The Shins Change, Stay The Same On Port Of Morrow

Band may have changed labels — and members — but mastermind James Mercer insists to MTV News, 'It is still a band.'
By James Montgomery


James Mercer of The Shins
Photo: MTV News

Nearly two years ago, when James Mercer was doing press for Broken Bells, his collaboration with producer Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton told MTV News that he had no intention of abandoning his day job as frontman/songwriter for the Shins.

The problem was, Broken Bells ended up being bigger than either man could have expected, and that long-awaited fourth Shins album kept getting pushed back further and further. Though through it all, Mercer maintains he was always working on the record; he was just never quite sure when he was going to be able to finish it.

"It's been five years [since the Shins' Wincing the Night Away], but the Broken Bells kind of takes a two-year chunk out of that, and I've got two kids now, so it's really only been six months," he laughed. "The songs started to build up, so during times when I wasn't down working with Brian or doing other things, I was home, fiddling with the guitar like I always do, and the songs just sort of kept coming, and I realized I was definitely going to want to do another Shins record."

On March 20, that record, Port of Morrow, will finally see the light of day. But to say the Shins are the same band would be incorrect, to put it mildly. They've lost longtime members Marty Crandall and Jesse Sandoval and left Sub Pop and signed with Columbia, which will release the album through Mercer's own Aural Apothecary label. But to Mercer, really, nothing has changed — and the Shins are still very much the Shins.

"In theory, I could have named the first Shins record 'The James Mercer Record,' but I just don't like the sound of that. There was a time when I was wondering, 'Should I just start a new band?' and I pretty quickly realized that I've always had — especially in the recording process — people coming in and helping out, or sometimes I would do a whole lot of it myself," he explained. "And although that might be a difficult transition for people to make, out there listening, that's nevertheless the reality of it, so I need to do what will keep me going, and so wanting to work with new people and wanting to stay engaged in the whole exploration of music is sort of what I'm doing now."

The new incarnation of the band will be augmented (live at least) by Richard Swift on piano and organ, Jessica Dobson on lead guitar, Yuuki Matthews on bass and Joe Plummer on drums, and fans have already been given a taste of what to expect on Morrow in the form of first single "Simple Song," which, interestingly enough, isn't actually all that new.

"I wrote the majority of it in 10 to 15 minutes, sitting on the living-room floor with my wife, and then it sat like that. That was during Wincing the Night Away's production," Mercer said. "But I knew it was going to be something that was fun to get into. And, to be honest, the night before we let go of that song, I was really nervous about it. ... I was really anxious and wanted people to like it."

So far, the consensus seems to be that people do. Though it's been a long time coming, Mercer said he's been inspired by the response so far, and he can't wait for fans to hear the rest of Morrow. And while he's taken on the lion's share of the responsibilities this time out, he's not feeling any pressure to validate whether the Shins are still the band folks have celebrated — because no matter who's playing with him, the Shins are always going to be the Shins.

"Some don't [understand how this band works], but that's because I wanted it to be a band, the aesthetic of that, and when I'm working in the studio, people are helping me do this," he said. "So it is still a band; it's just not like 'We all met in grammar school and came up together.' But, like, Neutral Milk Hotel is not that, but they're allowed to do that, so I'm figuring, 'Why can't I?' "

What are you expecting from new Shins music? Let us know in the comments below!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677889/the-shins-port-of-morrow.jhtml

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Demi Moore Hospitalized -- Rushed to Hospital for Substance Abuse

Demi Moore was rushed to the hospital Monday night ... and we're told the issue is substance abuse.Law enforcement tells us a 911 call was placed at 10:45 PM Monday night. Paramedics responded to Demi's L.A. home and after assessing her for a half…

TMZ
Demi Moore Hospitalized -- Rushed to Hospital for Substance Abuse

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2012/01/24/demi-moore-hospital-911-substance-abuse/

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Amanda Holden Gives Birth To Second Child, In "Critical Condition"

Our hearts go out to Amanda Holden, 40, and her family! The British actress and television presenter is in "critical condition" after giving birth to daughter Hollie Rose on Monday (January 23), Daily Mail reports.

Hollie Rose Hughes was born on 23 January 2012. She is healthy and weighed in at 6.1lbs but Amanda has been in a critical condition for the past three days," her rep states.

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Source: http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2012/01/25/amanda-holden-gives-birth-to-second-child-in-critical-condition

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How Did 'Cosmopolis' Top 'Twilight' In Our Movie Brawl?

This week's 'Twilight' Tuesday takes a closer look at why fans chose Robert Pattinson's indie over 'Breaking Dawn - Part 2.'
By Kara Warner


Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in "Cosmopolis"
Photo: Alfama Films

Over the course of the "Twilight Saga" movies, we at MTV News have come a long way in understanding the franchise's very passionate fanbase. So when we launched the MTV Movie Brawl 2012, I thought there was a very good chance "Twilight" fans would vote "Breaking Dawn - Part 2" through to the championship round and into the championship slot, no problem.

I was wrong. "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2" was ousted early, in the second round, by eventual champ "Cosmopolis." Yes, the two films share a very popular star in Robert Pattinson, but compared with the millions upon millions of "Twilight" fans who have read all of Stephenie Meyer's books, we're guessing not as many are familiar with "Cosmopolis" through its source material by Don DeLillo.

So here's what I think: All of you wonderfully dedicated Pattinson fans are in it for the long haul. You're choosing to grow and evolve right along with Pattinson and the ebbs and flows of his chosen profession. That sentiment is exemplified perfectly by this poignant comment by MTV community member and Pattinson fan, Lior: "VOTE COSMOPOLIS! Support Rob's new, professional career! SEE HIS TALENT BEYOND TWILIGHT."

Not that the excitement for the final chapter in "The Twilight Saga" has lessened in any way, of course, but because there's more mystery surrounding "Cosmopolis," it is the more intriguing of the two films.

And let's not forget about Pattinson's other upcoming film, "Bel Ami," which only narrowly lost to "Cosmopolis" in that first round. I would have thought the interest in seeing a lot of RPattz's bare bottom would have easily trumped the film about a young finance wiz taking a day-long limo ride through New York City. But then there's word of a particularly heated scene in the back of said limo, so what do I know? Regardless, consider me pleasantly surprised.

What do you think, "Twilight" fans? Why did "Cosmopolis" triumph over "Breaking Dawn - Part 2"? Let us know in the comments or tweet me @karawarner!

Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677858/cosmopolis-tops-twilight-movie-brawl-2012.jhtml

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Jorge Posada Announces Retirement


After 17 years, all with the New York Yankees, 275 homers, 1,065 RBI, a .273 batting average, five All-Star selections and five championship rings, Jorge Posada made his retirement official last night.

The catcher sat a podium in front of reporters and now-former teammates - including Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and C. C. Sabathia - and said he knew in his "heart and head," before last season was over, that he was going to call it quits.

Jorge Posada Wallpaper

“I want to thank my teammates throughout the years,” Posada said, choking back tears, “especially Derek Jeter, who helped me stay focused and positive. Thank you, buddy.”

Posada is a borderline Hall of Fame candidate who will surely have his number retired by the Yankees. He added that various teams had contacted his agent and he likely could have latched on somewhere, but it was never really an option.

“Playing for the New York Yankees has been an honor,” he said. “I could never wear another uniform.”

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/01/jorge-posada-announces-retirement/

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Madonna's Greatest Tunes: 'W.E.' Cast Weighs In!

From 'Like a Prayer' to 'La Isla Bonita,' stars pick their favorite songs by the 'W.E.' director.
By Jocelyn Vena


Madonna attends the New York City premiere of "W.E."
Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

NEW YORK — At the latest premiere of Madonna's film, "W.E.," it seemed like everyone just wanted to know what it was like to work with the pop icon as she embarked on writing and directing the film, based on the historical romance between King Edward VIII and American divorcée Wallis Simpson.

But between doting words about their director, the cast also weighed in on their favorite Madonna songs of all time. "It's like you'd have to be living under a rock to not be aware and to really know her work. I always liked 'La Isla Bonita,' " Oscar Isaac told MTV News. "It's a good one."

That particular song got a co-sign from Isaac's co-star James D'Arcy. "I'm the generation that grew up with her in the '80s," he said. "It's not the first time I've been asked that question, unsurprisingly. I'm not sure it is my favorite, but it's the one that I can't stop thinking about when I get asked that question."

David Harbour showed some love to "Open Your Heart," adding, "Bravo! And I like 'Like a Prayer' too."

The film's leading lady, Andrea Riseborough, couldn't nail down one moment in Madge's career as her favorite. "I think she's wonderful, and now I have a completely different relationship with her," she told MTV News. "They're all incredible, they all mark different periods in culture, don't they?"

When the cast wasn't gushing about Madge's musical career, they were giving her props for her role as the film's director. "She is really funny, really detail-oriented, meticulous, well-versed in her craft, really impressive," Isaac said. "[She] demanded the best out of everyone."

"Truly I had so much to learn from her because she's been really in front of the camera and behind it her whole life," Riseborough added. "I always felt on this particular project there was nobody better to [tell] this story of a couple who were really hounded. She's also incredibly instinctive, and emotionally she knew what tone to pick."

D'Arcy noted that as a director, Madonna is "absolutely first-rate. She was exemplary. She knew exactly the story she wanted to tell, she had a clear vision. She was good fun. You can't really ask for much more."

Harbour had equally high praise for Ms. Ciccone. "She was very exact and really a perfectionist and she worked us all really hard," he said. "So she was a terrifically strong director."

The film did garner one Oscar nod on Tuesday (January 24) for Best Costume Design. At the premiere, Madonna said any Academy Award recognition would be a coup for the flick.

"W.E." opens on February 3, and the soundtrack — featuring Madge's Golden Globe-winning track, "Masterpiece" — drops on January 31.

What's your favorite Madonna song of all time? Sound off in the comments!

See the complete list of Academy Awards Nominations.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677811/madonna-we-cast-favorite-songs.jhtml

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Sandra Bullock & Louis: Preschool Pals

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close actress Sandra Bullock was pictured taking her adorable son Louis to preschool in beautiful Los Angeles, Calif. today (January 24).

The Blind Side
star looked gorgeous sporting some skinny jeans, a striped shirt and dark sunglasses as she toted her sweet son - who turns two this month - across the parking lot.

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Source: http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2012/01/24/sandra-bullock-louis-preschool-pals

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