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 [Larger view] | The Shins - Oh, Inverted World
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Average user rating:  | |
 People are bound to disagree but... | |
| This album is my pick for the second best of the 21st century thus far (only behind SMiLE) - I know, quite a bold statement, but I'll stand by it. It's not musically complex or challenging, nor is it genre-bending or groundbreaking. What it is, though, is the one of the most pure, genuine, well-written pop CDs since the Beach Boys put out Pet Sounds. The production is flawless - not overbearing, but good enough to enhance all of the nuances. The songwriting and lyrics are honest, simple yet extremely catchy, and not totally derived, either. The Shins use their instruments extremely well in the way keyboards are used to add flavor without sounding contrived and the guitars are genuinely pure and sweet. James Mercer sings with so dynamically and genuinely that I don't feel like he's singing to me, but rather with me.
This album has a really inviting feel to it. The melodies flow with ease and nothing seems forced. The lyrics are the best I've heard since Belle & Sebastian. There's almost a sort of an ethereal feeling throughout, but it's not a feeling of distance. Instead, the songs invite you in and make you want to fall into the existence that is Oh, Inverted World. I could write more, but I think this'll suffice. | |
| Wow | |
| Destined to be a soundtrack for your life (or atleast a phase of it). I don't I could even speculate on the greatness of this album. Something about a wonderful set of voices and gentle guitar on some interspersed with speedy, catchy rock.
it deserves your listening. | |
 A little too smooth | |
| This is definitely a pop album, but it's not the syrupy sweet pre-fab pop of marketing execs. The music is catchy and easily accessible, yet it's also innovative and sophisticated. At the same time, the lyrics are thoughtful, like poetry. My favorite songs are Know Your Onion and Girl Inform Me. The musical style of these songs jump out at me more than the other songs on the album.
My criticism is that whenever I listen to this album, it immediately fades into the background. It's unfortunate that such a great album, both musically and lyrically, has such a hard time holding my attention. |
