You'd never guess the Shins were from New Mexico as they mix Britpop and Syd Barrett-like whimsical pop into their Indie rock. Known for great melodies with refined production, the Shins have been a band to look out for ever since 2001's Oh, Inverted World. They formed as singer/guitarist James Mercer's side project in 1997, who had been in the band Flake since 1992. Now being featured in the Garden State OST, countless comercials and critical acclaim for both their Sub Pop albums, those Flake days are probably long behind him.
