Flake Music "Mieke"
The band that became The Shins.
Years before indie rock giants The Shins had their breakthrough moment in the 2004 film Garden State, when Natalie Portman’s character blessed Zach Braff’s character with a life-changing listen to their song “New Slang,” they were a little band from Albuquerque known as Flake Music.
Flake Music, which—minus one member—was essentially the same band as the first iteration of The Shins, released an album in 1997 titled When You Land Here, It’s Time to Return (there was a song named “The Shins” on it). The album was beautifully remastered in 2014, and for Shins fans, there are clear moments that sound almost exactly like the band they know and love. For example, take “Spanway Hits.” This could have easily been on their 2001 debut album Oh, Inverted World.
“Mieke” also has a familiar Shins tone and melodies. It’s so Shinsy that they used to “cover it” during their early 2000s Shins performances. Lead singer James Mercer got me right off the bat with this one, as he opens it up like, “I want you by my side, to take the hard shots with me.” Have a listen.
IP’S PICK OF THE DAY 11/3/25: Flake Music “Mieke”
Before I take off, here’s one of my favorite Shins songs of all-time, and sort of a rarity—an alternate, stripped-down version of “When I Goose-Step” that for some reason (unlike the over-produced version) still hasn’t found its way onto streaming services. Thankfully, I discovered it randomly on some file-sharing service back in 2006 (I think it was Kazaa?), and it’s been in my heavy rotation ever since.
The Shins “When I Goose-Step (Alternate Version)”
Shout to The Shins! If you’re a fan, I suggest you check out their Substack—James Mercer’s been lacing it with goodies.
Have a great night!