Complete List Of The Shins Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com

The Shins formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1996 by James Mercer. The band has released six studio albums: Oh, Inverted World (2001), Chutes Too Narrow (2003), Wincing the Night Away (2007), Port of Morrow (2012), Heartworms (2017), and The Worm’s Heart (2018). They have also released several extended plays, including Nature Bears a Vacuum (1999), Live Session EP (iTunes Exclusive) (2007), and Port of Morrow Acoustic EP (2012).

The Shins have received critical acclaim and commercial success, with Wincing the Night Away debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy nomination. Their music has been featured in various films and TV shows, most notably their song “New Slang” in the film Garden State. The band’s lineup has seen several changes over the years, with James Mercer remaining as the sole constant member. Current members include Jon Sortland, Casey Foubert, Yuuki Matthews, and Mark Watrous. The Shins are known for their melodic indie rock sound, characterized by Mercer’s distinctive vocals and songwriting.

Oh, Inverted World

Released 2001

Oh, Inverted World is The Shins’ debut studio album, released on June 19, 2001. The album marked the band’s entry into the indie rock scene with its catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. It was recorded at James Mercer’s home studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico, between 2000 and 2001. The album received critical acclaim and gained the band a dedicated following. It peaked at number eighty-six on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured James Mercer on vocals, guitar, and keyboards, Dave Hernandez on bass, Marty Crandall on keyboards, and Jesse Sandoval on drums. It was produced by James Mercer and engineered by Mike Brown and James Mercer.

CD Track Listings:

“Caring Is Creepy” – 3:20
“One by One All Day” – 4:09
“Weird Divide” – 1:58
“Know Your Onion!” – 2:30
“Girl Inform Me” – 2:22
“New Slang” – 3:51
“The Celibate Life” – 1:51
“Girl on the Wing” – 2:50
“Your Algebra” – 2:23
“Pressed in a Book” – 2:55
“The Past and Pending” – 5:22

Chutes Too Narrow

Released 2003

Chutes Too Narrow is The Shins’ second studio album, released on October 21, 2003. The album showcased a more polished sound and tighter production compared to their debut. It was recorded at The Manifold, a converted farmhouse studio in Portland, Oregon, during the spring and summer of 2003. The album peaked at number eighty-six on the Billboard 200 and was well-received by critics.

The album featured James Mercer on vocals and guitar, Dave Hernandez on bass, Marty Crandall on keyboards, and Jesse Sandoval on drums. It was produced by Phil Ek, known for his work with Built to Spill and Modest Mouse.

CD Track Listings:

“Kissing the Lipless” – 3:19
“Mine’s Not a High Horse” – 3:20
“So Says I” – 2:46
“Young Pilgrims” – 2:47
“Saint Simon” – 4:25
“Fighting in a Sack” – 2:26
“Pink Bullets” – 3:52
“Turn a Square” – 3:11
“Gone for Good” – 3:14
“Those to Come” – 4:24

Wincing the Night Away

Released 2007

Wincing the Night Away is The Shins’ third studio album, released on January 23, 2007. The album represents a shift towards a more experimental sound, incorporating electronic elements and lush arrangements. It was recorded in Portland, Oregon, and at James Mercer’s home studio in Portland, between 2005 and 2006. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, making it their highest-charting album to date.

The album featured James Mercer on vocals and guitar, Dave Hernandez on bass, Marty Crandall on keyboards, and Jesse Sandoval on drums. It was produced by James Mercer and Joe Chiccarelli, known for his work with Frank Zappa and The White Stripes.

CD Track Listings:

“Sleeping Lessons” – 3:58
“Australia” – 3:57
“Pam Berry” – 0:56
“Phantom Limb” – 4:47
“Sea Legs” – 5:24
“Red Rabbits” – 4:32
“Turn on Me” – 3:41
“Black Wave” – 3:19
“Spilt Needles” – 3:46
“Girl Sailor” – 3:44
“A Comet Appears” – 3:49

Port of Morrow

Released 2012

Port of Morrow is The Shins’ fourth studio album, released on March 20, 2012. The album marked the return of The Shins after a five-year hiatus and featured a new lineup. It was recorded in Los Angeles, California, and Portland, Oregon, between 2011 and 2012. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured James Mercer on vocals and guitar, along with a new lineup including Jessica Dobson on guitar, Yuuki Matthews on bass, Richard Swift on keyboards, and Joe Plummer on drums. It was produced by Greg Kurstin, known for his work with Adele and Sia.

CD Track Listings:

“The Rifle’s Spiral” – 3:30
“Simple Song” – 4:15
“It’s Only Life” – 4:01
“Bait and Switch” – 3:23
“September” – 3:33
“No Way Down” – 3:28
“Fall of ’82” – 3:50
“For a Fool” – 3:57
“40 Mark Strasse” – 4:38
“Port of Morrow” – 5:11

Heartworms

Released 2017

Heartworms is The Shins’ fifth studio album, released on March 10, 2017. The album returned to the band’s earlier sound while incorporating new stylistic elements. It was recorded in Los Angeles, California, and Portland, Oregon, between 2015 and 2016. The album peaked at number twenty on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured James Mercer on vocals and guitar, with contributions from the band members at the time, including Mark Watrous on guitar, Casey Foubert on bass, and Joe Plummer on drums. It was produced by James Mercer and Richard Swift.

CD Track Listings:

“Name for You” – 3:10
“Painting a Hole” – 4:45
“Cherry Hearts” – 3:34
“Fantasy Island” – 4:01
“Mildenhall” – 3:19
“Rubber Ballz” – 3:18
“Half a Million” – 3:22
“Dead Alive” – 3:32
“Heartworms” – 3:17
“So Now What” – 3:42
“The Fear” – 4:07

The Worm’s Heart

Released 2018

The Worm’s Heart is a reimagining of The Shins’ previous album, Heartworms. Released on January 19, 2018, the album features alternate versions of the songs from Heartworms, with different arrangements and styles. It was recorded in Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, California, in 2017. The album charted at number fifty-two on the Billboard 200.

The album featured James Mercer on vocals and guitar, along with contributions from the band’s lineup during the Heartworms sessions. It was produced by James Mercer and Richard Swift.

CD Track Listings:

“The Fear (Flipped)” – 4:02
“So Now What (Flipped)” – 3:40
“Heartworms (Flipped)” – 3:20
“Dead Alive (Flipped)” – 3:34
“Half a Million (Flipped)” – 3:28
“Rubber Ballz (Flipped)” – 3:21
“Mildenhall (Flipped)” – 3:20
“Fantasy Island (Flipped)” – 3:44
“Cherry Hearts (Flipped)” – 3:28
“Painting a Hole (Flipped)” – 4:28
“Name for You (Flipped)” – 3:15

The Shines Extended Plays

Nature Bears a Vacuum (1999)

Nature Bears a Vacuum is The Shins’ debut EP, released in 1999. It features early versions of songs that would later appear on their debut album, Oh, Inverted World.