Chutes Too Narrow

Editors’ Notes In the 2004 film Garden State, Natalie Portman’s character famously claims that listening to a track from The Shins’ debut record will “change your life.” That statement holds true for this sophomore effort from the Albuquerque, NM-based band. It’s a stellar display of ’60s-influenced indie pop wizardry spiked with sing-song melodies, jangly guitars, and labyrinthine lyrics delivered in a giddy, breathless rush. Even when you can’t make out precisely what James Mercer is saying, the sentiment behind his words lands like an arrow to the heart.