Album Review: The Shins Go For The Worm’s Heart
When The Shins’ James Mercer wrote, produced, and recorded Heartworms, he had this desire for an alternate version, an opposite version. The Worm’s Heart was born with the original track order reversed and songs reborn, yet the lyrics and melody remained intact. In essence, Mercer is redefining the idea of a “remix” as an artistic opportunity to outdo yourself.
The Shins – Dead Alive (Flipped – Audio)
For some artists, one version of a song is not enough. Instead, the track dances from tragic to trailblazing, loud to quiet, or pop to reggae. Though the words and themes mays stay the same, the backdrop changes like tv channels in your mind. This is the notion that inspires The Worm’s Heart, and it is a brilliant idea, especially for artists. like Mercer, with so much vision. Tracks like, “Dead Alive”, “The Fear”, and “Rubber Ballz” are given more tragic notes then their original orchestrations, which makes you realize how dark and whimsical Mercer can be as a songwriter. While these songs frolic between intoxicating chords and sobering thoughts, for the most part, The Worm’s Heart feels like the wilder, more zinged little sister of Heartworms.
The Shins – Heartworms (Flipped – Audio)
To be frank, I do not know if The Worm’s Heart is better than Heartworms, but I think that is the point. It simply widens the selection of the last album, by giving it a more livelier mirror. “Half A Million”, “Fantasy Island”, and “Heartworms” feel injected with electro-dance beats, while “Mildenhall” and ‘Name For You” become gutted for rock n’ roll grime. It is an incredibly fun concept that will make The Shins’ fans further fall in love with Mercer’s genius, but also get to have a say in what version THEY want to hear. Honestly, I think that is a cool offer, especially because The Shins’ music/ core talent does not change: their verses. Thus, from the mythical soundscape of “So Now What” to the arcade, “digi-beats” of “Painting A Hole”, you realize there is musically more to this band than you know. For More Information On The Shins And To Buy The Worm’s Heart on January 19 Click Here
