The Shins 'Simple Song': The Band Returns With New Track After 5-Year Absence (AUDIO)

It's been a long five years, but The Shins are finally back to reclaim their throne as indie rock's leading men. The band released their first single off their forthcoming album, Port of Morrow -- their first since 2007's Wincing the Night Away -- on their website Monday afternoon. The track, titled "Simple Song," is a pleasant return to the band's humble, deceivingly simple arrangements.

Listen to "Simple Song," and look out for Port of Morrow, out March 20:

CORRECTION: A previous version of this post stated that this is the first Shins song in four years, as we're still living in 2011 in our heads. It's actually been five years since their last album, 2007's Wincing the Night Away.

Comments

[ginzberg]

08:54 AM on 01/11/2012

Oh well. Guess my tastes have changed in the past five years. I like the comment that gave it high marks for production and musicianship, but only so-so originality. Yes, it's The Shins. Next.

[olliegodfrey]

06:07 AM on 01/11/2012

I think this is great. Wincing The Night Away was massively underrated and this track is lovely. Great melody, as always.

[Zack Marney]

01:43 PM on 01/10/2012

I'm very happy to see the Shins are back. I'll be sure to pick up a vinyl pre-order for it

[Randomizer]

10:04 AM on 01/10/2012

It still sounds like the Shins and that's a good thing. Broken Bells was a nice diversion for Mercer, so I'm hoping that this will deliver on the promise of the song.

[themidnightreview]

09:43 AM on 01/10/2012

I thought it was okay, but nothing special. Nothing like their first album.

[Sixtracks]

09:43 AM on 01/10/2012

Like Coldplay for smart people.

[ltyr2002]

09:32 AM on 01/10/2012

Sounds like the Who!

[Dogma]

08:20 AM on 01/10/2012

Production - 8
Musicianship - 8
Originality - 4

[VeganCupcake]

07:53 AM on 01/10/2012

Thumbs up. It's no "So Says I," but I bet it'll grow on me.

[kooosh]

07:37 AM on 01/10/2012

Hope it grows, but upon a couple listens, this did little for me.

Despite his amazing talent, I'm afraid Mercer may have run out of consistently great songs after The Shins' second album.

I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it. That makes me sad.

[Jack Davies]

08:20 AM on 01/10/2012

SO great once upon a time, their back catalog can be touched by few bands for complexity, beauty and ability to touch the soul. The last few albums? Not so much... still, good on them for finally getting some valid recognition.

[PuSencer]

08:43 AM on 01/10/2012

chutes too narrow is great

[mylittlepwny]

07:35 AM on 01/10/2012

The adverts on the site are becoming more cunning.

[orion52]

07:02 AM on 01/10/2012

OMG cant wait!!!! I like it better when bands take a few years off before making a new album

[bluechao]

05:50 AM on 01/10/2012

At least we had Mercer and Danger Mouse's "Broken Bells" to tide us over.

[Edward Standley]

05:45 AM on 01/10/2012

I'm an old geezer who doesn't keep up with current music very much, and while this might be the "kiss of death", I really like it. :)

[lb333]

07:28 AM on 01/10/2012

Same here, but am making an effort to listen to newer music....have been listening to the Shins for a while. They have a sound that reminds me of something from the 70's....

[PuSencer]

08:47 AM on 01/10/2012

i'm getting old, too and i don't like much new music. the shins are different, though. they're very good

[Hosway1992]

12:08 AM on 01/10/2012

Oh goodness it was well worth the wait! I cant wait to hear more I so impatient!