Oh, Inverted World
by The Shins

From HoldenM 07/21/2025 21:55 | #310240

I had somehow never listened to this. It's good! I wasn't expecting it to be so lo-fi, but it's well-written and performed. There's a ton of personality here. I get why James Mercer was a big deal.

Another lyrical masterclass from a group that do not make a boring album. Every one of their records I have heard so far are quick and consistently brilliant. Every song is snappy and have fantastic choruses and the wordplay and stories on display on such short tracks is mesmerising. The production is a bit rougher on this release but I do think that helps the music at times as it feels more raw and relatable for us. It is very easy to connect with the music and get lost in the genius melodies that are created for us. Overall, this album flies by every time I hear it as it is non stop action and quality and all it is missing is one or two more outstanding tracks and then it would be right up there with Chutes Too Narrow.

I dont like it. It´s poor. Nothing special. Sorry.

I want to credit James Mercer as a master lyricist, interweaving contextual flourishes of wordplay with complex narratives- he makes me think and feel smarter just by listening to his words. Though the production is very indie and less glossy, it gives the raw, though tight, nature of the band boost Mercer's lyrics to the spotlight. This is a landmark indie album not unlike "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea" or "Is This It?" and also proves that Sub-Pop wasn't just a 90s label.

Though "New Slang" is the all-time classic, "Caring is Creepy", "Know Your Onion", "Girl on The Wing", "Pressed in a Book", and "The Celibate Life" are all great. However, it's a relatively short album, just listen to all of them and pray that they provide the soundtrack to your Wes Anderson-themed twee dreams!

86/100

Very twee! Are you sure this wasn't released in the sixties?

From Strangel 09/06/2018 03:58 | #220646

Unlike many, I didn't discover The Shins through the movie Garden State and the song from that movie soundtrack, New Slang (it will 'change your life' and all that). I was initially blown away by their second album Chutes To Narrow which led me on to this other excellent album of theirs. Like Chutes, there isn't a bad tune here. It's understated production makes it less glossy in sound but a bit more cred as an indie classic. And while New Slang won't necessarily change your life, it will give you a satisfied smile which is just as important sometimes.

From Brad1770 12/16/2017 08:30 | #203249

Loving Chutes Too Narrow I went back and checked this one out and it’s great. Well worth your time.

Great album. Full of good songs like Pressed in a Book, Girl Inform Me, Know Your Onion, and the rest. I probably like Chutes Too Narrow a little better, but this is a close second

From RoundTheBend 05/30/2016 20:56 | #167328

Hipsters Unite!!!

Just kidding this is pretty good.

A brilliant, sweet, singular album.