The Shins - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
  • James Mercer of The Shins performs live in the KEXP studio. Recorded 2/10/2012.
    Songs:
    Australia
    September
    Simple Song
    It's Only Life
    Host: Cheryl Waters
    Engineer: Kevin Suggs
    Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Shelly Corbett & Scott Holpainen
    Editing: Jim Beckmann
    www.kexp.org/
    www.theshins.com/

КОМЕНТАРІ • 285

  • @williamsmithington3157
    @williamsmithington3157 9 років тому +236

    This man is a rare talent. A great instrumentalist, songwriter, and performer. This music makes me happy.

    • @MatiasHerranz
      @MatiasHerranz 8 років тому +6

      Couldn't have said it any better. 100% agreed!

    • @mounsterchef
      @mounsterchef 6 років тому +2

      And also a bit of a dick, but yeah.

    • @aurelianocapone
      @aurelianocapone 5 років тому +1

      @@mounsterchef who isn't? :)

    • @mounsterchef
      @mounsterchef 5 років тому +1

      @@aurelianocapone Well, all of us are potential dicks but the difference between someone who you call that and someone who you don't is that the first ones have already shown their dickness. But I mean, I guess it's not an exception in the music world, definitely a nice guy compared to other artists

    • @aurelianocapone
      @aurelianocapone 5 років тому

      @@mounsterchef What exactly are you referring to? I mean, I know that you could call him a dick for casually abandoning his bandmembers. But I think he has good reasons for that. He always wanted to do his own kind of music and as faar as I know it was or is no secret to all (former) shins members. So it is kind of a risk joining the shins, because you have to be aware of the potential of being replaced.

  • @seanclancy2587
    @seanclancy2587 9 років тому +160

    His voice is 15 years younger than he looks. It's crystal clear and in excellent in every sense of the word.

    • @Machiventa
      @Machiventa 9 років тому +4

      Sean Clancy he doesn't look that old, jeez. I know what you mean though ha

    • @davidletterman7786
      @davidletterman7786 9 років тому +6

      Sean Clancy He doesn't look a day over 80. maybe 85. At most.

    • @seanclancy2587
      @seanclancy2587 9 років тому +6

      Alright alright... I have burned my incense and offerings in a sign of penitence to the James Mercer, the God of music. May your dominions and powers increase forever and ever amen.

    • @jayMane62
      @jayMane62 9 років тому

      Sean Clancy This just makes me soo happy

    • @oreokookie1000
      @oreokookie1000 5 років тому +2

      @@davidletterman7786 I heard he was 83. They said he drank for 30 years, but had a liver transplant , now he's on the raw green food diet....he studied under the juice-man.

  • @fcjefe
    @fcjefe 11 років тому +26

    James Mercer is the full package: genius composer, wordsmith, talented guitar player, and brilliant singer. He's phenomenal!

  • @jotohomomoto
    @jotohomomoto 4 роки тому +9

    How the fuck does he sing like that? I’ve listened/loved the shins for years but I’ve never seen them (him) perform or even what they look like! Seeing him perform; i never fully grasped how unique and complex his melodies are.... his songs are his voice & that guitar, fucking amazing

    • @flamingnugsg6272
      @flamingnugsg6272 3 роки тому +2

      He is just truly talented. One of the Greats.

  • @elliotlp
    @elliotlp 10 років тому +111

    0:33 Australia | 7:34 September | 14:55 Simple Song | 21:38 It's Only Life

  • @deprofundis3293
    @deprofundis3293 5 років тому +64

    James, I doubt you would ever see this, but your music consistently gives me either chills, a sense of calm, a desire to dance, or cry. All in the best way. You're amazingly talented!

    • @driftwud1978
      @driftwud1978 Рік тому

      exactly how I feel about the Shins music.

  • @muserek69
    @muserek69 8 років тому +134

    0:33 Australia
    7:34 September
    14:54 Simple Song
    21:37 It's Only Life

    • @jakegs8097
      @jakegs8097 6 років тому

      This guy!!!! 84 likes, dude's famous

  • @NarrowChutes
    @NarrowChutes 10 років тому +44

    When you watch him sing his songs stripped down like this it makes you appreciate his talent even more, both writing and performing.

  • @CatchingYourCloudsxx
    @CatchingYourCloudsxx 10 років тому +63

    James is my spirit animal.

  • @lechedoe
    @lechedoe 8 років тому +34

    These notes he's singing are soo hard to hit and maintain, respect

  • @aewilson95
    @aewilson95 10 років тому +72

    James Mercer is a national treasure

    • @Michael-hc2vs
      @Michael-hc2vs 7 років тому +10

      Nah. He's a worldwide treasure.

  • @daveelswick677
    @daveelswick677 9 років тому +23

    His voice is so damn peaceful. Love him and The Shins so much.

  • @NewOldStock369
    @NewOldStock369 7 років тому +20

    Mercer the Bob Dylan of contemporary times.His lyrics provoke great imagery,and a voice like honey.These acoustic versions are some of my favorites they or he should release an all acoustic album...nothing like just man and his guitar.

  • @UrbanomicInteriors
    @UrbanomicInteriors 6 років тому +4

    I find James Mercer's music is so original and unique when it comes to melodies.

  • @TheGonnzzo
    @TheGonnzzo 9 років тому +37

    it's people like james who make me want to learn how to play the guitar and attempt to sing. just looking at him i see a humble, incredibly talented human, just like all of us are. thank you james for being yourself and a role model for others.

    • @enjoybrad81
      @enjoybrad81 9 років тому

      Chris Gonzalez Not all of us are humble, just sayin.

    • @calnasset3273
      @calnasset3273 9 років тому +3

      Boo Radley let's be real... not all of us are talented either

    • @enjoybrad81
      @enjoybrad81 9 років тому

      Cal Nasset No, but I was actually referring to the "incredibly talented humans", as he described. I know quite a few that are nothing close to being humble, but thankfully most of them are very humble and down to earth :)

  • @Neatoworkshop
    @Neatoworkshop 7 років тому +22

    What I love about James is he hides profound, sometimes depressing concepts in a facade of up beat poppy melodies

    • @jasonkeppery3403
      @jasonkeppery3403 2 роки тому

      It's amazing how he can pull that off! Absolutely Brilliant and Beautiful!

  • @mypepsi10
    @mypepsi10 10 років тому +23

    I've loved both The Shins and Broken Bells for such a long time without knowing he was the lead singer for both bands!

    • @derrikferguson3219
      @derrikferguson3219 3 місяці тому +1

      What a realization.

    • @ah-ie9dy
      @ah-ie9dy Місяць тому +1

      ​@@derrikferguson3219lmao glad I'm not the only one who's also discovering this 10 years later

  • @jessicabrown964
    @jessicabrown964 12 років тому +1

    i listen to kexp.org all day at work, while helping people find work in another big city, thanks to Sheryl Waters for interviewing one of my favorite artists~

  • @4000Wiggins
    @4000Wiggins 9 років тому +12

    Man, Simple Song always gives me goose bumps. Love it.

  • @KennethWilliamElkington
    @KennethWilliamElkington 8 років тому +16

    James IS "The Shins". Brilliant - incredible depth; a lyrical journey.

  • @letitialyons8959
    @letitialyons8959 8 років тому +7

    My favorite writer now...Stuff he has written speaks from eternity. ..I read that the Shins were Albuquerque- based, but I KNEW they were from the Pacific NW,...Something about the music here...The pictures that came to mind with the songs were from here. ..You won't find a Sphagnum Esplanade anywhere outside the Amazon like you'll find in the Pacific NW, either...Just beautiful cool music...

  • @CaptainKronkers
    @CaptainKronkers 10 років тому +16

    Australia is my favorite song!

  • @21Million
    @21Million Рік тому +1

    Had to watch this video multiple times. Great job!

  • @varnishyourboard
    @varnishyourboard 10 років тому +18

    Man, I just got in to the Shins recently. this guy is so talented and soulful and...that...that unknown factor too. Props.

    • @raymondmyers2287
      @raymondmyers2287 10 років тому +6

      I'm glad. I've been into the shins for some years now and it's surprisingly rare for me to see people have interest in them.

    • @Emka877
      @Emka877 10 років тому

      Raymond Myers True that.

    • @angadbawa4302
      @angadbawa4302 6 років тому +1

      That unknown factor is the ability to make u feel nostalgic from the first listen

  • @smallestcharles
    @smallestcharles 2 роки тому +2

    God he’s incredible

  • @TheDrSeussable
    @TheDrSeussable 11 років тому +2

    I'll never forget the time i was listening to Port of Morrow in the car on a road trip and happened to drive past that sign, just by coincidence.

  • @benjamincarney9875
    @benjamincarney9875 11 років тому +1

    Even sitting 40 rows back didn't stop this guy from changing my life with his incredible music

  • @jasonkesser
    @jasonkesser 4 роки тому +2

    Oh my god, you can do no wrong James. Even your humility is lyrical.
    Thanks for getting me through two decades.

  • @taggd28
    @taggd28 12 років тому +2

    That rendition of September literally just brought tears to my eyes. Or maybe it's just seeing him sing it. God I love you James.

  • @gustavosoares4771
    @gustavosoares4771 8 років тому +2

    fantastic! I´ve never ever! heard someone play the guitar like that and the sound it´s so smoth, makes you wanna go to the beach! LOL

  • @dudeathischair22
    @dudeathischair22 8 років тому +5

    simple song is such an amazing track, it makes my heart swell up every time i hear it :')

  • @raho2005
    @raho2005 8 років тому +20

    Cheryl is a great Host, such comfy sessions.
    And thanks for letting me discover awesome music like this diamond, kexp!

  • @mocktheturtle5910
    @mocktheturtle5910 7 років тому +17

    This is poetry. You can tell that James Mercer is pouring out his emotions and experiences into his songs. It's absolutely beautiful when a person writes or performs music for himself/herself/other people and not for mass attention. I am awestruck.

    • @BlytheG
      @BlytheG 7 років тому +7

      If you try to be inclusive with your art, it will never fully resonate with the masses or stand the test of time. Only by being intimately personal can one make something truly universal. Great songwriters like Mitchell, Simon, Dylan, and Mercer understand this better than anyone.

    • @mocktheturtle5910
      @mocktheturtle5910 7 років тому +2

      Indeed. :D

    • @bjm1777
      @bjm1777 11 місяців тому

      Sorry for replying 6 years after, but this is really nicely put, and got me thinking. Cheers!@@BlytheG

  • @launiz
    @launiz 7 років тому +8

    The greatest melodic genius since Brian Wilson

  • @petestrat07
    @petestrat07 8 років тому +14

    Nectar to my ears and soul :-)

  • @cj4ebay
    @cj4ebay 11 років тому +2

    James Mercer is amazing. Live and otherwise. He really sets a high benchmark, and I'm thrilled he does all his own producing

  • @heysatan8
    @heysatan8 8 років тому +7

    He's perfect.

  • @KawhackitaRag
    @KawhackitaRag 12 років тому +2

    When he starts humming or cooing between 9:07 and 9:15, coupled with the gorgeous, otherworldy chord progression, this is one of the most incredibly moving things I've ever heard in music!

  • @CRBanfield
    @CRBanfield 9 років тому +17

    Such a modest voice

  • @thefeelcompany
    @thefeelcompany 4 роки тому +1

    Miss this guy...I loved discovering The Shins. Amazing songwriting.

  • @11ellie7
    @11ellie7 9 років тому +30

    Such an innocent voice :)

  • @euclidbuffalo7641
    @euclidbuffalo7641 4 роки тому +2

    What a great interview and performance! Wish I would have seen it 8 years ago

  • @Daarko15
    @Daarko15 12 років тому +1

    One of the most brilliant/talented musicians over the past 20 years.

  • @klausscherbarth7862
    @klausscherbarth7862 5 років тому +1

    his brilliant voice is already working unplugged. the complex melodies on cd reminded me on the artrock of queen, the cure and smashing pumkins.

  • @elizmanandhar1
    @elizmanandhar1 10 років тому +5

    man, he pulls it off so easily. i mean without the band! and it's still so beautiful!

  • @SupersonicChip
    @SupersonicChip 5 років тому +1

    I love James...such a great soul, singer, musician and a true artist...

  • @peppermonster1
    @peppermonster1 11 років тому +1

    He always makes me feel happy!

  • @cheeseburgur817
    @cheeseburgur817 12 років тому +1

    Yeah so I was feeling hungover, first thing I do is listen to this bad boy and what do ya know? I am hungover free! :D Thanks James. :P

  • @DMBandit69
    @DMBandit69 12 років тому

    I have decided that Simple Song is the most perfect song I have ever had the pleasure of listening to over and over and over and over....

  • @batbawls
    @batbawls 10 років тому +8

    .. and love is the ink in the well when her body writes.

  • @johnwaynes4417
    @johnwaynes4417 3 роки тому +2

    Perfect tempo and timbre. Amazing

  • @richieroma
    @richieroma 5 років тому

    Fascinating and terribly underrated songwriter is Mercer. Respect!

  • @mahoganylawson8683
    @mahoganylawson8683 8 років тому

    This song will always be my favorite. Plus the way he preforms it is great.

  • @shnootch
    @shnootch 9 років тому +13

    Melody master.

    • @josephstalin7803
      @josephstalin7803 8 років тому

      He really fucking is hahaha, inspired the hell out of me

  • @hallifaxv
    @hallifaxv 11 років тому +1

    wow he looks so good and so likable , someone you could fell in love with

  • @moldytrash
    @moldytrash 5 років тому +1

    forever love this set. so beautiful.

  • @moonbeanification
    @moonbeanification 5 років тому

    DANG James writes gorgeous songs ! He paints all over the canvas with his melodies ... superb performance ♥♥♥

  • @charlottesweb1113
    @charlottesweb1113 12 років тому +1

    His voice is so unique- truly talented! Thanks KEXP

  • @drummersulli
    @drummersulli 11 років тому +1

    Pop Ballad he mentions at 13:12 is "For A Fool." Avant-garde one is "Bait and Switch." Psychedelic one is "Port Of Morrow."

  • @urdiepak
    @urdiepak 12 років тому +2

    @0:34 - Australia
    @7:35 - September
    @14:55 - Simple Song
    @21:38 - It's Only Life

  • @NarrowChutes
    @NarrowChutes 4 роки тому

    A master of his craft. Such a pleasure to watch.

  • @bezilliox
    @bezilliox 12 років тому +1

    3 of my favorite songs from Port of Morrow, and the first song i fell in love with by the Shins a few years ago - Australia! great set

  • @nickfernandez7563
    @nickfernandez7563 5 років тому

    I remember the first time I heard this song, there was an immediate feeling of nostalgia. Like I was a kid again. I don’t know what it is about this song but their music does shit like that to me. Such an amazing group of people.

  • @dylanhaif88
    @dylanhaif88 11 років тому

    Thank you KEXP for everything you show me!

  • @drakebunch9807
    @drakebunch9807 7 років тому +1

    I'm about to see The Shins. I'm so stoked.

  • @jarmstrong026
    @jarmstrong026 7 років тому +2

    God dang it! This makes me happy!

  • @youandwhosearmy6339
    @youandwhosearmy6339 9 років тому +4

    He's a top guy, he plays his bar A-shape chords with the little finger like me : )

  • @pdxgolfer
    @pdxgolfer 12 років тому +1

    Wow, I love this radio station. Thanks for sharing these great performances!

  • @moacir27
    @moacir27 10 років тому +1

    Pure,pure, talent. Amazing!

  • @napalm_rn1295
    @napalm_rn1295 10 років тому +5

    he's got the voice of an angel

  • @carlosrobinson8132
    @carlosrobinson8132 7 років тому

    incredible... every song is incredible... love it

  • @fcjefe
    @fcjefe 11 років тому

    James Mercer is so talented and sounds incredible live.

  • @diggingowngrave
    @diggingowngrave 7 років тому +1

    Just saw them in Phoenix on Friday, SO GOOD!

  • @marcoshuerta7255
    @marcoshuerta7255 11 років тому

    James Mercer has now gained far more respect after seeing this performance. I really enjoyed The Shins, but now it's just even more of a significance. 5 stars.

  • @melodywithawhy
    @melodywithawhy 9 років тому +4

    Looove Australia.

  • @plaartla
    @plaartla 9 років тому +1

    one of the greats. ever. and never again.

  • @_Blasfemie
    @_Blasfemie 11 років тому

    There's no better place to find good singers than KEXP.

  • @stephaniebedsaul8763
    @stephaniebedsaul8763 8 років тому +1

    pure. magic. ❤️

  • @Skaterbun
    @Skaterbun 11 років тому

    Wow such talent! So original,mercers voice is heavenly

  • @TehPenguinofD00m
    @TehPenguinofD00m 12 років тому

    My personal favorite thing about James Mercer has definitely got to be the lyrics. the poetry in each song is just fantastic (:

  • @gamaholic05
    @gamaholic05 8 років тому +1

    An amazing talent!

  • @WGBHMusic
    @WGBHMusic 11 років тому

    Would love to get these guys in our studio in Boston.

  • @EmanuelHahn
    @EmanuelHahn 11 років тому

    glad people actually listened to the whole thing!

  • @igorkurtz3843
    @igorkurtz3843 8 років тому +3

    Mercer, Tweedy, Yorke. the holy trinity.

    • @joeczucha5686
      @joeczucha5686 8 років тому

      Defo Mercer and Yorke. Didn't really rate Girls Aloud...

    • @vosphalt
      @vosphalt 6 років тому

      Was thinking this when I started going Shin crazy this past year

    • @jeremyschep3589
      @jeremyschep3589 4 роки тому

      Mercer, Tweedy, Brock, Gibbard, Martsch and Yorke make up my pantheon

  • @valeriecs358
    @valeriecs358 11 років тому

    Simple song just breaks my heart!

  • @GregPoblete
    @GregPoblete 11 років тому

    beautiful lyrics. goodness.

  • @xtcxtc123
    @xtcxtc123 12 років тому

    thakyou - what a wonderful show and honest performance from james who must be the best song -writer since porter. the word is that it's not the shins it's a jm album - well weren't they all"

  • @davidolson1243
    @davidolson1243 8 років тому

    Awesome. Tough song and you nailed it!

  • @modfather1965
    @modfather1965 11 років тому

    Friggin' brilliant. Also love the fact that he's playing "my" Gibson Southern Jumbo guitar...

  • @infectedkhaos
    @infectedkhaos 11 років тому

    James Mercer IS The Shins.

  • @stopmotiontacos
    @stopmotiontacos 11 років тому

    thanks

  • @Bigbadpandaa
    @Bigbadpandaa 11 років тому

    I LOVE JAMES MERCER

  • @chrisgoose3788
    @chrisgoose3788 3 роки тому +1

    God I miss these simpler times, and fuck they felt far from it back then. Sorry kids

  • @un-dos-tres-mambo
    @un-dos-tres-mambo 11 років тому +1

    incredible, his voice is like 18 years old
    well done grandpa

  • @Heatherosie
    @Heatherosie 12 років тому +1

    I completely agree! I'm going to watch this performance like ten more times. And yes - this version of It's Only Life is fantastic! Have you seen the video? They just released it on Pitchfork. Check it out!

  • @EnjoyerofYoutube
    @EnjoyerofYoutube 11 років тому

    yeah. exactly. it makes complete sense!

  • @Pablo-sr5bx
    @Pablo-sr5bx 6 років тому

    This is great.

  • @hendersonskater
    @hendersonskater 9 років тому +7

    September reminds me of Jackson Browne

  • @cpalmese5
    @cpalmese5 12 років тому

    cant wait to see them in tucson on october 3rd! YAYYYY!

  • @pumpkinpoi3974
    @pumpkinpoi3974 3 роки тому

    The Shins is a rock band that appears in the episode "Bitzer Puts His Foot In It".