The Shins

It will change your life, I swear. First in line and fast pass in hand. Greeted by doorman who is more than accommodating. Like he was seriously cool. So first time at this venue and off to an amazing start. He even gave us a promotional type flyer for the show. Keepsakes are always good! Got in and dead center on the rail. (Note to self: if you want pics without the microphone in the face, take the spot a few steps to the right or left.;} Amazing looking venue and I need to go back to take more time to admire all the amazing architecture and things like the great posters of shows past lining the walls. Sound was great, as were lights. Always different in front when getting stage sound, not sure about other advantage points. We rocked hard though. The Shins... on their game right now for sure. 2nd time seeing them and both this year. James was clearly having a lot more fun tonight and it was great to catch some of those happy expressions. The band was solid. Mark Watrous was stellar and on point. I love staring right at and singing backup with Casey Foubert... his stage presence is magnetic. Everyone was just on. I ll be seeing them every chance I get. Just one request?? Play Heartworms! It s your title track and time to bust it out this tour!

So. Flippin. Good. Crowd was totally into it even when they didn't know the words. Smiles and dancing all around. Been listening to this band since '03 and they never disappoint.

The Shins put on the most amazing show I have ever seen. They performed with a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm. Felt like the entire band was in the moment and truly enjoying themselves and this showed through the music.

The music was good I enjoyed hearing the classic Shins songs, but i felt myself being constantly distracted by the amount of teenage hipsters jumping up and down. I would only recommend the show if you think you could handle that type of scene. It seemed to be much more of a younger crowd than I anticipated.

Pure awesomeness. What else can I say? James Mercer is such a great lyricist. The Shins' music speaks for themselves. I had a great time and was only a few feet away from the stage- which definitely heightened the event being so close. There's a lot of energy and the music is so great you can't help but enjoy yourself.

Great concert. They played most of their hits but with a lot of energy. The crowd was really into it. They played some awesome covers too.

I've been a fan of the shins for a few years now and I must say that i was BLOWN AWAY at their concert. They sounded as good as, if not better than, they do on the CD. It was a concert that i can honestly say i will never forget.

Venue's fault really. Terminal 5 has poor sight lines. And the new songs sucked. Sorry. Really disappointing.

The Shins were dynamic, and played a nice mix across their various albums. While the band can sometimes sound like they are playing the same song over and over, that wasn't the case live. Well worth seeing live.

I loved the Shins live at Terminal 5 in New York City! See them soon!

I thought delta spirit took the show. The Shins were so horrid and boring that I ended up leaving mid-set. They didn't play the songs that the crowd wanted and they played terribly and with little to no enthusiasm. Luckily, my girlfriend was with me to keep me happy.

What a disappointment for a big Shins fan. I expected a lot more.

The band was very good, but the sound was not loud enough. Many of the young people were talking, in mobiles and to each other, This was distburbing

I love the shins and the opening band Delta Spirit. The show was fantastic. The only criticism I could possibly give is that I disliked the venue, terminal 5. The overall atmosphere of Terminal 5 is not my favorite. It feels like a giant box.

Always liked the shins but never got a chance to see them until the show at terminal 5. They played a great mix of their songs and the show lasted longer than i anticipated. The crowd was energetic and enthused. My first experience in terminal 5 was just as satisfactory. The venue is huge with 3 levels to view the show. Being a fan of "club shows" this will definitly not be my last time seeing the shins or visiting Terminal 5!

Definitely go see the shins live if you can, they sound better live than they do on their albums. Great show.

The Shins were awesome...Delta Spirit-not so much. I just wish they had played Australia and Split Needles. Overall it was totally worth it.

The venue was great. The electric factory in Philly was a great space, and it really made for a great show. Waiting in line a short time before doors, and immediately getting to the front allowed me to get within feet of James Mercer and the rest of the Shins band members. The openers, the Delta Spirit were great too. I traveled from Boston to Philly because the venue they played in Boston, the Orpheum, is seated and is not worth seeing anyone there. It was worth the trip, I'm glad I got to see the Shins, it was an awesome show.

We really enjoyed this show! The Shins sounded great and put on a terrific show. Delta Spirit was a nice surprise- quiet a hard working band. Amazing how they switched around on instruments.

Amazing show! My friends and I arrived at The Natiional just as The Delta Spirit were wrapping up their opening set. From what we heard, they were good, and got a good audience response. Despite our lateness, we managed to make our way to the front of the floor, and only one of our seven got spilled on the entire night. The Shins were excellent! They opened with "Australia," and included songs from all three of their albums (recorded as the The Shins. No Flake.). To my delight, they played two new songs, one of them titled "Fool of a Martyr," and the other unknown to me. I'm not sure why they chose to close with Neil Young's "Helpless," but it was a good cover and the audience sang along. The Shins were high energy and clearly aware of the audience favourites. Vocals were dead on, and Dave Hernandez was particularly fun to watch on guitar. After the show, Ron Lewis (bass) and James Mercer (vox, guitar, primary lyricist) signed autographs. This was the second time I've seen them live, the other time being at The NorVa in fall of 2007. Their shows are a lot of fun, and the songs take on new life played on stage.

I went to the shins with my kids. I have listened to their music and very much enjoyed them and love to go to concerts, so I went. I came out of the concert a huge fan. They are absolutely amazing and you need to experience them live at least once to appreciate them!!!!! fyi....will be going more than once if I get a chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Having just seen rock dinosaurs Neil Young and the Dead go an astronomical distance beyond my expectations and virtually tear down the walls of the Philly Spectrum weeks prior, I figured I was in for a treat with the Shins. I've been following them from their start (The Flake Music days) and have gotten to see them live before... always a great concert. The first time I saw them, they were great: the band was on fire, sailing through all their best material and playing with immense gusto... they played like they owned the venue and the audience. It was spectacular! This last time at the Electric Factory, however, they played like they were bored, uninspired and exhausted, which is why I mentioned the rock dinosaurs... Neil Young (65 y/o) and the Dead (members 60+... Phil is 70!) played with more energy for 3 or 4 times as long as these young bucks in their mid-30's/early 40's... the prime of their lives. It became a joke between my friends and I, how badly they were sucking during the show. These guys are at the early height of their career, yet performed like it was the 50 year reunion of a band that was never anything special to begin with. And how do you explain it? They are amazingly talented songwriters and virtuosic musicians, so we simply couldn't fathom how they were so boring to listen to. If you're reading this, you probably already know how special The Shins are and how incredibly thoughtful, unique and surprising their music can be; if you've seen them on earlier tours, you probably know this even more so... this was NOT the tour for them. Missing band members and seemingly no desire to be on stage, I feel my 2 stars are generous since I did still enjoy singing along to the songs I love, but I also feel that I could've got on stage and played the hell out of them. I love the Shins and have for many years. This concert was a disappointment. I am excited to hear their new album and may even go see them again this next tour. I would be remiss to find their energy so low again.

The Shins performance was phenomenal. One of the best shows ever and I would have given it 5 stars except the venue (The Electric Factory) was so hot that we left a little early. The place has fans all over and none of them were turned on. Everyone was sweating and then the place started to smell. If the Shins performance was not so fantastic there is no way I could have stuck around. Again, The Shins were awesome!

The show was awesome. Venue is beautiful - sans the smoke wafting in from the smokers outside, but this is a tobacco state - so pretty much expected. Don't stand towards the right of the theater - this is where the smoke enters and hovers. The opening band, Delta Spirit was awesome and I will definitely be following them. I love The Shins, but - and this may be a venue thing - the groups need to enunciate!

I've been waiting to see The Shins forever it seems. Some fans were not very polite. I guess it sort of made the evening a little less desireable. I don't know if I'm basing this on a few bad apples but it sort of left a sour taste in my mouth.

really great show. first time seeing them after being a fan for a long time. the voice wasn't perfect, but he powered through. simple song + encore was awesome.

I really like the Shins studio music, especially Port of Morrow. I was expecting them to be that much better live, but was a little disappointed, James Mercer seems very sincere and likable, which made for a relaxed, feel-good concert. And not every band jumps around and has an exciting stage performance (myself included - I'm a lead singer as well and could definitely bring a but more energy to our gigs, so I know what of I speak). Anyway, love the band, enjoyed the show. The sound at the Roxy was not as crisp as I had hoped. It was a but muddy and we moved around a bit to get different perspectives.

Band was on. Mix was good and James voice was clearly heard. I ll see them next time for sure.

The Shins were awesome at the Ryman ! Despite them all being sick, they hung in there and put on a great show. Kudos to such a strong work ethic-what an inspiration!

Loved their show. James was a little under the weather, but each & every set was amazing! So much talent on stage. All their songs pull you in...

Shins were fabulous and to see them at the Ryman was the cherry on top of the cake! Loved it!!

Sounded great, super energy, awesome venue. At the beginning of the show James said his voice was under the weather. Sure couldn't tell by the performance - his voice was solid as always and they put on a great show.

The Shins were awesome, even being sick they still sounded amazing.

Solid performance for a lead singer sick at the time. Great sound.

Not a good live band. I was surprised how unimpressive they are. After so many years listening to their recordings, I expected a great live show. But the sound was muted and poorly orchestrated.

Awesome set list coupled with an amazing performance. Every time I see this band they are better than the last.

Very tight band, into what they doing. Played all songs, came back for 3 or 4 song encore. Seemed to like playing in Dallas and at the HOB. Overall a great show. Lighting a bit of an issue, kinda blinding at times.

Coming from a person that attends music events on a regular basis, this is a show I would highly recommend to anyone who loves alternative music. James got emotional and stopped in the middle of a song and he even went on to do a little guitar solo between songs and share stories with the fans. The set was amazing and was really tailored to their new album Heartworms. Also, every single member of the band put their heart and soul into every second of this show. Overall the entire production has been my favorite concert I've ever attended. They just know their audience so well and every single song has you left wanting more; and to end it with Simple Song just makes my heart so happy. The Shins are life and I can't wait to see them live again.

What a great group. I've been a regular listener of The Shins for a number of years, and so it was awesome that I finally had a chance to see them Live. Would see them again in a heartbeat. Hope they return to Columbus next year and play another show there.

Omg this show was so perfect! Best show I ve been to in a long time! So raw and real, can t get any better than that!!

I knew the shins were going to be a good show but it turned out to be much better Then I though. The opening back baio was great and I really enjoyed their music and even bought their albums.

Phenomenal show. Had a ball. Look forward to seeing them again.

First time at The Filmore. Great venue! Second time I've seen The Shins on this tour, Amazing once again.

Great show. The only thing that should be changed is to advertise the actual start time for the main show. Shins were supposed to come on at 8 after intro band, and didnt come on until almost 930. Some of us that have to make family plans were inconvenienced.

If you see one band while they re passing through, make sure it s the Shins. They played a spectacular set in a spectacular venue. Amazing night.

The nite started with day wave great new band from bay area they said. Bought album that nite great music. Then came the shins rock the house down thank for a great evening

The Grand Theater at the GSR is perfect to hold larger audiences for bigger names, but still give it a more intimate and personal feel than very large arena style seating options.

Both of these bands were excellent. Wish they both could have played longer- I will go see them any time I can. Venue is awesome, and the staff was extremely nice helping me to relocate (to get my daughter away from surly folks). All vending staff, security, etc. professional, friendly and helpful

I went to see The Shins but enjoyed the opening bands as well. Spoon was great and The Shins simply amazing.

I want to buy a video of this concert. It was amazing.

Such an incredible show. Listened to them since I was a kid and finally got to see them at 24! Got to see it with a special friend too :)

Day Wave, Spoon and the Shins. Great show all around. The sound was excellent from everywhere, the crowd was friendly, as was the staff. Parking nearby was super expensive. I had never listened to Spoon's music prior, and I'm now a big fan. Just loved their energy, songs, and the whole presentation. Day Wave was a great opener. I'm sure we'll see and hear more of them in the coming months. Their songs were interesting, with great guitar lines. I would go see them again on their own. The Shins are a great band, and rocked the house. They played some great covers mixed in with their songs. It was a blast!

If you love live music, there's nothing better than the Greek on a warm night. There's something about the acoustics and the speakers that make the sound really amazing. Shins were great - James Mercer's voice sounded great and the strings for the encore were really beautiful. Strange coincidence that he covered Tom Petty 2 days before his sudden passing. An amazing show!

Spoon was great. The Shins were great. What I will remember was the Shin's encore. James and the band sang American Girl two days before Tom Petty passed.

I've seen both of these bands over the years, several times. They are two of my favorite groups so seeing both together was great. To start, I've never seen Spoon so amazing. Every song grooved. The band looked good and comfortable as they rocked hard....or got weird here and there. I'm a little shocked to say that I thought Spoon was the highlight. The Shins playing was good and Mercer's voice was top-notch (even when it occasionally cracked). Their set list (for me) was lacking. I basically have all their tunes in my home system and all the ones that I didn't put in the playlist, it seemed, got played that night. It did make me reconsider a few songs that I was not into to....but Spoon(!).....they were right on and played the coolest mix from their jangly amazing catalogue.

I enjoy this band'a music quite a lot. The live show was lacking intensity, fun and seemed far too delicate, planned and perfect. Not bad but the live experience added nothing.

I enjoyed every minute! I love James' voice & clever lyrics. This show met and exceeded my expectations! That was me, singing all my faves! There were a few classics performed with different arrangements, which I usually don't like when bands do that. But they were beautifully performed! Seriously can't wait to see them again!

Outdoor venue in the pouring rain. They easily could have put on a lackluster performance, given that it was cold and horrible out, but they didn't! I really felt that the Shins put their all into the performance. Heard older stuff and newer stuff - all enjoyable. Lovely music, clever lyrics - I had an incredible time. I will be anxiously awaiting their next visit!

The Shins are a great band that have continued to put out great albums. They sound just as great live as they do on their albums.

They played all the favorites and had great lighting and backdrops too. A full encore opened with "New Slang" and thank goodness or I would've rioted.

This was my first time at Jannus live in St. Pete to see a show and it was great. It was a nice day and the turn out was awesome. The performance was great too. I would watch more shows at Jannus and of course would definitely see the Shins again.

Amazing live!!! Great sound! Awesome interaction and participation with the crowd.

I love the Shins. They are definitely one of my favorite bands right now. The setlist was great and the performance even better. Hell, even Ra Ra Riot was good. The only problem was that it was really hot after a while in the venue and the music wasn't loud enough. I could easily talk to my friends at the concert without having to scream and that is just unacceptable. I paid good money to be deaf by the time I am 50 in seeing my favorite bands perform.

I highly recommend seeing the Shins live, because their sound is purely fantastic. I sincerely enjoyed the entire set list. I was happy to see them play songs from every album old and new. I have zero complaints about they performance. I will say I was surprised that even in the front row fans weren't dancing or singing along, I guess we can't all be die hard fans. I also wished they played two sets.

I have been trying to catch The Shins for a couple of years now, & I'm so glad I was finally able to watch their show. They had so much energy &, in my opinion, sound even better live, which is a task in itself. I highly recommend you attend a show, they won't disappoint you in the least!!

The opening band Relaxer (akron) totally ripped it. The shins were everything I hoped. Great mix of new and old albums.

An intimate setting, I felt like James Mercer was singing to me personally. A great performance! Just wish it would have lasted longer :)

This was my first Shins concert. They didn't disappoint me. I would definitely see them again.

So much fun to be with a great crowd (makes a big difference) of fellow followers, at the SDSU outdoor Amphitheatre. The Shins played as well, if not better than in studio. Great Vibe and I think we were one of their best audiences.

Best concert line-up ever! Blind Pilot and The Head and The Heart opening up for The Shins. They all put on a great show, were all so lovely and genuinely excited to be performing for us all!

We had front row balcony seats and the sound in the Orpheum was incredible. It was my first show there but it won't be the last.

The bands and pavilion speak the volumes anyone could have ever suggested or experienced before my witness!!!!! I had an unforgettable moment in time, I wouldn't want to do this over again. This truly iconic moment will be placed amongst the GREATEST EXPERIENCES of my life.. I am so grateful to be alive.

Stir Cove, one of my favorite outdoor venues, is a natural amphitheater set behind a casino hotel. Shows are very intimate and most of the locals arrive and make camp further back on the hill, which means even if you don't arrive super early, you'll still grab a great spot right in front of the stage. They even run cards at both the bar and merch table, which is a plus. The Antlers* and Blind Pilot both sounded great and were a good choices as openers. Often times many fans get anxious waiting for their headliner to start, but both of the openers held their attention and definitely earned a few new fans along the way. As for The Shins, they didn't disappoint. The band sounded crisp and you can tell that James Mercer is a season vet when it comes to orchestrating a live show. The band even had some witty banter to throw in between songs to keep the audience engaged. The set list was what you'd hope for as a casual fan: stand-out tracks from their new record with the hits scattered throughout the set, including a three-song encore. * As a caveat, this was the second time I've seen The Antlers and both times were superb. Listening to their music live allows you to hear how expansive their music truly is.

The Shins were as great as I expected; they really put on a quality show. The Grand Sierra Resort had really good acoustics, so the sound was amazing. Both the starting band, Gardens and Villa, and The Shins had a beautiful, mesmerizing sound! This venue was the perfect size; it was easy to get a good spot on the floor and the crowd was actually mellow--everyone seemed more into the music than rushing the stage, so it made the show so much more enjoyable! The Shins was definitely one of the best shows I have ever seen....love their music--new and old, and they played a great mix of all. I would definitely purchase tickets for future shows at Grand Sierra Resort, depending on the artist. I just wish GSR booked more Indie rock bands!

The show was so egg salad! And it ended phenomenally.

The Shins performance was amazing! They played all the greats and also some from the new album. They are way better live and in no way was it a disappointment. If any band you like is playing at the Boulevard Pool, SEE THEM! The venue was really nice. overlooked the strip, great sound and lighting, and very relaxed setting. The downside to the show was it rained a little and was very cold afterwards but none the less would do it again!

That concert was one of the best i have ever been to. They played all of their best songs and some great new ones, and they sounded flawless. And not only were the shins amazing to see, but the band that opened for them (Delta Spirit) was phenomenal.

concert was incredible...via a nice little bonus by eating at the restaurant attached to the venue, i was able to get in 15 minutes early before the doors open & grab a spot up front AT the stage...literally...no one in front of me, basically touching the stage. delta spirit, whom ive never heard of before this event, was incredible...very sick live band & their music is very different, very retro. shins...wow...their music on their LP's do NOT do them justice when it comes to a live show. they rocked out way harder than i expected...to top it all off, the main keyboardist/singer handed me his set list after they closed the show from their encore. all around incredible experience. oh, and i was in VA for business & it was my first night there...yes...i lucked out.

The openers Delta Spirit was an extremely smart choice for beginning the show! They played superbly well as did The Shins!

Pros: - Their music - Several crowd pleaser songs on setlist - Fun venue - Reasonably-priced tickets - Guest violinist from Ra Ra Riot (made songs even better) Cons: - Not enough energy from them - Not enough crowd interaction - Didn't state titles of new songs they played - Missed some good songs on their setlist - Some songs lost their campfire quality by being played in a venue

I saw The Shins in NY in May and it was an incredible show. They played all the favorites (New Slang, Caring is Creepy, Sea Legs, etc.) and did amazing covers such as Dry the Rain by The Beta Band. I would definitely recommend going to one of their shows if you get the chance :)

The Shins have always been on the top of my list to see live, and let me tell you, they do not disappoint!! They sounded spot on live, and had a great stage presence. The new songs that they debuted were amazing, and I'm looking forward to their next album!! I highly recommend you go see them if you get the chance!!

It was great! I highly suggest seeing them to everyone!

Such a beautifully orchestrated show. Seeing these guys live was not only on my Bucket List but also a dream come true. They played a lot of old stuff and I couldn't help but dance my ass off. Such a supremely weird band that fills my heart with a warm squishy feeling. So many concepts, I can't wait to see them again!

The venue sound was amazing. The concert was incredible. We did not buy any food but the beer was good and the ability to see was great.

The shins were amazing, great local band opened for them. Great venue

Did not disappoint, I wish I could go back and see them again!

With the range of his vocals on studio recordings, my first Shins concert was filled with wonder of if he could hit the high notes like on Simple Song. He did with ease. His band is full of multi instrumentalists that help his varying genres of songs come to life. Good show!

Great Show, Great New Venue. Atmosphere was great and band rocked.

James Mercer sang beautifully and the band was on point. However, there was a jam session at the end that was very lackluster, but well-meaning as they called out their tour team on stage to join in. Overall The Shins played great with the best from all of their discography, but was unfortunately supported by an unfortunate live mix. Word of advice: if you don't know the lyrics to a band's songs, don't stand near the front at the Norva. You'll never know what's being sung. I hope to see the Shins again in a more clear sounding setting. Oh yeah. And Ra Ra Riot was also very good. Their sound played better through the speakers as it was naturally more intense than the Shins style. The distortion and loudness worked not as detrimentally to them as it does to most artists who visit the venue.

The evening started superbly with Ra Ra Riot. This band is just amazing live. The violinist and cellist added so much to the performance. The Shins were very fun to watch and listen to all the old favorites and the newer works as well. The encore had them saying goodbye as this is their last date of the tour and everyone will be taking a break for several years doing other projects. This made them all quite nostalgic and so they jammed for awhile and then brought the entire staff on stage to join them singing, meaning all the roadies and managers. Nice to see a band enjoying a few moments of personal feelings even if it is in front of a crowd.

The Shins are a fabulous band, but I had some reservations about how this wry, well-produced band would translate for a live performance. They did an excellent job. Mercer's vocal range was pitch perfect in this venue. Often bands don't even attempt to hit the notes they hit in studio. Mercer was spot on. And where he improvised it was fun and surprising. The live show also showed the bands personality. Even at the end of a very long tour, they seemed like they really enjoyed being together.

I'll start off by saying that this was the best show I've ever attended. The band was simply amazing, the weather was perfect, and I had my two favorite people with me. After seeing this performance, my respect for The Shins increased dramatically. I feel like I understand them better.

Simply put, The Shins are fantastic. They always put on an unforgettable show.

This concert, opened by RA RA Riot and headed by The Shins was an incredible one. First of all, RA RA RIOT was a perfect opener for them, mainly in part because both bands are great performers, but also because their music coincided perfectly. As soon as the Shins came on, all hell broke loose. Not only was it the most crowded I had ever seen the National, it was the most enthusiastic as well (and the Shins picked up on that as well). The Shins were AMAZING! They played all the songs I knew, plus ones that I can't believe I've gone my entire life without hearing! They performed great, plus their 3-song encore was marvelous. I can't wait to see them again in concert, and if you have the chance to, GO SEE THESE BANDS!

Great show, great venue. The band sounded great live.

This concert was awesome, they really fed off of the crowd and delivered a brilliant performance

I am a little biased since I've never seen the Shins live and also love them. That said, comparing apples to oranges, they put on one of the best concerts I've ever been to. The encore was especially amazing!

The Shins are one of my favorite bands, but either this venue or this particular sound crew just did not sufficiently emphasize the band's number one asset: James Mercer's voice. I loved the set, but I would have loved to hear the lyrics a little more.

Went to The Shins concert in Richmond this week. Sounded great -- totally fun. Go and see them.