Train - Calling All Angels
I need a sign, to that blonde girl from Bleecker Street, Red Lion Sat 12:34 we had a moment...
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Radiohead - High and Dry
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Foo Fighters - Times Like These
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The Shins write bright, melodic indie pop with a melancholy streak, and became one of the defining indie bands of the 2000s. Started by James Mercer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the band broke through on Sub Pop with Oh, Inverted World and reached a huge audience when “New Slang” appeared in the 2004 film Garden State. They are an indie rock and indie pop band.
| Formed | 1996, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Founder | James Mercer (vocals, guitar, main songwriter) |
| Genres | Indie rock, indie pop |
| Labels | Sub Pop, Columbia |
| Breakthrough | “New Slang” (2001) |
James Mercer started The Shins in Albuquerque as a side project before it became his main band. Sub Pop released their debut album, Oh, Inverted World, in 2001, and the band later moved to Portland, Oregon.
The Shins’ songs are built on Mercer’s high, clear voice, jangling guitars and sunny melodies, with lyrics that are often wistful and wordy. Later albums added richer production and keyboards.
Mercer is the band’s only constant member and writes the songs. He also formed Broken Bells with producer Danger Mouse.
“New Slang” became an indie anthem after its starring role in Garden State, and The Shins went on to reach No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with Wincing the Night Away in 2007. Their melodic approach influenced many indie pop bands that followed.
The debut, with “New Slang”, “Caring Is Creepy” and “Know Your Onion!”.
Featuring “So Says I” and “Kissing the Lipless”.
Their highest-charting album, with “Phantom Limb” and “Australia”.
With “Simple Song”.
Their most recent studio album, with “Name for You”.
These The Shins songs are on our charts and lists:
Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Vampire Weekend, Arcade Fire, Pavement and Broken Bells.
The Shins are an indie rock and indie pop band.
James Mercer started the band in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and it later moved to Portland, Oregon.
“New Slang” (2001).
Garden State (2004), which featured “New Slang” and “Caring Is Creepy.”
James Mercer, who writes the songs and also leads Broken Bells.
The Shins bring the sunny, melodic side of 2000s indie to our playlist. Catch it on The Modern Rock Radio Show, check the radio show schedule, or press play on the live stream. Want a specific song? Send a request or dedication.
About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team. Last reviewed November 4, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.
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