The Song
“Simple Song” by The Shins is, simply put by vocalist and founder James Mercer, a love song. In an interview with Magnet Magazine Mercer laid it out plain:
‘Simple Song’ is the love song. I mean, it’s that feeling that I’ve gained a lot of confidence, and a lot of it is because of my wife and the strength that she gives me. That strength that you get from a real strong love.”
In contrast with some of The Shins’ earlier music, ‘Simple Song’ channels a tone of overall euphoria and positive energy. Mercer explained how being a family man contributed to the happier tone of his music in an interview with the A.V. Club:
Well, I think you can listen to some of the lyrics in some of the older songs and hear a lot of complaining. [Laughs.] So there’s a direct influence there. I think now that I’m happier, it’s not that I’m necessarily writing happier songs, although I think there are some happier songs on this record than the others. It’s that I have the ability to write about things outside of myself more. I’m not so hunkered-down and introspective.”
Emphasizing warmth, playfulness, and the ability for his companion to chase away his fears, Mercer and The Shins drive home the power of love without fail. The message here, is simple.
The Band
The Shins are an American rock group originally formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico and currently located in Portland, Oregon. Mercer began creating The Shins’ first record in 1996, after his former band Flake Music broke up and he recruited drummer Neil Sandoval to form the new band with him and bassist Marty Crandall. The trio moved to Portland in 2001, coinciding with the release of their hit single, ‘New Slang’, which put The Shins in the spotlight.
After transplanting to Portland, the Shins embarked on a successful run, touring with indie big names such as Modest Mouse and having their music featured prominently in the 2004 movie Garden State starring and directed by Zach Braff.
In recent years, the group fractured and Mercer went on to form the group Broken Bells with fellow artist Danger Mouse, while continuing to produce music under The Shins name.
During their original run, The Shins’ album Oh, Inverted World garnered rave reviews and was ranked #72 on Pitchfork Media’s top 100 albums of 2000–2004.
Check out the music video for ‘Simple Song’ from the 2012 album Port of Morrow: