The Shins - Chutes Too Narrow
Released 2003
Background Info: The Shins formed in 1997 as a side-project singer/songwriter James Mercer, previously from the band "Flake", or "Flake Music". They've released 3 albums since, "Chutes Too Narrow" being the most recent of the three and most likely my favourite. "Oh, Inverted World", their second album following close behind. I have yet to hear their debut album, "Nature Bears A Vacuum". This is a pretty solid record, and I definately recommend them to anyone who enjoys poppy-indie-rock bands along the lines of Death Cab For Cutie or Elliott Smith. Now, on to the track-by-track review.
1. Kissing The Lipless: This one killer track, an awesome song to get you into the mood. A great intro leads into a great verse which leads into a great chorus. There is nothing bad about this song, flawless "Shins" track. This is the first song I ever heard by The Shins and it got me hooked.
5/5
2. Mines Not A High Horse: Quite different from the first track, yet equally (almost) as good. It's a little more laid back than "Kissing The Lipless". The vocals fit so well with the music, it's another one of my favourite songs.
5/5
3. So Says I: This is a really poppy, fun song. It's got a really upbeat tune and it's one of the shorter songs on the album, about 2 and a half minutes. The song hits it's peak at about 1:20 when they bring in the keyboard/synthesizer in the background, I really like that part, it's a shame it doesn't last for too long.
3.7/5
4. Young Pilgrams: Another good intro. It's a good track, the chorus probably being the catchiest/best part of the song. I like the combination of electric and acoustic guitar, it sounds really good. (There also are no drums on this track).
4.5/5
5. Saint Simon: This is another really good song. I like everything about this song; the lyrics, the guitar parts and expecially the back-up vocals and drumming. The violin is also a nice touch to the song. Heres another flawless Shins song.
5/5
6. Fighting In A Sack: Back to the upbeat-poppy tracks. I can't help but move when I hear this song, it's so quick and fun. About 3/4 of the way through a harmonica comes in, definately adding bonus marks for this track.
4/5
7. Pink Bullets - Yet again, The Shins do a wonderful job combining acoustic with clean electric. If you like "Young Pilgrams" you'll like this song, or vice versa. They have a similar song make-up. I probably prefer this song a smidge more than YP though.
4.6/5
8. Turn A Square: I like how they keep everything fresh on the album, basically alternating between ballad type songs, then back to the poppiness. Keeps you on the edge. This, is another pop track. It's decent up until about 2:10, then that guitar riff makes the song a lot better.
3.8/5
9. A Call To Apathy: Another slow song, it even sounds kind of country-ish. Slow lyrics, and country-style guitar playing using a slide. Like most songs, the chorus is the best part. It's a pretty good song, but not one of my favourites.
3.7/5
10. Those To Come: The closing song, the slowest on the album. I think it ends the CD really well. It's just James and his guitar, playing a few simple riffs. This, is my girlfriends favourite song off the album, so that basically gives you an idea of what this song sounds like. :p
3.7/5
Final Rating: 4.5/5
It's a pretty good CD. As I said earlier, if you're into this type of music and you haven't heard them, you should definately check them out. Even if you don't check out stuff off this particular album.
Song Recommendations:
Kissing The Lipless
Mines Not A High Horse
Saint Simon
Caring Is Creepy (Off of the album "Oh, Inverted World")
New Slang (Ditto)
