Broken Bells and Cockle Shells

I've been a fan of the Shins since I saw them play the now-deceased Blackbird in Portland, Ore., some years ago. It was just before they released their second album, "Chutes Too Narrow." I had just started listening to them a few weeks prior, thanks to a friend who was really into the band. They put on a great show. The Albuquerque transplants who now call Portland their home have continued to enjoy success (although rumor has it they have had a lineup change), and put out decent records. However, they have also gone into that uber-popular phase and were even lauded in the teenage rom-com/hipster movie, Garden State (which, I hate to admit, I kind of liked). And in my opinion, most bands who become extremely popular these days end up making mediocre music because of it.

Recently I was told about a new project the Shins' frontman co-created with Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse), called Broken Bells. So I listened to the album for free on NPR (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124018401). I've tried to keep an open mind to the music, but I've got to give this one a C at best.

Mercer's voice has an extremely distinct sound, so to me it sounds like a wimpier version of the Shins with a few electronic effects thrown into the mix. And that's the problem with this project - it's the Shins on kool-aid, or at least a watered down version of what turned to me onto their music in the first place. I don't feel the duo bring anything new to the table, just the sound and songwriting arrangement Mercer usually pulls together, therefore it lacks any groundbreaking sounds or overtly unique songwriting.

I will attempt to give it a further listen, but right now I'm have to say, "Try a little harder guys, huh?"