 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Wincing the Night Away
- By The Shins
- Genre: Indie Rock
Common Sense Media says
Poetic indie rock that's smart and unobtrusive.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the Shins don't produce harsh music or inappropriate themes on their third album, but they do radiate wisdom beyond pre-pubescent years as a band, as noted by the angst-ridden title of the album. This is smart, mellow indie rock that belongs in a college dorm room just as much as it belongs in a junior high student's gym locker next to his first-ever deodorant.
What's the story?
In a highly anticipated third album, WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY, the Shins prove they are a stable mainstay of indie rock, vacillating between upbeat and daydreamy ditties that promise to sweep any kid away on a whimsical la-la-la musical journey. The Shins' sound is in full command of spacey sunshine pop with nuggets of head-rocking riffs shining through. Complex, abstract themes leak out of the Shins' lyrics, and happily create a free-flowing, meditative ambiance. "Spilt Needles" is a manifesto about growing up ("We'll set you up with some odd convictions / because you're finally golden, boy"). Surreal and slow-going about self-deceit and baseless faith, one excerpt from "A Comet Appears" croons "I'm barely a vapor/ they shone a chlorine light on / a host of individual sins / let's carve my aging face off / fetch us a knife/ start with my eyes down."
Is it any good?
Basic melodies hold steady on this CD -- with soaring vocals, silly synths, light percussion, some strings, flutes, and an occasional electric guitar. Subtle twists come into play, like a few quips of hip-hop beats in "Sea Legs," skipping electronica in "Sleeping Lessons," and random surf rock in "Pam Berry." But most of the album's merit stems from curious wordplay that creates their mellow presence. The band's emotionally honest lyrics are never brutal, but are blameless and always inspiring.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how lyrics can take on the brilliance of poetry as a form of art. Sometimes they make sense in a straightforward way; sometimes words gush out in stream-of-consciousness, and sometimes they seem to have no pinpointed starting place or anchor. What are the benefits of expressing yourself this way? How does it impact a song to have such abstract lyrics? Kids can try writing some of their own conceptual words. How does it feel to write lyrics that are intangible?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
really great
I had to listen to this album a couple of times before i could have a realistic opinion on it. By the time i was used to the songs, i could listen to them over and over again. Compared to the other stuff i listen to this is pretty easy going. The songs are just overall great. I can seriously belt it out in the car listening to this. The songs are so wholesome that it feels like a 4 year old kid could listen to it AND enjoy it, but it also has a really indie/alternative style to it. go buy it!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great...but different
The Shins are a great band. I have listened to a few songs before Wincing The Night Away...and I have to say this album is awesome. It took a few listens to start to really like it, but it's AMAZING.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Their Best Album
This is the Shins' album with the most variety and range of sound. From electric to classic rock sounds.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Keep it Simple, Stupid. Simple and toned for kids.
The Shins incorperate both the imaginative and the traditional in this album. It finds them with their best album yet and, at the same time, pretty much clean.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Incredible, but iffy as the same time.
This album is Incredibly amazing, but it's also wrong at times because they hint about lesbianism.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
perfect for everyone ever. amazing.
Okay this is the most amazing band I've ever heard.
Their music is perfect for every age and I intend to play it for my kids someday in the future.
It's ridiculously inspiring and helps me through rough times.
The thing about the lesbians.. WOW. okay. first off i'm not a supporter of gay or lesbianism at all. i'm a christian, but i've gotta say in this situation.. if the music were talking about two young boyfriend and girlfriend it would NOT be an issue.. it's a song.. why should 'lesbianism' matter..? seriously?
and also that message is so vague and "possible" that anyone who cares shouldn't worry. it's not like you'd know it had anything to do with lesbianism unless you googled it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Coolio
Well, I thought the album was quite good, the only problem was at the end of the main review it said listerners would like cold play. EEW, why? Cold play is horrible. Back to the shins, pretty cool.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Artist: | The Shins |
| Release date: | January 23, 2007 |
| Label: | Sub Pop |
| Genre: | Indie Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already listened to it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
