Fresh out of the shower with my bathroom rendition of Simple Song still ringing in my ears, it was my delight to discover that The Shins had a new release to add to my repertoire. Those who remember Garden State (I personally try to forget it) will recall The Shins' involvement in the movie with the most notable being New Slang, a song Zach Braff's character describes as having the power to 'change your life'.
Braff has called on his American indie-rock muses again to help soundtrack his new Kickstarter-financed movie Wish I Was Here, stating,"It's no secret I am a giant fan of The Shins. For this film, I asked James Mercer if he would consider writing something original, inspired by his first impression of seeing the film. Not only did he say yes, but what he came back with gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. He is a savant."
So Now What is an unfair taste of what's not to come, with no The Shins album currently in the works. Get prepared for goosebumps as you listen to James Mercer AKA The Savant's lilting vocals below:
Wish I Was Here is due for release in the US July 18. Its soundtrack also features works by 17-year-old Melbournian, Japanese Wallpaper, as well as Bon Iver, Paul Simon, Badly Drawn Boy and a special collaboration between Coldplay and Cat Power. Catch the trailer here:
