The Shins - Simple Song (Live on KEXP)

[@GuitarHeroPhenomSux]

This and other Shins songs are great examples of strumming techniques - specifically for acoustic players. It may seem simple going from D to A, but the rhythm and timing is challenging to play while singing without compromising either, and maintaining a groove while keeping with the changes. Those techniques can enhance your playing immensely. He's a great rhythm player that you can learn a lot from.

[@the_katman2181]

"and a kiss that I kept under my vest, apart from everything but then heart in my chest" - I love that line.

[@juliajohari10]

This is amazing. After 8 years i can still feel this performance.

[@henrytodd6581]

The only problem with this video is that it doesn't have something like 10 million views.

[@SerinBryce112211]

A Learning tool for the strum patterns Intro and first part of chorus: 00:08 Second half of chorus 00:55 Small bridge and chorus: 1:06 Second chorus (better visuals on his hands): 2:03 Big Bridge: 2:30 Final Verse: 2:49

[@poeticwalrus5405]

Bryce L THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@luaquinomar]

Timothy Slater I think its a B minor

[@AmFire22]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@Akashd7IN]

too many emotions , i wanna cry.

[@metroymedio8929]

Wow! I couldn't expect anything less but this masterpiece acustic version. I love it!

[@victoriamorgan7276]

He's so amazing with every song on this session. My god.

[@marcelodecastro8586]

I came across this song by chance, I live in Brazil and I don't think I've ever heard it played on the main Rockers radio stations here

[@DopamineOverload]

Wonderful. So glad the Shins have returned. This new single is stellar, as everything they do. Shows how much can be done with only three or four chords. It's always the melodies that drive the song.

[@edwinabeat]

I LOVE JAMES MERCER AND THE SHINS

[@philkotmanski4429]

wow what a great song. As an artist and a song writer , this is top shelf

[@reggiemarr]

its unbelievable that this is live like hes like ok so now im just gonna be awesome nbd

[@danielyranzo]

Qué maravilla. Qué pedazo de músico. Qué canción más perfecta.

[@rohanman992013]

Well this is just a simple song To say what you done I told you about all those fears And away they did run You sure must be strong And you feel like an ocean Being warmed by the sun When I was just nine years old I swear that I dreamed Your face on a football field And a kiss that I kept Under my vest Apart from everything But the heart in my chest I know that things can really get rough when you go it alone Don't go thinking you gotta be tough, to play like a stone Could be there's nothing else in our lives so critical As this little hole My life in an upturned boat, marooned on a cliff You brought me a great big flood And you gave me a lift To care, what a gift You tell me with your tongue And your breath was in my lungs And you float over the rift I know…

[@treeoneseven]

Beautiful song to start my day.

[@Truestt]

Love James Mercer and The Shins. And of course KEXP.

[@lucwittebol]

Long live James Mercer, and KEXP :)

[@stevegoodwin803]

And that Gibson sounds pretty sweet too!

[@malvara21]

Incredible voice!!! xD

[@pacificgreen9690]

J45 is such a great guitar. Some people complain about having to find a "good" one, but I've never played one I didn't like.

[@stevegoodwin803]

James got a GREAT one.

[@antoniauri]

He’s a genius.

[@noluntas]

this guy's talented as fuck

[@gbe156]

That would be great, I don't agree with you about what version I like the most, cause the chorus of the regular song have a high pitch that is impossible not to chill. But, points of view man.

[@setmindinmotion]

simple is best

[@hitch4645]

Does anyone know if he plans to release an acoustic version of this song? I think I like this more than regular version.

[@unionjackamps]

@lucwittebol YES

[@SuperTrancend]

music is the only true spirituality....

[@whoaeasytiger]

Looks like a Gibson J-45..

[@myjohhny57]

Ya definitely a Gibson

[@del_84]

Can he not hit the high notes doing it live?

[@dustmouse]

It might not sound right belting those high pitched parts out during an acoustic set.

[@CarlosNororis]

check out changing lights acoustic, lots of high notes

[@scotstephenson760]

del this is the way he wrote his song. he can hit a high note with ease. it's more soothing this way with just 1 acoustic guitar and no backing vocals.

[@BIG_PASTA]

8 years later but he hits those high notes with ease in other live performances with the full band (which is impressive), obviously it’s just a matter of fitting the acoustic vibe.

[@ennikleinad]

Just out of curiosity, why can't you stand indie music?

[@ennikleinad]

You ought to listen to my music and let me know what you think.

[@gerardosalas9477]

The studio version's better

[@willmeyer2150]

I would say that this is just a different interpretation. While the studio version is incredibly textured and amazing, this is just James and his guitar making beautiful music. I appreciate this just as much!

[@euminkong]

@@willmeyer2150 it's like comparing lasagna and stuffed shells

[@danielcharlton5159]

I prefer this one