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December 2, 2006
The Shins Phantom Limb

Track: Phantom Limb
My dear friend Ryan introduced me to The Shins back in the old days when we worked together at Monsoon. The Shins are great. This song will eventually appear on one of the best albums of 2007. I’m sure this pisses my dear friend Ryan off, because he would be more than happy to keep The Shins all to himself—and I don’t blame him. But, since my dear friend Ryan moved to NYC to be all famous and shit, this perpetuation of The Shins’ greatness is but a small price to pay. Bottom Line: Phantom Limb kicks ass!
Geoffrey sez:
The Shins are generic you say? That’s an odd comment and one I would disagree quite a bit, but everyone has different tastes. I would say in comparison to most “indie/pop” bands The Shins write music with a refreshing sense of melody. And they certainly aren’t just “guitars and drums” they are electric guitars, slide guitars, acoustic guitars, Casio keyboards, vibes, trumpet, and piles of rich atmosphere. And of course, like you mentioned, the lyrics are pretty fantastic too.
I would say their sound is more unique than most. Besides, you are a total hater.
Posted at December 5, 2006 9:35 PM
crazyvirgo sez:
So, here’s what I call unique in the “indie pop” category - Doves, Elbow, Ghostland Observatory, Beta Band, Broken Social Scene - need I go on? Tell me that The Shins compare to any of those bands. And, you got me on a typo. I DON’T think their lyrics are stellar. Here is what I think is classic “shins” lyrics: (fron Phantom Limbs) We wandered through the mama’s house, And the milk from the window lights, Family portrait circa ninety-five, This is that foreign land, With the sprayed on tans, And it all feels fine, Beats circus slime
Puh.Lease. Frat rock.
Posted at December 6, 2006 10:31 PM
Geoffrey sez:
Um, okay. Hater. And that’s two typos: you spelled “their” wrong too. (And I’m not counting the extra “s” on Limb.)
Frat rock?
Posted at December 6, 2006 11:47 PM
p auL sez:
FACT: Any band that classifies themselves as ‘indie’ are clowns.
If you wanted to see a real rock show, you should have seen Gargamel in their prime. Or Arch Enemy…this girl scares me more then Satan himself.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yj9xvg2Nu34
Posted at December 8, 2006 10:14 AM
Geoffrey sez:
If you enjoy music—any music—but then decide you can longer enjoy said music because somebody else says it’s not cool or too popular or has the wrong classification: You are a tool!
Posted at December 8, 2006 11:06 AM
p auL sez:
FACT: No band formed after 1980 should be allowed to put “The” in front of their name.
Except “The Fat Boys”
Posted at December 8, 2006 3:14 PM
Susan sez:
Well, I saw The Shins live last week in Seattle, and I say: If you don’t like them you certainly don’t have to listen to them, now do you?? To each his own. They make me feel good which is hella better than drugs. But not sex, of course.
Posted at December 15, 2006 8:58 PM
Davester sez:
The Strokes. And they kick ass as well.
Posted at January 11, 2007 1:06 PM
KTrock sez:
Hello. The term “phantom limb” always reminds me of the term “phantom pain” which is a feeling that amputees get when they’ve lost a limb. Don’t get me wrong; I love that tune but I wonder if its name is a little disresptful of war veterans given that the lyrics don’t refer to it at all. Come to think of it I have no idea what this song is about.
Ken
Posted at February 18, 2007 8:15 PM
Davester sez:
So what, it’s just a name. Phantomb Limb! Phantomb Limb! Phantomb Limb! Phantomb Limb! Phantomb Limb! Phantomb Limb! Phantomb Limb! Phantomb Limb! Phantomb Limb!Phantomb Limb!
Posted at February 23, 2007 10:04 AM
KTrock sez:
Dave’s either young and brash or on drugs
Posted at February 25, 2007 6:22 PM
Davester sez:
Try Both!
Posted at March 14, 2007 8:13 AM
crazyvirgo sez:
I have to tell you, I think The Shins are pretty generic. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate them - I’m no hater. But I don’t really like them either. Their sound isn’t unique. There lyrics are stellar. They don’t perform at all at their shows. Tell me, what is there to love about The Shins? Men. Guitars. Drums. How is that “greatness” ? Seriously, love to hear some qualifications for the ass-kingickingness.
Posted at December 5, 2006 3:25 PM