The Shins, a beloved American indie rock band led by singer-songwriter James Mercer, recently made their Tiny Desk Concert debut at NPR, a significant milestone for a band that has been a staple in NPR's music coverage for years. In celebration of their fifth studio album, "Heartworms," James Mercer performed a poignant set featuring new tracks as well as a throwback to their 2003 album, "Chutes Too Narrow." The stripped-down performance showcased Mercer's emotional lyrics and melody, highlighting the band's poetic pop sound.

Formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1996, The Shins started as a side project to Flake Music before becoming Mercer's main musical outlet. Over the years, the band has seen various lineup changes, with Mercer being the sole constant member. Their early albums, "Oh, Inverted World" and "Chutes Too Narrow," received critical acclaim, with songs like "New Slang" gaining mainstream attention after being featured in the film "Garden State." The band's commercial success peaked with their third album, "Wincing the Night Away," which earned them a Grammy Award nomination. Despite a hiatus and lineup changes, The Shins continued to evolve, releasing albums like "Port of Morrow" in 2012 and their latest, "Heartworms," in 2017.

The Tiny Desk Concert by The Shins not only showcased James Mercer's talent and the band's enduring appeal but also marked a long-overdue moment that NPR and fans have eagerly awaited, solidifying the band's place in the musical landscape of the 21st century.