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New Slang
The Shins
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- Album
- Oh, Inverted World
- Released
- 2001
- Genres
- indie, indie pop
- Length
- 3:51
- Tempo
- 130 BPM
- Label
- Sub Pop Records
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About this song
The song is from the soundtrack for the film Garden State, which won a Grammy Award, and it is often credited with helping to launch The Shins' popularity. It was also featured in an episode of Scrubs, and McDonald's used it in a 2002 commercial that aired during the winter Olympics. Critics praised it, with Rolling Stone calling it the most affecting song on the album and Pitchfork comparing it to Simon and Garfunkel; both later ranked it among the best songs of the 2000s.
What it's about
The song reflects frontman James Mercer's feelings of being trapped in his hometown of Albuquerque, uncertain about his future and wanting to leave his job, relationship and life behind. Mercer has described it as a protest song written as he tried to break free toward something more fulfilling.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 1 other song, like “2001 by The Hood Internet”.
- Covered 6 times, including “New Slang by Luke Sital-Singh”.
- Written and produced by James Mercer.
- Recorded at Mercer's basement.