User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 212 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 181 out of 212
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Mixed: 6 out of 212
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Negative: 25 out of 212
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Mar 20, 2011
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Jan 24, 2012This is my favorite record by a band named The Shins. There's no sophomore slump to be seen here, in fact I think it's better than it's predecessor.
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Nov 3, 2010I know like me a lot of people got into this band after watching Garden State. I did and I am not ashamed of that! I love this band even today where their sound might not have aged well. I remember this album very fondly because the music was perfect for me for the time and what I was going through in life.
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Mar 22, 2012
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Sep 5, 2013Despite the boring performances, The Shins (James Mercer) has been a part of countless brilliant pieces of music and this album is his master piece...
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JeremyGJan 4, 2004Apparently James Mercer caught a glimpse of heaven and then translated it into the sublime harmonies found on 'Saint Simon.' I mean... wow. What great, great music.
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johnvMar 8, 2004super-pop. The Strokes wish they made music this good. Brian Wilson's name has been brought up here before and with good reason...
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DustinC.Oct 21, 2003Good album, but not as good as Oh, Inverted World. The songs sometimes feel a little strained and not as "easy" sounding as Oh, Inverted World. Still a quality listen, and better than most albums that have come out recently.
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JustinBApr 6, 2004Very nice indeed, im in love with Kissing The Lipless, the first song i am discovering. Very fresh album i think
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OysteinBJun 3, 2004A brilliant album. It has occupied my CD-player for the last month. Simply one of top pop albums of 2003 and one that will last.
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TimGAug 28, 2004Every single song on this album is brilliant! From When You Land Here It's Time, to Oh Inverted World, to Chutes Too Narrow, James Mercer gets better and better. Chutes Too Narrow is my favorite release of 2003 and one of my favorite CDs ever!
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MaynoCJan 3, 2005Awesome album...lyrical and very poetic. These guys sound great. Hey Eric F., what do you know?! Aren't most songs in that format? Whoever said they were groundbreaking? And lastly, it's not a simple pop album...I think the music and lyrics went over your head.
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BrendanZJan 9, 2005Fantastic, inspirational album. I havne't got Oh, Inverted World and have heard great things about it, so I am in the lucky position of being able to listen to it for the first time soon. But yeah this album is just spectacular - GREAT songs, great voice.
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spongebobsquarepantsJun 28, 2005Unbelievable record. Just can`t stop listening to it.
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AHJun 7, 2005This is one of those albums that i never get tied of listening to. I love the shins and i love every track. They're absolutely awesome. i rate this as good as "oh, inverted world".
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TomTJun 8, 2005Excellent disc. Harmonies as good as Jellyfish, with the feel of TMBG thrown in. I can't stop listening to it.
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AmyHJun 30, 2006It was AMAZING.
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TomNov 6, 2003this might be the album of the year. It's without a doubt in my top 5. These guys flat out know how to write killer songs.
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DavidC.Oct 21, 2003It uses brighter and louder instruments to perfect the already pure sound they achieved in their previous album. It has the amazing capability to strike you on a musical level, but when you phase the lyrics into your consciousness you get caught off guard because of their brilliance. I love everything about them: The vocals, the pop sound, the purity, and the lyrical wit. It's a must have.
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GJO.Oct 21, 2003Even though their first CD will always rate as the best album ever, I still see 'Chutes too Narrow' as a worthy successor. The Shins are absolutely great!
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JSeDec 18, 2003This is my second-favorite album of the year. Effing brilliant. Fighting in a Sack, So Says I and Turn a Square are the three bounciest, most energetic songs I've heard in ages, and the album overall is miles better than their first, which was itself pretty revelatory. Buy it, no caveats at all.
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MikeM.Dec 3, 2003Impressive. It's great to listen to an album where lyrical prowess and melody are so effortlessly fused.
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NormanDOct 23, 2003The best American band since the Pixies have created another gem of melody, joy, wistfulness and understated grandeur. Make them the legends they deserve to be.
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wackymanJan 7, 2004Sounds/feels like Brian Wilson's psychedelic trip into the 21th century. Keep up the good work lads.
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jackiedMar 10, 2004This cd is so good there fun melodies take you to another world and its so magical in the way his voice just floats from the speakers to your mind and lifts up your spirits my favorite cd at the moment.
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DuibeDuibeApr 7, 2004An amazing album, sure to go down as a classic in the annals of rock/pop hisroy, CTN is an improvement over their awesome debut. Mercer is one of the most talented pop musicians alive today.
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ESJul 11, 2004Simply fantastic, great melodies, great hooks, great lyrics, great everything. Songs work amazing live as well.
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SarahAug 1, 2004just. can't. get. enough.
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SharonNAug 12, 2004Oooh, this is a good cd. I love it alot.
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JaySJan 11, 2005Fantastic album. James Mercer is shaping up to be one of the great songwriters of our generation.
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Awards & Rankings
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UncutYou don't expect progression from such evident classicists, but there's a new clarity, poise and refinement. [Apr 2004, p.107]
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Stylus MagazineReview 1: All the elements of timelessness are there, but the songs just dont seem to live beyond the last note. [score=73] Review 2: The Shins music has grown by leaps and bounds. [score=90]
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On Chutes, Mercers voice is singing right next to you, and the change works wonders.