Phantom Power
Let's face it January's a wretched month. For a start there's the weather (grey, insipid, cold), then there's the fact that pay-day is weeks away and just when you think it couldn't get any worse you end up being subjected to bloody Big Celebrity Botox on the telly-box 24-7 (or so it seems). But wait a moment what's that on the horizon? Why it's the obligatory pre-release single taster for The Shins hotly anticipated third LP 'Wincing The Night Away' aka 'Phantom Limb'. A warm, fuzzy blast of indie pop goodness that will temporarily lure you into thinking life is sweet, it's the perfect riposte to what we at R13 towers call 'the winter blues'. Here's how The Shins cooked it up – take one bona fide album of indie pop goodness (aka 'Chutes Too Narrow') add a healthy tablespoon of Mary Chain fuzz (circa 'Psychocandy'), marinate with some twangy guitars and serve with an ice cold beverage. Mmm... delicious. Now bring on the main course Transgressive/Sub Pop or I won't be held responsible for my actions!