Phantom Limb [Single, Enhanced, Import]

The Shins | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 29, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Single, Enhanced, Import
• Label: Transgressive
• ASIN: B000M2E8K4
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #944,818 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Phantom Limb

2. Nothing at All

3. Spilt Needles [Alternate Version]

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Phantom pain, December 2, 2006

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Phantom Limb (Audio CD)

One of the most anticipated albums of 2007 is the Shins third album, "Wincing the Night Away." To get appetites whetted for that, they've released a little single EP, with their first single "Phantom Limb" and a pair of equally solid B-sides. If this is a taste of what's to come, then the Shins are still in good shape.

The title track opens with a blur of fuzz, right before James Russell Mercer starts to croon, "Frozen into coats,/White girls of the North... And they could float above the grass/In circles if they tried/A latent power I'm known to hide/To keep some hope alive." Under it is a solid, languid indie-rock melody that occasionally burst out into sweeps of guitar.

The next song is very different. "Nothing At all" is full of sharp percussion pops and a sixtyish keyboard melody -- catchy and a little fuzzy. And then there's an alternative version of the album title "Split Needles"; where the album version is more ethereal and hazy, this is a driven guitarpop melody laced with synth and killer riffs.

The Shins -- also known as the band that will change your life -- got a bit more indie-rock oriented in their second album, and they continue that trend with the songs on "Phantom Limb." If these songs are any indication, then their next album will be one of the best of the year.

Musically, the songs straddle the line between indierock, and a lazier, more languid kind of pop. Not to mention the driving guitar riffs versus the shimmering layers of keyboard, with a rattling tambourine and some fuzz thrown in for good measure. It's catchy, but in a good way.

Mercer's voice has gotten even better since the last album, and in "Phantom Limb" he sounds absolutely stunning. And the band's lyrics are reminiscent of spiky, slightly surreal poetry, full of snow, music, booze, and polymorphing opinions. "With all their pearly snapping/They close the basement door..."

"Phantom Limb" is certainly a good sign for the Shins, as listeners await the other songs they have in store. But this is a good appetizer before the main course.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What the...?, January 2, 2007

By 

Bryan A. Feddern (seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Phantom Limb (Audio CD)

You are probably on this page because you like the Shins and the Phantom Limb single will definitely not disappoint you. It is an obvious but brilliant progression in songwriting and production. What I want to know is who OK'd the "editorial review" by Mike McGonigal of the 'Wincing the Night Away' album? He's a grade A douche bag, please take him off the site.

5.0 out of 5 stars short and sweet, February 6, 2007

By 

M. Mulera "scifibook fan" (phoenix az) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Phantom Limb (Audio CD)

This was a great little CD.
I was able to let it play through for most of my driving time the first day.
With only three songs that says it all.