pop hooks and literate but unpretentious lyrics." Similarly, Robert Christgau felt it "faster and clearer" than the band's "paisley-fringed" debut, writing that the album "advances the Shins well beyond the dreamy indistinctness that has replaced lo-fi as Indieland's distancing strategy of choice." Alternative Press wrote that the band "satisfy largely by serving up more of what made their debut so good", and Blender felt similarly: "Their second album is equally charming and more consistent." Magnet felt it "a better record than the Shins' first—a sonically bolder production with fewer effects and more hooks per square inch than a flyrod factory." Will Hermes of Entertainment Weekly wrote that "[the band] follow 2001's pop-a-licious Oh Inverted World with just the record you'd want: production a bit bigger […] and songs more adventurous but no less indelible." Accolades Chutes Too Narrow appeared on numerous music critics' and publications' end-of-year albums lists. Stylus Magazine placed the record at number three on their respective list, while Billboard and The Village Voice Pazz & Jop followed at number six. Pitchfork placed the record at number seven on their year-end list, writing that "Chutes Too Narrow shattered expectations, a meticulously sequenced, stripped-down collection of indie pop gems encompassing endless Technicolor universes." Mojo also placed the album at number seven on their list, and Rolling Stone on an unordered list of "Best Albums of 2003". Track listing All songs written and composed by James Mercer. Personnel The Shins James Mercer – vocals, guitar, harmonica, production Dave Hernandez – bass, guitars, production Jesse Sandoval – drums, production Marty Crandall – keyboards, production Additional musiciansAnnemarie Ruljancich – violin on "Saint Simon" Kevin Suggs – pedal steel guitar on "Gone for Good"Production''' Phil Ek – production, mixing Jesse LeDoux – design Emily Lazar – mastering Charts Certifications References External links 2003 albums Sub Pop albums The Shins albums Albums produced by Phil Ek