So I’m not sure if I’m getting more and more impatient as I grown older. At one period I seemed to have more time on my hands to appreciate music, to listen to an album in it’s entirety before passing comment. Now, I feel as though if something doesn’t grab me within the first 2 to 3 minutes, it’s off, deleted and off to ebay. I think it’s probably to do with having to listen to lots of records to review and that’s now affecting how I listen for pleasure. All I can say is that I’m glad I gave The Broken West record a couple of tries.

Cut from a slice of pure indie-pop sunshine, this is all the things the latest Shins record wasn’t. Jangly guitars, whimsical vocals and songs dealing with all the highs and lows that life throws at you. It reminds me of Ben Folds in places though there’s not that much piano involved, it’s got that feel good factor that Folds has at his very best. My initial listens weren’t that great, I found the production a touch muddied and lacking distinction, but continued listens with some headphones on just suggested that there’s a lot going on and it’s all been shoe-horned into place.

Whilst this might not be one of the great records of the year, it’s managed to work its way into my head. As real life has been a bit stressful recently, this has touched a special place in my head and heart. The bouncy rhythms and feel good guitar riffs have put a smile on my face and kept my foot tapping. Well worth investigation.

Links
www.myspace.com/thebrokenwest
amazon uk