The Crime Of Wanting

The Shins “Cherry Hearts”

As it turns out, all I ever really needed to appreciate The Shins more was for James Mercer to do his regular thing but with, like, 60% more Scritti Politti and Erasure vibes. “Cherry Hearts” is a perky, bouncy synth pop tune about the most synth pop topic possible: A confusing crush that leaves you feeling both euphoric and neurotic. “You kissed me once while we were drunk,” Mercer sings a few times in each chorus, repeating the thought as if it will all become totally logical if he thinks about it enough. He probably wouldn’t even be hung up on this girl if that moment never happened, and there wasn’t some hope for something more. He’s frustrated and flustered, but the song makes it clear that he loves the excitement of it all.

Buy it from Amazon.