The lead off track from The Shins oddly unloved 2012 album, Port of Morrow (we really like the 80s vibe), “The Rifle’s Spiral” gallops out of the gate with irresistible pace and a calliope of retro-space age sounds.

Somewhat impenetrable, impressionistic lyrics (not a new characteristic for Shins’ frontman James Mercer) contribute both emotional punch and disorientation, as the song rushes by at a fleeting yet expansive 3:30. A great way to start an album. And the day.

Plug it into your Pandora or download it from iTunes or Amazon.

Cannot stop wanting to play this damn song, although really the Colin Meloy live version not necessarily this studio version.  But this’ll have to do for infecting you all with it, as it’s certainly close enough and I need to share this damn itch.

Plug it into your Pandora or download it from iTunes or Amazon.