Port of Morrow

Editors’ Notes After Portland-based The Shins received a GRAMMY® nod for 2007's Wincing the Night Away, mastermind James Mercer proceeded to collect another nomination (again for Best Alternative Music Album) as half of Broken Bells. Now Mercer has put the finishing touches on The Shins' fourth studio album, Port of Morrow—writing every song, performing all lead vocals, and playing most of the instruments. It's highlighted by "Simple Song," which boasts the band's hallmark baroque-pop leanings; it's like an intricate, modern spin on work by '60s greats The Zombies and Love.