The Shins formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1996 around James Mercer, the constant creative force behind their melodic, literate indie pop. Oh, Inverted World and Chutes Too Narrow are the Sub Pop classics that helped define early-2000s indie — Garden State just spread the word. Shop The Shins vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Shins formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1996, evolving from members' earlier band Flake Music. James Mercer (vocals, guitar, songwriter) is the band's constant member and creative center, leading a lineup that has changed substantially over the years. The band became closely associated with 2000s indie rock, helped by high-profile film placements that broadened their audience.
The Shins play melodic indie rock and indie pop marked by Mercer's distinctive voice, intricate, literate lyrics, and bright, jangly arrangements with psychedelic and 1960s pop influences. Their craft and melodic sensibility made them one of the defining indie acts of the early 2000s.
Oh, Inverted World and Chutes Too Narrow have been reissued in anniversary and colored-vinyl editions on Sub Pop. Original pressings are collected by indie rock fans, and the band's later Aural Apothecary releases add to the catalog.
Listeners new to The Shins often start with Oh, Inverted World (2001) or Chutes Too Narrow (2003). For related listening, see and .
