James Mercer of The Shins - Young Pilgrims (Bing Lounge)

[@poivre22]

I wish there was more songwriting like this. Simply beautiful.

[@TheMrmarcmarc]

Im so glad I chose chutes too narrow to listen to as I traveled around Europe when I was younger. Now not only do I get goosebumps from the brilliance of The Shins, but it also takes me back to sunfilled walks in the French Riviera. I love that good music can ingrain itself into a persons life, quite a feat.Sincerely, thank you.

[@slycoopahh9352]

Man I have the same experience, my mom showed me the shins when I was 5. Been my number one since then.

[@pcetime]

This live performance is the kinda one where any live performer who plays acoustic and sings at the same time should take notes; since this one, without a doubt, is also one of the greatest “clinicals” on a live performance in front of an audience, without even trying to be. Just seems ridiculously effortless, and I find myself comin’ back to this very one, time and again, deservedly so. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Johnny-sm2lb]

I agree with everything you've stated 💯👍

[@stacey_d]

I love this slow tempo version. It has such a melancholic quality.

[@primovid]

This was an absolutely impeccable live performance--vocally and musically. And lyrically as well for that matter.

[@magundus]

I actually feel bad for anyone that’s never heard this.

[@matthewgelfer4955]

I love this damn song so damn much. Cuts right to the core of me.

[@DopamineOverload]

So so good. I saw The Shins live in 2005, April from my memory.... they played everything from Chutes Too Narrow and other stuff, including New Slang, etc. I wish they stayed together as a band. So special. Chutes Too Narrow is literally as important as Abbey Road, or something.... it's so legendary and a flawless album, in every single way. Their best.

[@MiloMay]

I was born in that Year

[@thefearedESK]

i'd sell my soul for james mercer's voice.

[@tomgraham2110]

His guitar attack is perfect

[@buzzy4523]

Dammit I love chutes too narrow muchly! Wicked awesome dude!!

[@karenmulhern]

so good! love this version!

[@mattcollins7303]

your manager has a good ear.

[@peterramsay]

such a great vocalist..

[@cameronsmith6985]

His voice sounds incredible in this

[@bptotheg]

So beautiful

[@herbertshake2814]

Not a single dislike... Love this song.

[@pumbalumba]

really good solo version, I'd kill for his voice :'(

[@ryanberry4994]

Imagine being James Mercer and getting to go back to your hs reunions... "What've you done with your life?" "I'm considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time..." (And yes, I know he's way too modest to ever say that haha)

[@TheMsdmeanor]

It’s one of my favourites too! Sounds excellent!🤓❤️

[@HitchHikingFlatlander]

James Mercer IS THE SHINS.....

[@shoninanen6938]

I love it, love t, love it!

[@Johnny-sm2lb]

Such a great talented song writer and guitarist!!! Absolutely love this live version. ...also check out New Slang video live on Letterman it's also an amazing performance !!!

[@tommierick]

I cry when I touch myself

[@Communitymango]

You should listen to crywank then

[@iloveyellowducks]

It sounds so much better slowed down!! I prefer this over the album version

[@deslokkk]

Thank you, James Mercer!

[@christinamarie8352]

My November song

[@TheIkaraCult]

When you've written a great song, you can slow the tempo like he does here. It's wonderful

[@JonathanBrettMiller]

My god this is a good song

[@CHDCMBRIKSSE3]

His class wouldnt even feature any instruments. just a lecture of incredible greatness.

[@josephcrowriley1584]

wow, he sounds great on his own

[@MrNickelCobalt]

He plucks the G as the bass note (3rd fret of E string) and does a hammer-on, 0h2h0 on the D string. To do this, pluck the D string once open, then quickly put your finger on the 2nd fret, then quickly lift it off. If you do it right, you should be able to hear all 3 notes. Then he plays the D chords.

[@snocone95]

I want this guy's voice. And his guitar. The difference between him playing this song and me playing it hurts.

[@JonathanBrettMiller]

He was born with incredible natural talent

[@aimtcb]

damn rite man mercer rocked this set

[@alexraptors95]

"And ended up the kind of kid who goes down chutes too narrow"

[@BoydsCoveEst]

This is actually my favorite song too…if that means anything.

[@stephenmcnearney]

I always thought the lyric was ‘there’s no design your flaws are fine’

[@clementeallewis182]

holy shit

[@MrPapanut1]

I love this song .. so delicate and thoughtful.. perfectly composed. However.... speed it up ,, and that song is so punk rock..

[@isaacleillhikar4566]

I used to have a band prepared but they split. I was such a Shins fan, I set one album to have - Ten - songs. Because of guess of what.

[@JuacoMmM]

totally agree with this, all the new songs are the same, like 12 tracks of 1 song repeated

[@chippchipp1]

Well, It helps that he wrote it

[@dillonredd9682]

does anyone know how he does that riff/walk down thingy on the D string when he's switching from the g chord to the d?

[@thefearedESK]

Dillon Redd Dillon this is how i play it. while holding the g chord pluck the E, then pluck the open D string, then pluck it again but then time hammer on and off the second fret, then pluck the open D string again. lol one year later.

[@beeman9987]

@@thefearedESK Thanks lol 3 years later

[@TheFloodPros]

Can someone for the love of God please explain the walkdown he's doing from the G chord back to D in the verses? I can't seem to get it right! :'(

[@serbdetritus182]

Yeah, tell me about it. You should hear me :S

[@Choobaccacabra]

How does he play that B flat?

[@CarlosNororis]

+Adam Livingston he does a barre with his pinky 2,3,4 strings on the 3rd fret and another "barre" with the index for 1 and 4 strings. He also mutes the 6th string with his thumb, and I think the index is also muting the 1st string

[@Choobaccacabra]

+Carlos Nororis thanks a lot, man!

[@resmarted]

Well

[@TheBritishTommy]

It would be impossible for the student to surpass the teacher then!

[@rubymontez991]

i like crack to be a ninja

[@1000Daisy0001]

You should have stayed with the original shins dude, your voice is great but the music was fantastic as well. Your new "shins" not so great :(...

[@subtleknife1]

K so it is "eking out my measly pies" ??

[@kaelahiggins5705]

Pipes

[@AubreyGrahamMaster]

It is kind of sad that so many singers now days rely on pitch correction tools that when someone actually can sing live, we have to compliment them for doing what they are supposed to do. Haha, but yeah his voice is great and he comes from a generation right before musicians got lazy and learned to rely on pitch correction.

[@stevev1107]

He does NOT look like his voice.