When the Shins recruited Columbia Records as the distributor for a forthcoming album on singer James Mercer's own Aural Apothecary imprint, we knew that a release announcement was likely to be close behind. Sure enough, the group have revealed plans to drop Port of Morrow in March.
According to an announcement, this ten-song offering was written entirely by Mercer, who handled the bulk of the instrumentation as well -- confirming that the Shins have essentially become a Mercer solo vehicle. The album was produced by Greg Kurstin, who has previously helmed recordings by the likes of, um, Lilly Allen, Kelly Clarkson and Foster the People. It was mixed by Rich Costey, whose resume includes work with Interpol, Weezer and TV on the Radio.
Touring plans are set to be unveiled soon, and new music will arrive in January. Expect the exact release date to be confirmed shortly.
This will be the first Shins LP since 2007's Wincing the Night Away, which came out thorough their former label Sub Pop and featured an entirely different band backing Mercer.
Port of Morrow:
1. "The Rifle's Spiral"
2. "Simple Song"
3. "It's Only Life"
4. "No Way Down"
5. "September"
6. "Bait and Switch"
7. "Fall of '82"
8. "For a Fool"
9. "40 Mark Strasse"
10. "Port of Morrow"
According to an announcement, this ten-song offering was written entirely by Mercer, who handled the bulk of the instrumentation as well -- confirming that the Shins have essentially become a Mercer solo vehicle. The album was produced by Greg Kurstin, who has previously helmed recordings by the likes of, um, Lilly Allen, Kelly Clarkson and Foster the People. It was mixed by Rich Costey, whose resume includes work with Interpol, Weezer and TV on the Radio.
Touring plans are set to be unveiled soon, and new music will arrive in January. Expect the exact release date to be confirmed shortly.
This will be the first Shins LP since 2007's Wincing the Night Away, which came out thorough their former label Sub Pop and featured an entirely different band backing Mercer.
Port of Morrow:
1. "The Rifle's Spiral"
2. "Simple Song"
3. "It's Only Life"
4. "No Way Down"
5. "September"
6. "Bait and Switch"
7. "Fall of '82"
8. "For a Fool"
9. "40 Mark Strasse"
10. "Port of Morrow"