Originally posted by Glisten: I've read that listeners haven't liked Wincing's lack of standout songs on this album. Which makes me think. Do any of you feel like this is their most mature release to date? I do. It seems like they're not relying on catchy melodies to gain a listeners attention, and to me that's a good thing, it'll weed out the true fans that appreciate Mercers work, from the rest.
I def. feel that this is their most mature album to date... which is kind of why I'm really iffy on this album. I immeadiately liked the previous two albums, they seemed much more catchy and poppy. A lot of these songs are such downers (maybe because of the whole sleep deprivation thing)... whereas the previous two albums had lyrics that weren't all that happy, but the simple, jumpiness to the songs counter-acted it.
I've had this album since it first leaked, still haven't had a chance to get the real version. So, I might be completely off in my opinions because of this. Let me know if there's a drastic difference (besides sound quality duh)... I remember what happened to me when I got the Futureheads (s/t) leak and then got the real copy later... the leak had barely been mastered (atleast that's what it sounded like...)
I agree with EricG on this one. I think some folks are letting press shape their opinion of this album. It is not night and day different than the other two albums, which renders it impossible to love the other two and hate this one.
I think they combine the best elements of both albums, and in my opinion, to great success.
Every song has a melody. For those of you who dislike Black Wave, it is not much different than the closing songs off of Chutes and Inverted...except that this one has a bit of rythm with the backwards, looping clicks.
Also, I don't get the Tubthumping reference at all. Am I missing something?
Posts: 751 | Location: Nova Scotia | Registered: 31 May 2006
"Tubthumping" had that part that went "pissing the night away...pissing the night away". Pissing, wincing. I guess that's the connection.
Yep, I don't know why, but the title of the record always reminds me of that lyric. That song is way too easy to get in your head anyway, without any aid in being reminded. In fact, I shouldn't even have looked at this thread. It's already too late...
Posts: 1376 | Location: Valparaiso, IN | Registered: 01 July 2006
Oh fuck. I really shouldn't have asked. Like I need that fucking song in my head. Maybe I should put a pencil in my ear and see if that fixes it. Just a sec...
oixjdiuuux;;asljdb bhj djisu lkajdeu
Posts: 751 | Location: Nova Scotia | Registered: 31 May 2006
I wonder if this album has suffered because it was released in the company of of Montreal and Menomena's very strong albums. I'll admit that I first thought Wincing... suffered in comparison, particularly compared to Hissing Fauna... Now that I've given Wincing a few additional listens, it has really grown on me. Like a girl who isn't that hot when you first look at her, but she's really cool, and funny, and interesting, and suddenly she starts looking good.
Huh huh, you said Tubthumping.
--------------- I wonder if you're mythologizing me, like I do you
Posts: 1429 | Location: State of Disarray | Registered: 10 January 2007
Originally posted by b0arder753: I def. feel that this is their most mature album to date... which is kind of why I'm really iffy on this album. I immeadiately liked the previous two albums, they seemed much more catchy and poppy. A lot of these songs are such downers (maybe because of the whole sleep deprivation thing)... whereas the previous two albums had lyrics that weren't all that happy, but the simple, jumpiness to the songs counter-acted it.
I've had this album since it first leaked, still haven't had a chance to get the real version. So, I might be completely off in my opinions because of this. Let me know if there's a drastic difference (besides sound quality duh)... I remember what happened to me when I got the Futureheads (s/t) leak and then got the real copy later... the leak had barely been mastered (atleast that's what it sounded like...)
Nah, the leak was the same as the release, so you should've heard the real deal.
Using catchy melodies for somber lyrics is an industry standard, and I personally would rather hear less of that. It seems to me, that artists feel they need to "sugarcoat" certain songs to make them more palpable to the general audience. As a listener, I want to connect to songs, and pairing meaningful/deep lyrics with a chipper beat really limits my understanding of the songwriters purpose. On Wincing, the music compliments the lyrics perfectly, and that's why it's easily my favorite album of theirs.
Originally posted by Glisten: Using catchy melodies for somber lyrics is an industry standard, and I personally would rather hear less of that. It seems to me, that artists feel they need to "sugarcoat" certain songs to make them more palpable to the general audience. As a listener, I want to connect to songs, and pairing meaningful/deep lyrics with a chipper beat really limits my understanding of the songwriters purpose. On Wincing, the music compliments the lyrics perfectly, and that's why it's easily my favorite album of theirs.
Though I don't like Wincing, I agree with everything else you said there.
Posts: 3949 | Location: NE Indiana | Registered: 14 April 2005
Wincing is much better than the mainstream (indie?) press wants to admit, but I predict there will be a lot of revisionist criticism of the album in the next few years ("Oh, well, actually we never said it wasn't good...and with time...bla...bla"). I saw The Shins live last week, and actually was mildly disappointed they didn't do more songs from Wincing. It was mostly Chutes. The song I really wanted to hear from Wincing, and for some reason seems to be my favorite, was "Red Rabbits", but it wasn't part of the set.
********************** Metal-Archives POTD
quote:
I know such a genre doesn't exists, but I'm looking for albums/songs which has that joyful irish spirit within, with these happy folkish riffs all the way.
Posts: 940 | Location: Ain'T it stiLl obvious? | Registered: 22 August 2006
Originally posted by ezkcdude: Wincing is much better than the mainstream (indie?) press wants to admit, but I predict there will be a lot of revisionist criticism of the album in the next few years ("Oh, well, actually we never said it wasn't good...and with time...bla...bla").
Haha, I was about to post something along these lines.
I listened to this album twice and was disappointed because it wasn't really sunny and cheery and ironic like the previous two, so I just tossed it to the side. I read some interviews previously that answered my questions about why it was so dark sounding... well, I could't sleep, "Girl Sailor" came on random play on my MP3 player, I liked it so I decided to put the album on. I really like it now.
Learn from me, play an album under different circumstances before tossing an album. I had to be in the same condition (sleep deprived) as James Mercer to enjoy it...
And I'm definately hearing some Pet Sounds in this album.
quote:
Using catchy melodies for somber lyrics is an industry standard, and I personally would rather hear less of that. It seems to me, that artists feel they need to "sugarcoat" certain songs to make them more palpable to the general audience.
I believe artists do this for irony... it's one of the reasons why I enjoyed the previous two albums. Another reaon I like this is because when I'm in a shitty mood the "chipper beats" help to cheer me while I can still identify with the lyrics... I don't think it's about sugarcoating it.
When I first got this, I admit I was pretty damn dissapointed....but then slowly, much more slowly than I expected, this album really grew on me and is now constantly being played. It covers a much wider emotional territory than the previous two I think, while offering a more varied sonic palette as well. But the most appealing aspect of 'Wincing' is the promise of even better things to come. If they just did a rehash of 'Chutes..',that would be fine in its own way, but not exactly rewarding.
Wincing has consistently stayed in my rotation since I got it. I never listen to it compulsively like I did with Chutes, but I do put it on once or twice a week. I think that's why it's stayed fresh for me because I never got burned out on it like I did with Chutes.
It also seems to get better every time I listen to it. When I first got it I thought it was solid but unremarkable, now I think that's it's a very good album and stands equally along side Inverted World and Chutes too Narrow.
I'm thinking this album will enjoy a long shelf life. Some stuff like LCD Soundsystem which I initially thought was great, has started to wear on me, and that album has only been out for a month.
I also just saw them live, so i've got a renewed enthusiam for them. I don't think i'll be getting sick of this album anytime soon.
Originally posted by IG Farben: Wincing has consistently stayed in my rotation since I got it. I never listen to it compulsively like I did with Chutes, but I do put it on once or twice a week. I think that's why it's stayed fresh for me because I never got burned out on it like I did with Chutes.
It also seems to get better every time I listen to it. When I first got it I thought it was solid but unremarkable, now I think that's it's a very good album and stands equally along side Inverted World and Chutes too Narrow.
I'm thinking this album will enjoy a long shelf life. Some stuff like LCD Soundsystem which I initially thought was great, has started to wear on me, and that album has only been out for a month.
I also just saw them live, so i've got a renewed enthusiam for them. I don't think i'll be getting sick of this album anytime soon.
I agree. 100% I think it's the most underrated album of the year so far, if that's possible for a #2 seller.
********************** Metal-Archives POTD
quote:
I know such a genre doesn't exists, but I'm looking for albums/songs which has that joyful irish spirit within, with these happy folkish riffs all the way.
Posts: 940 | Location: Ain'T it stiLl obvious? | Registered: 22 August 2006
I'm thinking this album will enjoy a long shelf life. Some stuff like LCD Soundsystem which I initially thought was great, has started to wear on me, and that album has only been out for a month.
I also just saw them live, so i've got a renewed enthusiam for them. I don't think i'll be getting sick of this album anytime soon.
I definitely feel the same way IG Farben. I think "Wincing" is a very exciting step for the Shins, they are exploring a more atmospheric sound, adding electronics etc..."Sleeping Lessons" is really incredible, probably one of the best opening tracks I've heard (and that is saying something considering how good the Shins are at writing killer openers).
And I just saw them live too! (Any chance you were at the Celebrity Theater show in Arizona?) Their live sound is amazing, James really belts it out and all the members of the group seemed really energetic and fun-loving and ready to entertain.
