Oh, Inverted World

Amazon.com's Best of 2001:
Something extraordinary is afoot in Albuquerque. The Shins' first big-timerecord, Oh, Inverted World, combines mysterious narratives with golden songstructures, resulting in lavish and opulent indie pop. Touches of Neutral Milk Hotel's lyricalmajesty and the nostalgic swirl of Echo and the Bunnymen abound.But the Shins' music--rich with acoustic guitars, flickering rhythms, and Casio-tonekeyboards--is distinct and peculiar. Worry mixes with abstraction throughout, and whileJames Mercer sings, "You led no celibate life / No skirt while chemicals danced on yourhead / You stole the keys to this ride / And your fables are falling tonight," you maywonder if he's been routing through your fondest, most troubling memories. This vitalalbum is easily among 2001's most distinguished recordings and one of the best Sub Popreleases to date. --Thom Arno

Album Description:
Hailing from Albuquerque, NM, The Shins sprung from the ashesof Flake/Flakemusic in 1997 (though those previous incarnations date backnearly a decade) - same members, different instruments, different approach.Counterpoint guitars have given way to a single guitar pitted againstcalculated keyboard passages; swarming indie rock machinations led topop-based melodic endeavors.

Album Description:
Japanese pressing of 2001 album includes one bonus track 'Spagnum Esplanade'. P-Vine.

Album Details:
Japanese Release featuring a Bonus Track

Disc 1:

1. Caring Is Creepy
2. One By One All Day
3. Weird Divide
4. Know Your Onion!
5. Girl Inform Me
6. New Slang
7. The Celibate Life
8. Girl On The Wing
9. Your Algebra
10. Pressed In A Book
11. The Past And Pending

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Customer Reviews

Rating: - One of My favorite Albums of All time!
I really like this album, because it has the calmness of Madonna's Ray of Light plus some classic Beatlesque sounds to it. That's why i love the shins. The do retro music in the right way. If the beach boys were to still be playing music now, this would be them. This a great album for any music fan to have in their collection. Your Algebra is one of my favorite tracks to listen to. Also, Caring is Creepy is a great track as well. If you love India Rock music this is a must have! This band has to ... Read More
Rating: - Oh, great album!!!!
I love this album. And this week the mp3 sale for $3.99, there is no reason NOT to own it.
Rating: - Oh, Inverted World Review
The first time I heard the Shins, I thought they sounded like modern-day Beatles.Oh, Inverted World does not disappoint. The entire album is good, not just one song that gets played on the radio too much. Good vocals, harmony, and great guitar.

I would have given five stars, but the CD is only about 45 minutes long.
Rating: - Bland
As somebody else wrote, this has been done a lot of times before. It is extremely derivative 60's influenced guitar pop that is not that great but also not that bad. Actually quite faceless and bland.
Rating: - Best pop/rock album this decade
While this album was released in 2001, it still remains one of the best albums this millennium. The Shins have since released a couple more spectacular efforts, but neither of them have eclipsed "Oh, Inverted World". The opening track "Caring Is Creepy" sets the stage for a very surreal experience. Sweeping keyboards and smooth guitars give this album a very peaceful listening experience and is best enjoyed with a nice pair of headphones and closed eyes. "The Past and Pending" is the ending track ... Read More