The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow (Orange Transparent, Die-Cut Cover, Loser Edition)

The Shins’ sophomore effort, Chutes Too Narrow, arrived in 2003 as the much-anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed debut. Trading the lo-fi textures of “Oh, Inverted World” for a cleaner sheen courtesy of producer Phil Ek, the album showcased a band embracing a more guitar-driven sound. While keyboards remained present, tracks like “Young Pilgrims” – the source of the album’s title – leaned on chiming guitars and James Mercer’s distinctive vocals.

Chutes Too Narrow wasn’t just a change in instrumentation. The album incorporated new elements like violin parts on “Saint Simon,” adding another layer to the band’s sonic palette. This evolution earned the album critical praise and a Grammy nomination for its packaging. Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, Chutes Too Narrow is a concise collection of indie rock gems, showcasing a band comfortable exploring new territory while retaining the charm that won them fans in the first place.