James Mercer of The Shins (Photo by Marisa Kula Mercer)
The Shins are bringing their classic 2001 debut album Oh, Inverted World to life in its entirety with a 21st Birthday Tour this summer. The band has embarked on a two-month tour of North America performing the landmark album from start to finish — plus a nightly rotation of additional fan favorites and deep cuts.
James Mercer’s injection of emotional sincerity and melodic ambition redefined the indie rock paradigm at the dawn of the 21st century — and Oh, Inverted World sounds every bit as fresh, honest and expansive as it did then. Upon its original release over two decades ago, Oh, Inverted World was quickly praised by The New York Times as “a beguiling but confounding little album that wasn’t as little as it first seemed.” Today, Billboard agreed, “Twenty years later, the sound of Mercer’s sublime vocals over tranquil acoustic guitar is just as affecting.”
“Everything was so tongue-in-cheek in the indie world of the ’90s,” Mercer said of the album today today. “I remember feeling a longing for some sort of romance in music again, something earnest, like a real attempt at some emotional language.”
Watch the official music video for “New Slang” by The Shins on YouTube:
Reissued last year in a 20th anniversary edition remastered by Bob Ludwig, Oh, Inverted World is one of those rare masterworks that remains as concise as it is vital, with not an iota of filler. Mercer said of Oh, Inverted World, “This record symbolized a very special moment in my life, a watershed moment for sure.” Their debut full length, caused a seismic shift in the indie rock world upon its release in 2001, singlehandedly ushering in the modern era of the genre. The record packs 11 tracks into barely over 30 minutes, including gems like “New Slang,” “Caring Is Creepy,” “Girl Inform Me” — every one of which “became defining touchstones of millennial indie rock.” (Entertainment Weekly).
With support from Portland sister trio Joseph, the tour makes stops at iconic venues like Red Rocks, Radio City Music Hall, the Ryman Auditorium, and of course The Anthem, ending at Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square on Sept. 16.
The Shins
w/ Joseph
The Anthem
Friday, Aug. 19
Doors @ 6:30pm
$49.50
All ages