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Chutes Too Narrow
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Chutes Too Narrow Image
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 212 Ratings

  • Summary: Phil Ek produced this sophomore effort for the Albuquerque-based group led by James Mercer (also of Flake), who wowed critics in 2001 with their 1960s-flavored debut 'Oh, Inverted World.'

Top Track

Kissing The Lipless
Called to see If your back was still aligned And your sheets Were growing grass all on the corners of your bed But you've got too much to wear on... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Dusted Magazine
    100
    On Chutes, Mercer’s voice is singing right next to you, and the change works wonders.
  2. Mojo
    100
    It sears through the essence of what makes this band special, the brave voice and ebullient delivery of singer-songwriter-guitarist James Mercer. [Apr 2004, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    An incredible record.
  4. Q Magazine
    80
    A leap forward. [Apr 2004, p.120]
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  5. Playlouder
    80
    Recalls the overwhelming splendour of the Go-Betweens at their finest.
  6. Under The Radar
    80
    Sounding even sparser in instrumentation and sonic flavor than the previous record, Chutes often comes across like a Mercer solo project. [#5, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Neumu.net
    60
    Seems to be the culmination and synthesis of a solid musical progression from good, yet uncertain and unchallenging, pop music to better, more confident, but still unchallenging, pop music.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 103 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 109
  3. Negative: 2 out of 109
  1. Tubie
    Nov 3, 2010
    10
    I 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 todayI 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.… Expand
  2. JonS
    Jun 18, 2005
    10
    Excellent.
  4. js
    Dec 31, 2003
    10
    How super. Enjoyable from the very first listen.
  5. JaneW
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    Delicious!
  6. AlexandreS
    Jan 7, 2005
    9
    I 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 I 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!… Expand
  7. DexterVane
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    This is more for people who didn't learn about the shins in "The Garden State" (not that there's anything wrong about that). Although not asThis is more for people who didn't learn about the shins in "The Garden State" (not that there's anything wrong about that). Although not as good as Oh, Inverted World, still an amazing album. Simply a pleasure to listen to.… Expand
  8. tyler
    Apr 28, 2005
    1
    It sucks.

See all 109 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2003
12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2003
18
#18 Most Shared Album of 2003