Chutes Too Narrow

by

The Shins

Edit

Most of the associations I have of acoustic rock are not good. To put it bluntly, most acoustic rock doesn't rock. The Shins is not a purely acoustic band; they often and usually employ electric guitars on their songs. But I think this can be labeled an acoustic rock band because almost every song is primarily built around acoustic guitars and is always way to the forefront in the mix. And unlike most acoustic bands, these guys flat out rock. This is one of those albums where every song is so outstanding that it nearly kills you when a song comes to an end. Luckily, the one that follows is almost always just as good, again invoking a sense of dissatisfaction as each ensuing song comes to an end.

Although I don't dislike a single cut on the album, several especially grab me. I love the energy and driving force of "So Says I," which is one of the more "plugged" cuts on the album. I'm equally taken by a beautiful low-fi number "Saint Simon," that sounds like it could come out of the 1960s, a sort of blend of Love and the Kinks. Another song I have trouble getting past (because I keep hitting the replay button) is "Turn a Square," which just grabs me every time I listen to and won't let go of me. I could add the first cut on the album, "Kissing the Lipless," but really, I like every song on the album.

I do not know The Shins' earlier album, OH, INVERTED WORLD, but I have been both delighted and shocked that many fans of that album are disappointed in this one. I'm shocked because I have trouble getting over how good this one is, and delighted because it means that there another great Shins album for me to get my hands on.

to preface my review, i purchased this CD at the same time as buying the mars volta and new machine head. my music tastes do not run the lines of the timid typically, so this was a bit of a shocker. i bought it at the recommendation of the dude in tower records and a friend who shares (i thought) similar music tastes. that said, the CD isnt bad. it's taken some getting used to, but as "indy" rock goes, i guess it holds water. there are definite beatles and smiths influences, and the songwriting is pretty catchy. but this isnt something youre gonna rock out to. im not disappointed, but i probably wouldnt buy it again. it just isnt what i hoped it would be....