The Shins second release is likely the result of what can happen to a group of musicians who have become fed up with what's on contemporary radio and refrain from buying anything issued after 1968, then create their own sound. The results are a conglomeration of '60s pop that's heard throughout the "Oh, Inverted World."
Leaning heavily toward The Beach Boys, tracks such as "The Celibate Life," "Pressed in a Book" and "Weird Divide" contain the vocal harmonies and uplifting, feel-good bounce that made Brian Wilson famous. On the other hand, "Your Algebra" shows off more of a psychedelic side. The album's highlight, "New Slang," sounds as if Simon & Garfunkel graduated from Eric's Trip school of four-track production.
Of course, this doesn't mean that the New Mexico quartet is out to take over the radio. But, its brand of melodic and cheerful nostalgia is a nice alternative to what's being crammed down our throats.
