So Says I

by

The Shins

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If you are like me, "Oh, Inverted World" has been in our near your cd player since it came out. For those of us who can't quite wait till "Chutes To Narrow" comes out, this is a interesting taste. "So Says I" is a different direction for the band, more rock (in the vein of Olivia Tremor Control) and while Mercers lyrics still have an obtuse melancholy that I love, the content leans much more toward the political than emotional. "Mild Child," which is not going to be on the next album, is similar to songs like "Your Algebra" and "Weird Divide" with a interesting sound collage thing going on at the end. WARNING: There is a door knocking sound on "Mild Child" that sounds so realistic that I checked my door 3 times before I realized it was in the song (kind of makes you feel you are 60.) Lastly, "Gone for Good" is an alternate version of a song on the upcoming album that was put out on their website (with video!) and I love it, much like "Pressed in a Book." It is only 4 dollars and more than worth it IMHO. Can't wait for the album.

The downbeat innocence of the Shins is what is most appealing about them, and that feeling pervades the single of "So Says I." Included is the title song, an alternate version of another Shins melody, and the unreleased-except-in-Japan "Mild Child."

The title track is from the Shins' sophomore album "Chutes Too Narrow: a richly melodic rant ("In our darkest hours/we have all asked for some/angel to come/sprinkle his dust all around..."). Nice solid stuff, though hardly their best. "Mild Child" is a pretty, slow melody. And the alternate version of "Chutes"'s "Gone For Good" has a more countryish feel.

The sweet, harmonious music of the Shins can mask anger, depression, or just plain weirdness. They're in pretty good form in "So Says I"; each song is pleasant but not outstanding, including the twangier "Gone" and swirling, slightly peculiar "Child." It's a more rock-based single, rather than the electro-indiepop sound the Shins are known for, and it's a fairly good departure.

"So Says I" is a pleasant but unexciting diversion for the Shins fan. An interesting look at a few odds and bits from this talented indie band.