The Shins, 'SNL': Indie Heroes Return to the Limelight, Melodies Intact
- Posted on Mar 11th 2012 10:05AM by Kenneth Partridge
- Comments
Douglas Mason, Getty Images
The band opened with the snappy single 'Simple Song,' a fine showcase for Mercer's falsetto vocals and knack for melody. In the contest to see which of this season's SNL guests can look most like your cool high school history teacher -- the one that let you watch movies most of the time -- Mercer is currently running a close second to Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. If Lorne Michaels books the National for later in the year, we might have ourselves a three-way race.
The Shins returned for 'It's Only Life,' a soft-rock number with a life-affirming chorus. If Mercer has altered anything about his approach, it's his lyrics, which have gone from frustratingly opaque to borderline cliche. "I've been down every road that you're walking now," he sang, sounding more like a self-help guru than a purveyor of refrigerator-magnet poetry. "It doesn't have to be so dark and lonesome."
Watch the Shins Perform 'It's Only Life' on 'SNL'
Follow @Spinner on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Sign Up for Our Newsletter
- Filed under: News, Television




Willow Smith, 'Annie': Singer Walks Away From Movie Role ... But Why?
Mindy McCready Committed to Treatment Facility After Children Taken by Child Services -- Report
CBS Grammy Memo Forbids Bare Breasts, Buttocks, Nipples, Genitals, Etc.
Selena Gomez, Airport Fan Encounter: Star Makes Unexpected Move at LAX
Marilyn Manson Collapses on Stage (VIDEO)
King Gordy Shot Five Times in Detroit
Lady Gaga Backstage Rider: Strawberry Jam, Special K and a 'Mannequin With Puffy Pink Pubic Hair'
Donald Byrd Dead: Legendary Jazz Musician Dies at 80
Kenny Chesney 'Pirate Flag' Video Premiere
Beyonce, Super Bowl Outfit: Singer's Leather Look Slammed by PETA


7 Comments