The Shins - Wincing the Night Away

I tend to agree that the Shins were okay but far from terrific. I agree with the comment that they made their opening slot at Meriwether count for more than last nights performance, but I liked the band's overall enthusiasm.

I thought the setlist was pretty good too.

Could've done without the kid in front of me who was trying to record about half of every song on his camera.

Worst version of "Girl On A Wing" ever? I think so.

I tend to agree with most everyone here. I definitely think they're coming into their own a bit as a live band; like someone said, Mercer was fairly confident front & center, and Hernandez showed he had some (slight awkward) rock star chops in a live setting.

Still, I feel like they just don't know what to do with some of their songs. No one will deny that "New Slang" is one of the best indie songs to come out this decade, but the live version is boring to tears.

Overall though, it was a fun night. When they were on, they were ON. Most of the songs from the first disc were terrific, and it was nice to hear the newer songs side by side. Still, I think this is probably the last time I'd see the Shins live.

Wow, did I go to the same show you guys did? I really liked the opener, although some jams lasted a bit too long. I thought The Shins were great. Probably the best show I've been to this year.

I didn't go, but is this Band-Aid from Viva Voce who sang backup for the Shins the same who was on SNL?

I thought last night's show was great.

I heard two songs from the opener and then left to go get another $6 can of beer. Who would have thought to bring earplugs to a Shins show?

I really enjoyed the Shins. I thought the arrangements and the setlist were very strong (I would have liked to hear Pink Bullets, though). I left with the feeling that if the show had been at the 9:30 Club I would have been blown away. I think the venue strips some of the life out of the music. My section of the crowd (Sec R) was pretty quiet. I have pretty low expectations when I go to DAR and that might have skewed my impression of the show. Low expectations are the key to happiness in life.

Overall: A-

Jeez if that's your definition of poor sound in a venue, then I'm dying to experience what you people thing is GOOD sound. I was up on the upper left side in the seats and it sounded awesome, for both bands.

Originally posted by BookerT:
for what it's worth, i got a kick out of viva voce, but i really like their last album. it was pretty funny to see some sorta-hippieish husband/wife duo from portland playing a song called "we do not fuck around" complete with double neck guitar (aka "those guitars, that are like, double guitars, you know?") to a completely disinterested, half-filled audience at daughters of the american revolution hall.

that last song was absolutely hilarious … i could see will ferrell playing their drummer in their eventual biopic

All I really remember about the Viva Voce is that they don't like to fuck around.

has anyone here been to the theater @ MSG? was just curious if its comparable to DAR, not that I've been there either. I'll be seeing them tomorrow night.