Cyber-Funk The Shins have a been a melody of mine since I was a child but I suggest you check out Thom Yorke. Yes, Mercers music is really soul grabbing and uplifting but that is a big stretch, I agree.
I listened to the Shins over 20 years ago, until now..The Shins is part of my life process and grow up. I'm lucky to know this band specially James Mercer.
Mercer's music takes me to a far off, oft not visited place deep inside of my soul where the world has no weight. If I could just only close my eyes and float here forever
I grew up loving this band and have seen them 4 times. It’s been some years since I’ve listened and these stripped down version with just Mercer is bringing back what I first felt when I listened to them. Thank you. ❤
The most gently touching, impossibly moving, tear wrenching singer songwriter ive ever heard. If any 'band' needed to do a whole acoustic album its the Shins. Pretty much every acoustic track he does sound better than the original, especially the last 2 over produced albums. When he 'flips' an album next time, he should flip it acoustically...
Fun fact: Mildenhall is also where 34 masterpieces of Roman silver tableware from the 4th century AD were discovered by a farmer ploughing his field in 1942, as you do in England. And, as anyone who read 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar' knows, Roald Dahl wrote about it. Most fun fact: The Shins are absolutely wonderful. Thank you for this, two years late.
Singing is a very physical act, and no middle aged person sounds like they did at 30. Having said that, I dunno why he didn't just change the key, rather than drop the verse melody a whole octave. Sounds a bit odd to my ears
It emphasizes the melancholy and his great voice for sure, but i think the beauty of the early Shins records was how he juxtaposed it with this uplifting energy.
Maybe... but the MELODY is all over the place in each case. Follow the melodies and see where they go :) Also note how he changes the melody from performance to performance and it's STILL GOOD, which is something I've heard very few rock and pop musicians be able to do.
I'm a bit older than James but still could not help think that either he or his song writing is getting old. Maybe I am just too nostalgic for the original Shins.
My friend from university had the Mildenhall experience too, a strange ersatz US theme park in the middle of Suffolk. He really missed life on the base as a kid.
I'd say so. If you listen to interviews with him you learn that he's the entire creative force behind the band. He rights all the parts and then calls in the band members to play them. He really is The Shins.
For anyone who doesn't know, this is why you should love America. This is Americana. Beautiful freedom of words and expression of melody. And there isn't a micron of hatred. Just beauty Edit: slight expansion- this is what our country should be built on. Freedom, expression, and suppression of hatred
James Mercer might be the greatest songwriter of the last 20 years
Your Midget Matzah cover is great
You are fookin' looney!
let's not stretch it.
Seeker of Truth agreed you all are off it...
Cyber-Funk
The Shins have a been a melody of mine since I was a child but I suggest you check out Thom Yorke. Yes, Mercers music is really soul grabbing and uplifting but that is a big stretch, I agree.
This is more like "The Shin".
'The Tibia'
thrillscience "A Shin"
thrillscience ...hahahah
thrillscience ahhhh why did u steal my op?
He has two.
What an incredible songwriter. He's such an excellent storyteller through song.
James Mercer for me is the one of the most hearfelt songwriters around today. Gets me every time, every song.
I listened to the Shins over 20 years ago, until now..The Shins is part of my life process and grow up. I'm lucky to know this band specially James Mercer.
I love James, his songs truly speak to me on a level I can't explain.
Same here
Can we chill with the suggestions for future artists for two seconds and show some appreciation for how awesome this is?
yes pls
no
Reminds me of my college days, listened to the them all of the time.
Why does this not have more views? the shins are an absolute treasure.
because the band isn't there and he played none of their best songs?
Please invite James back with Danger Mouse so we can have a Broken Bells concert
Yes! Would be great
I disliked this comment so I could like it again
Still waiting for this to happen
Mercer's music takes me to a far off, oft not visited place deep inside of my soul where the world has no weight. If I could just only close my eyes and float here forever
I grew up loving this band and have seen them 4 times. It’s been some years since I’ve listened and these stripped down version with just Mercer is bringing back what I first felt when I listened to them. Thank you. ❤
WELL MY DAY JUST GOT INSTANTLY BETTER.
I don't listen to a lot of songwriters. but something about his melodies with simple chord progressions is so clearly impressive to me.
The most gently touching, impossibly moving, tear wrenching singer songwriter ive ever heard. If any 'band' needed to do a whole acoustic album its the Shins. Pretty much every acoustic track he does sound better than the original, especially the last 2 over produced albums. When he 'flips' an album next time, he should flip it acoustically...
I cant believe James started with 'Mildenhall'!!! That is my favorite song on the whole new album!!!! Thank you so much for posting this
One of the greatest songwriters, and such unique melodies
This is life, all stripped down and enjoyed.
How lucky are we that this exists
He's singing about somewhere near my hometown in England
Fun fact: Mildenhall is also where 34 masterpieces of Roman silver tableware from the 4th century AD were discovered by a farmer ploughing his field in 1942, as you do in England. And, as anyone who read 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar' knows, Roald Dahl wrote about it. Most fun fact: The Shins are absolutely wonderful. Thank you for this, two years late.
Just a hail from someone who has also read Henry Sugar.
@@csp.9203 glad to see others
Really, does it get any better? Seriously. The simplicity just showcases his talents.
I can listen this over and over. Great lyrics, what a hero James Mercer. So talented
Wow...just now come across this. Freakin amazing. Heard of Shins for years, never really listened before.
TTC strikes again. Thanks Bob and crew!
So grateful for these little live shows. They're the Best! I've watched this one a few times and it just grows on you more
His lyrics are hella poetic
He looks like he has lived through a lot of sadness.
James Mercer inspired me to start learning the guitar, this guy is sooo good!!!!
Finally... a version of Young Pilgrims I can sing without my voice cracking.
Man, voice cracking is the cool thingy, how do you do that? (i mean i even watch video lessons about it)
Singing is a very physical act, and no middle aged person sounds like they did at 30. Having said that, I dunno why he didn't just change the key, rather than drop the verse melody a whole octave. Sounds a bit odd to my ears
Literally one of my favorite performers... such an inspiration
I love this guy. He is my favorite singer/songwriter and he's fantastic live!!
tiny desk never disappoints.
his rhythm is so incredibly steady. love this set as well :)
these songs sound so much better stripped down. i personally think i like the shins best when its just him singing with his guitar
It emphasizes the melancholy and his great voice for sure, but i think the beauty of the early Shins records was how he juxtaposed it with this uplifting energy.
In this case, NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert Presents..."The Shin"
Every time I find a different version of Young Pilgrims it’s almost a religious experience
So much sadness around here. Damn. This is beautiful.
Yes! The Shins give me life 💗💗💗
Holy shiiiiiiit! You finally got The Shiiiiiins one the tiny desk!
CheesecakeLasagna Well, just James
As another earlier post said, just a Shin. (Though he really is the band..)
this is so lovely!!! would love to see a sufjan tiny desk concert 💓
ooo, yes please!
Yaaaas
This is brilliant. So happy they did this.
incredible, what a poet
I've watched this approximately 177 times.
Love how almost every song is the same few chords....just goes to show you...don't need to be so complex.
Maybe... but the MELODY is all over the place in each case. Follow the melodies and see where they go :) Also note how he changes the melody from performance to performance and it's STILL GOOD, which is something I've heard very few rock and pop musicians be able to do.
@@andrewbarrett1537 Spot on!
They absolutely killed it last night at Lolla!
Joe Zidron yes omg !
Joe Zidron seeing them next month! Beyond stoked!
MrHobj34 it's amazing you won't be disappointed
Joe Zidron Very glad to heard friend!
I wish the band still had Jessica Dobson on lead. She is gorgeous, and fit right into the band.
Wow, the audio is lit
this is the best god damned thing i've ever heard. thank you npr.
2019, still amazing!
James mercer tiny desk yaaaaaaaas finally!!!!!
I come back to this constantly and I also ripped it so I could have it on my phone. This has to be the most underrated tiny desk, period.
Love Mildenhall. It’s become my favorite James Mercer song. It’s so autobiographical, personal but still very relatable to me.
I'm so happy right now 💕💕💕
I did not know they were on NPR...I'm so happy
I’m so late too!?! I’m in love and so happy!
I’m so late too!?! I’m in love and so happy!
If i was watching this live i would cry
The Shin
James still looks just like he did at Mildenhall - wishing much continued success pal
Is there really anything that could've made our Monday any better?
Shout out to the safety pin on James Mercers shirt!
I wonder if he thought someone would mention that he's showing too much bust. Can never be too careful right?
I never comment on videos but what a great guitarist! Yeah, and writer, LOve You! But wow on the guitar, so cool. ROCK ON, ORE! haha
I’ve always thought of him as my generations Paul McCartney
Thats a valid comparison. Both masters of melody and emotive singers that can write amazing songs.
I'm a bit older than James but still could not help think that either he or his song writing is getting old. Maybe I am just too nostalgic for the original Shins.
My friend from university had the Mildenhall experience too, a strange ersatz US theme park in the middle of Suffolk. He really missed life on the base as a kid.
Seems like he has a distinct voice change he can do at times to have a more "Shinsy" vocal sound.
Wow what a beautiful song...😘😘😘
Dang! James Mercer is amazing even by himself
thanks...............very lovely.
oh i love Broken Bell
Young Pilgrims was *chefs kiss*
I've been waiting for this one! I just wish he had played some more of the new stuff that he hasn't already played.
Hello
Wow nice song i gest
They were so good live on the 8th in Portland!
This is the first time I’ve heard Willie Nelson in his voice.
Primus tiny desk please!
PLEASE!
Please god no.
i'll take "things i didn't know i absolutely despised the thought of" for $500, Alex.
These fukin hipsters will slip into cardiac arrest
Cody Zwick yeah, from terrible fucking music.
Still waiting for that Hiatus Kaiyote invitation....
Vincent Lentini YES
Vincent Lentini same
YES
Word!
Oh fuck yeah that would be insane
criminally underrated
Very Bob Dylan esc James thank you
"And that's how, we get where on now"
Is it really The Shins with just Mercer though?
Reindeerchicken mercer IS the shins
I think they're referred to as The Shin in this case.
ItchyKneeSon well play sir
ItchyKneeSon he has two legs and two shins
I'd say so. If you listen to interviews with him you learn that he's the entire creative force behind the band. He rights all the parts and then calls in the band members to play them. He really is The Shins.
Do yourself a favor and check out James Mercer perform "journey through the past"
Young the giant on the tiny desk please.
Tiny Desk should add time stamps to their setlist in the description
love you all
would love to see guster perform! they should be releasing a new album sometime this year
I would love to see The Dear Hunter here 🤯🧡
Wish he had done "Pink Bullets"
i like your guitar james mercer
Remember Garden State?
He is fantastic.
Be careful not to hit your shins on the tiny desk 😂
The Shins are so fucking talented.
SHINS FOREVER
anyone notice the old fashioned pin in the shirt to replace his button ups? that's the way you do it.
Sam Brough I don’t know how I didn’t see it before I read your comment!
Thats a great sounding J-45
Also please get ben howard on here soon
Mogwai or Godspeedyou! Black Emperor.
Also Hiatus Kaiyote pls.
This fear is a terrible drug... Great lyrics !
Somehow I missed this one. Like finding a donut in your beard an hour after breakfast.
Hope your name is not Cindy
"Hey, wonder if they played 'Mildenhall'? I should click and see..." 3 notes later and 1 moment later = :-D
A national treasure.
Idk anything Bout the shins but this is great
Hello
LOVELY!!
For anyone who doesn't know, this is why you should love America. This is Americana. Beautiful freedom of words and expression of melody. And there isn't a micron of hatred. Just beauty
Edit: slight expansion- this is what our country should be built on. Freedom, expression, and suppression of hatred
Are you libertarian? I noticed youre a rush fan ;)