Released 9 April 2007 Length 3:56 Writer(s) James Mercer | Genre Indie rock Label Sub Pop | |
Producer(s) James Mercer
Joe Chiccarelli | ||
"Australia" is a song by American indie rock band The Shins, and is the second track on their third album, Wincing the Night Away. The song was released as the second single from that album in the United Kingdom on 9 April 2007.
Contents
All three versions of the single are currently available on the United Kingdom iTunes. It is one of the songs on the soundtrack of the Xbox 360 game Project Gotham Racing 4 and was also released as downloadable content for the Rock Band video game series through the Rock Band Network.
The lyrics of the song have many interpretations. Despite its name, the song's lyrics do not reference Australia at all.
Reception
"Australia" was well received by critics. Pitchfork Media wrote that "'Australia' is a peppy rocker in the spirit of Chutes' best, elevated by a newfound confidence and expressive range in Mercer's voice."
PopMatters wrote: "Still familiar and addictive, the song nevertheless turns the tried and true formula on its ear, coming off slightly like a New Wave dance anthem."
The single entered the UK Singles Chart on 21 April 2007 at #62.
Track listings
- "Australia"
- "Girl Inform Me" (performed by Jeremy Warmsley)
- "Caring Is Creepy" (performed by Polytechnic)
- "Australia"
- "Phantom Limb" (Radio 2 Session)
- "So Says I" (KCRW Session)
- "Australia"
- "Sleeping Lessons" (The RAC Mix)
- "Saint Simon" (Radio 2 Live Version)
- "Girl on the Wing" (KCRW Session)