Last night, the Shins showed up on the Late Show With David Letterman, blasting through their world-beating single “Simple Song.” I swear that one is like a top-five Shins song at this point; I never get sick of hearing it. Letterman, for his part, can’t think of any jokes to make at the band’s expense, [...]

A Virginia airport at 5 in the morning on the day SXSW starts, listening to an iTunes stream on crappy airport wi-fi and letting that stream rebuffer a few times on every song: These are not the ideal circumstances in which to hear a much-anticipated album for the first time. Some things, however, are out [...]

James Mercer and co will release the album formally on Monday (March 19)

The Shins’ fourth LP Port Of Morrow streams on iTunes on Tuesday, but fans paying close attention have already heard most of the album’s songs through various teasers and studio sessions. (Specifically: “Simple Song,” September,” “The Rifle’s Spiral,” It’s ...

At least in theory, SXSW is supposed to be about discovering emerging and ascendent bands, but the fest just keeps adding big names: Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Norah Jones, John Mayer, T.I., Nas, the Shins, and — now — Jay-Z, arguably the biggest name and best live performer in rap history. Last year, Jay was [...]