In the live recording of "Simple Song" on January 1, 2012, The Shins were actively promoting their fourth studio album, "Port of Morrow," which was released shortly after this performance on March 20, 2012. This appearance on "Letterman" demonstrated the band's readiness to embrace their renewed sound following a hiatus and lineup changes. Notably, "Port of Morrow" marked the first album featuring new members, including guitarist Jessica Dobson and drummer/principal member Joe Plummer, showcasing the band's evolution while maintaining their signature indie rock style. The performance of "Simple Song," the album's lead single, helped re-establish The Shins in the music scene and highlighted their capacity for melodic storytelling, making it a significant moment in their career as they transitioned into a new phase.