The Shins that made the recent “Port of Morrow” doesn’t exactly resemble the Shins that sprung out of New Mexico with “New Slang” a decade ago. Singer and songwriter James Mercer is the one constant — and admittedly with his high creaky voice and deep reserve of hooky melodies, the one constant that matters — that has guided the band since its start. Most recently, he’s been leading a band that includes Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse and Black Heart Procession; singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Richard Swift; guitarist Jessica Dobson; and Crystal Skulls’ bassist/keyboardist Yuuki Matthews. Below are a few bands that reflect dramatic overhaul carried out by their creatively restless leaders or, in the case of one cursed band, by cruel fate.

James Mercer (far left) remains the driving force behind the Shins.: Handout

The Shins
Then (2001): James Mercer (vocals, guitar), Dave Hernandez (guitar), Martin Crandall (keyboards), Jesse Sandoval (drums), Neal Langford (bass)
Now: James Mercer (vocals, guitar), Jessica Dobson (guitar), Richard Swift (keyboards), Joe Plummer (drums), Yuuki Matthews (bass, keyboards)

Wilco
Then (1996): Jeff Tweedy (vocals, guitar), Jay Bennett (guitar, keyboards), John Stirratt (bass), Ken Coomer (drums), Max Johnston (fiddle, banjo, dobro, mandolin)
Now: Jeff Tweedy (vocals, guitar), Pat Sansone (guitar, keyboards), John Stirratt (bass), Nels Cline (guitar), Glenn Kotche (drums, percussion), Mikael Jorgensen (keyboards, electronics)
Smashing Pumpkins
Then (1991): Billy Corgan (vocals, guitar), James Iha (guitar), D’arcy Wretzky (bass), Jimmy Chamberlin (drums)
Now: Billy Corgan (vocals, guitar), Jeff Schroeder (guitar), Nicole Fiorentino (bass), Michael Byrne (drums)

Guns n’ Roses
Then (1987): Axl Rose (vocals), Slash (guitar), Izzy Stradlin (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), Steven Adler (drums)
Now: Axl Rose (vocals), Richard Fortus (guitar), DJ Ashba (guitar), Ron Thal (guitar), Tommy Stinson (bass), Frank Ferrer (drums), Dizzy Reed (keyboards), Chris Pitman (bass, keyboards)

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Then (1973): Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Ed King (guitar), Billy Powell (keyboards), Bob Burns (drums), Leon Wilkeson (bass)
Now: Johnny Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Rickey Medlocke (guitar), Michael Cartellone (drums), Mark Matejka (guitar), Peter Keys (keyboards ... naturally), Johnny Colt (bass).

The Shins

When: Wednesday

Where: House of Blues, 1204 Caroline, Tickets: $39.50-$45; 832-667-7733 or www.hob.com