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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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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MattAFeb 9, 2007Excellent. It never trys too hard to be fantastic. All the songs are well balanced and never annoying. It's hard to find it's flaws, however, you know they're there... but you ignore them due to the quality of the music.
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IggyFeb 11, 2008One of the best albums I have ever heard. Gives me LSS all the time.
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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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AlexandreSJan 7, 2005I heard "new slang" in "garden state" and decided to test the album.i virtually fell in love with each track, and i usually dont fall for music...but oh my god is this great!
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JohnFJan 7, 2005
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valeriepJul 20, 2005I cannot stop listening to this disc. I'm gonna start slipping it under my pillow at night, hoping to dream about it.
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JohnSSep 2, 2005Best album I have - apart from Sgt. Pepper's, but thats a pretty amazing album. Kissing the Lipless? Saint Simon? Turn a Square? ALL LEGENDARY! But this band is the best around (maybe since the beatles!),
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salomeySep 3, 2005It's not often musical brilliance sounds s "ordinary" as this wonderful wonderful.
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BenBApr 15, 2009
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ThomasB.Nov 12, 2003This is a great album, and worthy of its high praise. Every good album ever made has one commonality: great songs. This one is no exception. They're just quality songs by a band with a lead singer who's got a great voice. Better than the first album, I think.
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BrianMNov 15, 2003This album is just as good as "On, Inverted World." The songs are tighter and better crafted than the last album. It's just great. Highly recommended.
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BenR.Nov 15, 2003
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coyDec 13, 2003Pop beauty. Breathtaking melodies and gorgeous lyrics with rich imaginery. What else can you ask for?
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AaronGOct 22, 2003This album is amazing. After waiting so long for it I was not let down. Different from Oh, Inverted World, but just as amazing. It hasn't left my CD player for the past 3 days and hasn't stopped playing, either.
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DrewQJan 14, 2004It didn't take much time at all for this one to grow on me. An album very well done indeed.
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SealBKOct 16, 2004best EVER!!!!! Saw them in Austin, Texas....holy crap....the SHINS RULE!!!
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CarloDFeb 11, 2004A masterpiece! Great tunes, great lyrics, great sound. "No flaws to find".
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MichaelK.Feb 25, 2004This will probably come to stand as one of the classics of a long career- like rem's reckoning it'll be the album that proves the band was just getting started. mark my words.
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TheWalrusMar 16, 2004Outstanding, after the overhyped garbage of recent retro style over substance bands its good to see something as refreshingly melodic and pleasing to listen to. Far and away the best new album I've bought since The Optimist LP.
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ShintoIMar 24, 2004WHATT!!! Saint Simon is!!! The most beautiful balladry and harmony I've heard since.. the Beach Boys??? This is the best band in the world, gents... They move your head, move your body, move your soul... make you feel the best you've ever felt.. what a gift!
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DesipioMar 24, 2004A real page turner, without the pages of course... Mercer really rolls out some great lyrics, unique melodies, hooks, and the like..
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krystalwMar 31, 2004"so says i" is a great contribuation of the world. "Saint Simon" has an almost entrancing aspect. Altogether it is a great cd and i would recommend it to those who aren't single minded or conformed to the robotic nature of the world
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YardoMar 30, 2004
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LawrencePApr 30, 2004Pop music done right. "Saint Simon" is the best song of the year.
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KuroRAug 18, 2004I loooove this CD. I will never get bored of it, especially "Pink Bullets." O.O Talk about awesome lyrics... Indie pop comes through for me once again.
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JaneWDec 6, 2005Delicious!
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joesMar 11, 2005I wanted to give it 8 1/2 but it was not possible. this album is a real feel good album, and in my opinon better than the overrated oh, inverted world. my only qualm with the album is its length.
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POJun 13, 2005Kissing the Lipless & Young Pilgrims. Two amazing songs. The rest of the tracks are awesome too. WOW i'm hooked. p,s, go see them live!
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JonSJun 18, 2005Excellent.
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alliJun 30, 2005Got both albums on ipod. pretty dang good investment.
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BarrySJun 4, 2005It takes extreme talent to make intelligent, well placed lyrics as catchy as The Shins do. The last album I bought that was as good as this was Jellyfish's Spilt Milk. In my top ten albums of all time.
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petergJul 14, 2005Best ther is, still. Same leauge as Beatles Rubber Soul and Prefab Sprouts Steve McQueen. A modern classic.
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makingteainmyunderwear!Jul 21, 2005THIS ALBUM ROCKS! it is the best I have heard in about five years. it is worth checking out- but be warned it is highly addictive!
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RMAug 17, 2005One of the best albums i have ever heard the standout tracks are all of them.
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NathanF.Sep 2, 2005Its really good i like it lot its calming.
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AnthonyTSep 26, 2005An instant classic. Mercer's virtuoso lyricism places him right up there with Stipe and Yorke. Impeccible songwriting and execution. On top of how great Chutes is on disk, the Shins take the songs to a whole new level live. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they get a few dates at Radio City or the Beacon!
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JasonWJan 10, 2006Brilliant. I thought the overall selection of this album was an improvement over Inverted World. It's one of those albums you can just listen to over and over again...
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TenochtripsFeb 16, 2006Deserves a 14. Buy this yesterday.
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ElliotMApr 28, 2006Catchy, melodic and wonderfully surreal.
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helloWaVeJul 30, 2006
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AndyAug 16, 2006Near to perfection.
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DanWOct 1, 2007Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, can come close to James Mercer's knack for melody. The majority of pretenders aren't fit to wipe his arse. This is the best album ever.
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RobV.Jul 12, 2008Being a long time Shins fan, I have found chutes too narrow to be their best by far. The Lyrics and music seem to blend perfectly with it's Positive tone towards life.. This is one of those albums you listen to on repeat again and again.
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GriffTAug 30, 2009Great album. Not as whimsical as their first, but in the thoughtful direction of their 3rd. Definitely one of the best of the 2000's.
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jasendNov 16, 2003Album of the year!!! A truly perfect blend of melody and emotion.
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AdamXNov 16, 2003Outstanding! pop masterpiece!
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AdamS.Nov 21, 2003Chutes too Narrow shows just how great the Shins are and will be in the future.
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GregM.Nov 2, 2003I saw James Mercer solo and was amazed by the versatility and strength of his voice. This album allows serves as a showcase for Mercer's sweet, youthful tenor, and also his uncanny mastery of pop songcraft. It's not better or worse than its predecessor; it's different. And excellent.
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BenWNov 7, 2003Simply put this is a brilliant CD. Filled with amazing lyrics, strong melody, a tenacious wit and an upbeat mood that is irresistible. This is a classic album that is even tempered, well thought, and utterly a pleasure to listen to. These guys know how to make noise.
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JohnANov 8, 2003This record has stopped me in my tracks. This is, without a doubt, the record of the year.
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JeffFOct 21, 2003Everyone knew that it would be impossible to live up to "Oh Inverted World," but The Shins come damn close. Mercers vocal range is amazing and his seemingly effortless vocal delivery make this another release that will be tough to follow up. Up there with "Hail To The Thief" as one of 2003s best.
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KalebconfusingOct 21, 2003Not simply an excellent album, Chutes Too Narrow is also a powerful testament to pop music's capacity for depth, beauty and expressiveness. Did I say that?
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AceKabobOct 22, 2003Masterful follow-up to Oh, Inverted World. Unlike The Coral, The Shins hint at their 60s influences without simply imitating them.
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RomulusSOct 24, 2003A little different direction than "Oh, inverted World," but it's moving in a good direction as long as Mercer is dictating the pace. The lyrics avoid cliches and invite one's ear to talk to the brain to figure out Mercer's intentions. A good pick up.
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DarkTrollOct 24, 2003
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MarliKNov 21, 2004love it! becomes an addictive substance after the first few listens...go out and buy oh inverted world if you havent already! also recomend phantom planet, something corporate, the thrills (think shins with a country flare) the killers, and postal service!
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CurranFMar 11, 2004The Shins' bizzaro power-pop and even more bizzaro lyrics make for a good, fun listen. Near perfect! (extra points for the super cool packaging)
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CalvinKMar 29, 2004This album is pure genius. It has a genuine soothing melody that just keeps getting better as the albm goes on
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CalvinKMar 29, 2004This album is pure genius. It has a genuine soothing melody that just keeps getting better as the albm goes on
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ScottJAug 27, 2004I love this group. Highly enjoyable music. A breath of fresh air. I am definitely interested in their next album and tracking down their previous work.
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BenDOct 11, 2005Louder, faster, and all around better than Oh Inverted World. Insted of retrogressing to the 60s style of pop music like on their debut, they take this form of music and make it sound new and modern. Unlike their peers such as Of Montreal and Apples in Stereo, I couldn't imagine hearing The Shins back in the 60's.
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MichaelHDec 30, 2005This album is brilliant. Lyrically provactive and moving, all ears should hear these excellent tracks.
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KellyPDec 3, 2005This is a gem in a stream full of kidney stones.
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MattFeb 18, 2005Best cd I've heard in a while!
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KeithRAug 11, 2005This album contains the best song of the past five years, "Saint Simon." Unbelievable harmony at about the three minute mark until the end. The rest of the songs are very good as well.
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MikeMAug 23, 2005This could possibly be the most beautiful album ive ever heard. Nearly every song is special. There is more variety than their first album and with less effects, the melodies stand out even more. Just all around great.
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JoeB.Jan 11, 2006
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HamishNerdNov 6, 2006This is one of the best Albums ever made in the history of the world.
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DavidMMay 12, 2006It just gets better and better with every listen. An album I keep returning to. Timeless song writing and a great sound.
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ThomasB.Nov 12, 2003This is a great album, and worthy of its high praise. Every good album ever made has one commonality: great songs. This one is no exception. They're just quality songs by a band with a lead singer who's got a great voice. Better than the first album, I think.
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eugenesDec 13, 2003Blissfull riffs and melodic vocals - perfect.
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WhitNeyDec 29, 2003This album excites me because it proves that music can still be simply fantastic.
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jsDec 31, 2003How super. Enjoyable from the very first listen.
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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 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.
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.