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The Shins

Live Performances by The Shins in 2012

The Shins Full Concert Live at Hurricane Festival

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 58:30
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  • In January 2012, when The Shins performed live at the Hurricane Festival, they were riding high on the success of their critically acclaimed album *Po... Read Full Description >

    In January 2012, when The Shins performed live at the Hurricane Festival, they were riding high on the success of their critically acclaimed album *Port of Morrow*, which was released in March 2012. This performance captured a pivotal moment in the band's evolution, as it was their first release in five years, following *Wincing the Night Away* in 2007. Notably, this album marked a transition for the band, with James Mercer as the sole remaining founding member and the introduction of new collaborators, which influenced their sound. During the live set, fans could anticipate new material, showcasing the band's ability to fuse indie rock with catchy melodies, a signature of their style. The performance at the Hurricane Festival also underscored their international appeal, as they were able to attract a diverse audience and gain additional traction in Europe.

The Shins - Live Performance of 'Simple Song' on Letterman

Letterman

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 4:04
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  • In the live recording of "Simple Song" on January 1, 2012, The Shins were actively promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which was re... Read Full Description >

    In the live recording of "Simple Song" on January 1, 2012, The Shins were actively promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which was released shortly after this performance on March 20, 2012. This appearance on "Letterman" demonstrated the band's readiness to embrace their renewed sound following a hiatus and lineup changes. Notably, "Port of Morrow" marked the first album featuring new members, including guitarist Jessica Dobson and drummer/principal member Joe Plummer, showcasing the band's evolution while maintaining their signature indie rock style. The performance of "Simple Song," the album's lead single, helped re-establish The Shins in the music scene and highlighted their capacity for melodic storytelling, making it a significant moment in their career as they transitioned into a new phase.

The Shins Perform 'Phantom Limb' Live on Letterman

Letterman

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 5:31
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  • In January 2012, The Shins performed "Phantom Limb" on "Late Show with David Letterman," showcasing their deep-rooted indie pop sound. This live recor... Read Full Description >

    In January 2012, The Shins performed "Phantom Limb" on "Late Show with David Letterman," showcasing their deep-rooted indie pop sound. This live recording came shortly before the release of their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which debuted in March 2012. At this point in their career, The Shins were experiencing a resurgence, with lead singer James Mercer returning to the project after some time spent on side ventures, notably with the supergroup Broken Bells. "Phantom Limb," originally featured on their earlier album "Wincing the Night Away" (2007), highlights the band’s signature melodic style and introspective lyrics. The Letterman performance marked a pivotal moment, as it introduced audiences to their evolving sound and increased the anticipation for "Port of Morrow," contributing to their legacy in the indie music scene.

The Shins Perform 'New Slang' Live on Letterman

Letterman

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 4:38
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  • In January 2012, The Shins performed "New Slang" on "Late Show with David Letterman," marking a pivotal moment as they were promoting their fourth stu... Read Full Description >

    In January 2012, The Shins performed "New Slang" on "Late Show with David Letterman," marking a pivotal moment as they were promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which was released in March of the same year. This performance showcased the band's return after a five-year hiatus since their last album, "Wincing the Night Away" (2007). Notably, "New Slang" originally appeared on their debut album, "Oh, Inverted World," released in 2001, and it became one of their signature songs. The revival of this track during the Letterman performance symbolized a bridging of eras in their career, as it introduced both long-time fans and new listeners to their evolving sound. The Shins' appearance on a major late-night platform underscores their significant impact in the indie rock genre and their enduring popularity at that time in their career.

The Shins Perform 'Australia' Live on Letterman

Letterman
United States

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 3:42
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  • In January 2012, The Shins performed "Australia" on *The Late Show with David Letterman*, coinciding with the release of their album *Port of Morrow*,... Read Full Description >

    In January 2012, The Shins performed "Australia" on *The Late Show with David Letterman*, coinciding with the release of their album *Port of Morrow*, which came out in March of the same year. This performance marked a significant moment in The Shins' career, as it was their first appearance after the departure of founding member and guitarist Jesse Sandoval, who had left the band before the recording. *Port of Morrow* saw lead vocalist James Mercer taking a more central role in the songwriting and production, working alongside retired producer Greg Kurstin. The album was anticipated following a five-year hiatus since their previous release, *Wincing the Night Away*. The Letterman performance not only showcased the band’s evolution but also introduced their refreshed sound to a broader audience, setting the stage for their continued growth and experimentation in the indie rock genre.

The Shins Live Performance of 'Sleeping Lessons' on Letterman

Letterman

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 5:15
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  • In January 2012, The Shins performed "Sleeping Lessons" live on the Late Show with David Letterman, coinciding with the release of their fourth studio... Read Full Description >

    In January 2012, The Shins performed "Sleeping Lessons" live on the Late Show with David Letterman, coinciding with the release of their fourth studio album, *Port of Morrow*, which came out later that same year, in March. This performance marked a significant moment in the band's career, as it was one of the first public showcases of new material following a five-year hiatus since their previous album, *Wincing the Night Away*, released in 2007. The Shins had undergone lineup changes prior to this live recording, with James Mercer being the sole remaining member from the original lineup. This era was pivotal for the band as they worked to reclaim their sound while transitioning into a period of renewed visibility in the indie music scene. Notably, "Sleeping Lessons" opened *Wincing the Night Away* and highlights both their evolution and Mercer's distinct songwriting style, setting the stage for a fresh chapter in their musical journey.

The Shins Perform 'No Way Down' Live on Letterman

Letterman

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 3:28
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  • In January 2012, The Shins performed "No Way Down" live on the Late Show with David Letterman, coinciding with the release of their album "Port of Mor... Read Full Description >

    In January 2012, The Shins performed "No Way Down" live on the Late Show with David Letterman, coinciding with the release of their album "Port of Morrow," which came out shortly thereafter on March 20, 2012. This marked a significant moment in their career as it was the band's first album in five years, following "Wincing the Night Away" in 2007. The performance displayed their evolution, showcasing a more polished sound while still retaining their indie rock allure. Notably, this live appearance introduced a new lineup, featuring James Mercer as the constant creative force, alongside new members who contributed to the refreshed sound of the band. This transition was pivotal, capturing the attention of both long-time fans and new listeners, setting the stage for a successful return after their hiatus.

The Shins Perform 'Caring Is Creepy' Live on Letterman

Letterman

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 3:18
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  • In January 2012, The Shins performed "Caring Is Creepy" on David Letterman's show, marking a significant moment in their career as they were promoting... Read Full Description >

    In January 2012, The Shins performed "Caring Is Creepy" on David Letterman's show, marking a significant moment in their career as they were promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which was released shortly thereafter. Before this performance, the band had experienced notable changes, including the departure of bassist Dave Hernandez and the addition of new members, a shift that greatly influenced their sound and dynamics. The appearance on Letterman highlighted the band's return after a five-year hiatus since their last album, "Wincing the Night Away." This performance not only showcased their evolution as a band but also reintroduced them to a wider audience, setting the stage for their reinvigorated presence in the indie rock scene. "Caring Is Creepy," originally featured on their debut album "Oh, Inverted World," provided a nostalgic connection to their earlier work while also highlighting their growth as artists.

The Shins Perform 'Port Of Morrow' Live on Letterman

Letterman
United States

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 6:25
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  • In the live recording of "Port Of Morrow" performed on Letterman on January 1, 2012, The Shins were promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morr... Read Full Description >

    In the live recording of "Port Of Morrow" performed on Letterman on January 1, 2012, The Shins were promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which had been released just a few days earlier on March 20, 2012. This album marked the return of frontman James Mercer after a five-year hiatus during which the band had undergone significant lineup changes. Notably, it was their first release since "Wincing the Night Away" in 2007, which had been a commercial success and critically well-received. The performance on Letterman showcased the band's evolution in sound, integrating a more polished and expansive production style compared to their earlier works. The Shins also gained heightened visibility from this performance, which contributed to their status as prominent figures in the indie rock scene.

The Shins - 'Saint Simon' Live Performance at Letterman Studio

Letterman Studio
United States

January 1, 2012 | Video Length: 4:42
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  • In January 2012, The Shins performed "Saint Simon" on The Late Show with David Letterman, showcasing their distinct indie-rock sound during a pivotal ... Read Full Description >

    In January 2012, The Shins performed "Saint Simon" on The Late Show with David Letterman, showcasing their distinct indie-rock sound during a pivotal moment in their career. At this time, the band was gearing up for the release of their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which would come out later that year. This performance marked a significant return after a five-year hiatus since their last album, "Wincing the Night Away" (2007). Notably, "Saint Simon" originally appeared on their 2006 album "Oh, Inverted World," demonstrating the band's enduring popularity and the timeless quality of their earlier work. This live performance not only highlighted the band's established repertoire but also marked their resurgence in the music scene, firmly re-establishing their presence in the indie rock genre.

The Shins Perform 'Simple Song' Live at KEXP Studio in Seattle

KEXP studio
Seattle, WA, United States

February 10, 2012 | Video Length: 4:17
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  • On February 10, 2012, The Shins performed "Simple Song" live at the KEXP studio in Seattle. This performance came shortly after the release of their f... Read Full Description >

    On February 10, 2012, The Shins performed "Simple Song" live at the KEXP studio in Seattle. This performance came shortly after the release of their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which was launched on March 20, 2012. The album marked a significant return for the band, as it was their first release in nearly five years following "Wincing the Night Away." "Port of Morrow" demonstrated a mature evolution in their sound, blending indie rock with a polished, melodic sensibility. The lead single "Simple Song" was well received, highlighting James Mercer's distinctive songwriting and vocal style. This KEXP session contributed to the promotion of the album, showcasing the band’s energetic live performances and reaffirming their status in the indie music scene. Additionally, Mercer’s work during this period exemplified his artistic growth, following the dissolution of the original band lineup and his exploration into other musical projects.

The Shins - Live Performance of 'Australia' at KEXP Studio

KEXP studio
Seattle, WA, United States

February 10, 2012 | Video Length: 4:12
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  • On February 10, 2012, The Shins performed "Australia" live at the KEXP studio in Seattle, during a pivotal moment in their career. This performance ca... Read Full Description >

    On February 10, 2012, The Shins performed "Australia" live at the KEXP studio in Seattle, during a pivotal moment in their career. This performance came shortly after the release of their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which premiered on March 20, 2012. "Port of Morrow" was significant as it marked the band’s first full-length album in nearly five years since "Wincing the Night Away" in 2007. It represented a shift for The Shins, featuring a more polished sound and new production techniques, primarily due to the involvement of Greg Kurstin, who helped to expand their sonic palette. The live performance showcased the band’s ability to evoke rich, layered melodies in a stripped-down setting, emphasizing frontman James Mercer's distinct vocal delivery and songwriting prowess. The KEXP session further solidified The Shins' reputation for engaging live performances, capturing the attention of both long-time fans and new listeners.

  • On February 10, 2012, The Shins performed a live set at KEXP studio, shortly after the release of their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which c... Read Full Description >

    On February 10, 2012, The Shins performed a live set at KEXP studio, shortly after the release of their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which came out on March 20, 2012. This performance marked a significant moment in the band's career as it was their first album under a new lineup, following the departure of several long-time members. Lead vocalist James Mercer remained the driving creative force behind the band. The live recording features the songs "Australia," "September," "Simple Song," and "It's Only Life," indicating the band's intention to showcase fresh material from the upcoming album. This period represented a rejuvenation for The Shins, as they aimed to reconnect with both their old fanbase and new listeners, demonstrating their evolution in sound and style while maintaining their signature melodic charm. The collaboration with KEXP, known for its support of indie music, further highlights the band's commitment to intimate and engaging live performances during this p

The Shins - New Slang Live Performance at #VEVOSXSW

#VEVOSXSW
Austin, TX, United States

March 14, 2012 | Video Length: 4:28
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  • In March 2012, The Shins were promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which had been released just a few days earlier, on March 20, 201... Read Full Description >

    In March 2012, The Shins were promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which had been released just a few days earlier, on March 20, 2012. This performance of "New Slang" at the #VEVOSXSW showcase during South by Southwest (SXSW) was significant as it marked their return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus since their previous album, "Wincing the Night Away." "New Slang," originally from their acclaimed 2001 debut album "Oh, Inverted World," was a breakout hit that helped establish their indie pop sound and garnered critical acclaim. The 2012 performance showcased the band's evolution while also reflecting on their roots, merging nostalgia with new material. The Shins, led by frontman James Mercer, utilized this live setting to re-engage with fans and evidence their growth, marked by the fresh rock textures of "Port of Morrow."

The Shins - It's Only Life Live Performance at #VEVOSXSW

SXSW
Austin, TX, United States

March 14, 2012 | Video Length: 3:59
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  • In March 2012, The Shins performed "It's Only Life" live at the SXSW festival, shortly after the release of their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow... Read Full Description >

    In March 2012, The Shins performed "It's Only Life" live at the SXSW festival, shortly after the release of their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which came out on March 20, 2012. This album marked a significant moment in the band's career as it was their first release in nearly five years following "Wincing the Night Away." The live recording captures their return to the forefront of the indie rock scene, showcasing an evolved sound that incorporated more polished production techniques and a broader range of musical influences. Notably, "Port of Morrow" received critical acclaim, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the performance at SXSW highlighted their ability to engage with fans and reinvigorate the live music experience. The song "It's Only Life" further exemplifies the introspective and melodic style that has become synonymous with The Shins, underlining their continued relevance in the music industry during this transitional period.

The Shins Perform 'Simple Song' Live at #VEVOSXSW

#VEVOSXSW
Austin, TX, United States

March 15, 2012 | Video Length: 4:09
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  • In March 2012, when The Shins performed "Simple Song" at the #VEVOSXSW, they were promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which had bee... Read Full Description >

    In March 2012, when The Shins performed "Simple Song" at the #VEVOSXSW, they were promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which had been released just a few days earlier on March 20, 2012. This marked a significant moment in the band’s career, as it was their first album in nearly five years since "Wincing the Night Away" in 2007. The performance at South by Southwest was part of a larger effort to re-establish their presence in the indie rock scene after a lineup change that saw frontman James Mercer as the sole original member. Notably, "Simple Song" became a defining track for the band during this period, showcasing their evolution while retaining their signature melodic and introspective style. The live recording captures the excitement around their return and the anticipation of a new era for The Shins.

The Shins Perform 'Phantom Limb' Live at #VEVOSXSW

#VEVOSXSW
Austin, TX, United States

March 15, 2012 | Video Length: 5:18
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  • In March 2012, during the live performance at #VEVOSXSW, The Shins were promoting their album "Port of Morrow," which had been released just a few day... Read Full Description >

    In March 2012, during the live performance at #VEVOSXSW, The Shins were promoting their album "Port of Morrow," which had been released just a few days prior, on March 20, 2012. This marked a significant moment in the band's career, as it was their first album in nearly five years, following "Wincing the Night Away" in 2007. Notably, "Port of Morrow" was also the first album to feature new members, including guitarist Jessica Dobson. The choice to perform "Phantom Limb," a track that blends their signature indie rock sound with lush melodies, showcased the band's evolution while retaining their core aesthetic. This performance at a prominent music festival like SXSW underlined their return to the spotlight, highlighting their enduring influence within the indie music scene.

The Shins Perform 'Simple Song' at Austin City Limits Concert

Austin City Limits
Austin, TX, United States

October 27, 2012 | Video Length: 4:21
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  • On October 27, 2012, The Shins performed on Austin City Limits, showcasing their evolving sound during a pivotal moment in their career. This live per... Read Full Description >

    On October 27, 2012, The Shins performed on Austin City Limits, showcasing their evolving sound during a pivotal moment in their career. This live performance came shortly after the release of their fourth studio album, *Port of Morrow*, which debuted in March 2012. The album marked a significant return for the band after a five-year hiatus and introduced new members, enhancing their sonic palette. Notably, *Port of Morrow* was the first album produced by frontman James Mercer since the departure of founding member Marty Crandall and was usually regarded as a maturation of their indie rock style. The live recording of “Simple Song,” one of the album's lead singles, not only highlights the band's engaging live dynamics but also emphasizes Mercer’s growth as a songwriter. This appearance on a reputable platform like Austin City Limits further solidified the band's status in the indie music scene post-hiatus.