Customer Reviews

Phantom Limb

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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.

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.

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.

One of the most exciting albums of 2007 is the Shins third album, "Wincing the Night Away." Before the album's release, they put out a little single EP, with their first single "Phantom Limb" and a pair of equally solid B-sides. It's an enchantingly offbeat little single.

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 one of the Shins' best songs ever, and only whets the appetite for the rest of "Wincing the Night Away." Excellent work, boys.

I just got this a week ago. I cant stop listening to this little ep. I absolutely love it. I cant wait for the full album. The song phantom limb is unreal. These guys make some of the most unique cool music out their.

Yes, I feel compelled to say it. Call it hyperbole but this song is brilliant. To say they merely tried to emulate the sound of The Jesus and Mary Chain with this song is the equivalent of Kurt Cobain saying 'I just wanted to write a Pixies song!' of "Smells Like Teen Spirit"; they perfected the style. Listen to "Darklands" and you'll hear something of a similarity.

The Shins seem to accentuate and lift my mood to a level not quite
comprehensible in mere words. PHANTOM LIMBS is one of the best songs on WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY, which I think is the best Shins record. However, the best song on their third disc is called "A Comet Appears" This is a great song to tap your foot to. It has an ethereal everlasting melody that will impress you. However, I suggest you wait for the cd instead of buying one single track with some 2 tracks you don't want.

Beautiful.