕💕
A national treasure.
The Shins are so fucking talented.
Is it really The Shins with just Mercer though?
Reindeerchicken mercer IS the shins
I think they're referred to as The Shin in this case.
ItchyKneeSon well play sir
ItchyKneeSon he has two legs and two shins
I'd say so. If you listen to interviews with him you learn that he's the entire creative force behind the band. He rights all the parts and then calls in the band members to play them. He really is The Shins.
Idk anything Bout the shins but this is great
Hello
Young the giant on the tiny desk please.
Dang! James Mercer is amazing even by himself
Do yourself a favor and check out James Mercer perform "journey through the past"
Bout time he did this
He’s never looked more handsome
Remember Garden State?