Oh My Rockness

With two near-perfect albums under their New Mexican belts, it would be understandable for The Shins to want some time to roll around drunk and naked in their money, feeling the softness of benjamins caressing their bums. Well, that's what I would do if I were them. And while The Shins deserve every penny they have, these guys ain't lazy and will have none of that hot doggin'.

The Shins hit the road incessantly in order to attain true perfection, not near-perfection. It's this integrity of craftsmanship that sets The Shins apart from so many of their peers. They don't want to be the next big thing or the band of the moment. They don't want to be the leaders of a hot new movement. They just want to write the best songs they can. And the product of their best is a sound that is completely different from anything under the indie rock heading. Mixing rock with a little twang and a whole lot of pop makes The Shins one of the catchiest, most sing-able and most respected bands in years.

Published 02/15/05