Oh, Inverted World by Shins (The) (CD, Jan-2004, Spunk Records)

I usually laugh at people when they say that, but this time, it is the truth for me. Besides major rock powerhouses like Radiohead, I had tuned out of rock music because I couldn't seem to get back in sync with it. I spent a lot of time listening to reggae, jazz, funk, soul, blues, hip-hop and world music. Then a friend lent me this album. I listened to it straight through three times and was mesmerized. The production quality is grainy, almost haunting. The rolling drums and harmonic tones are reminiscent of the Beach Boys at their best. Lyrically, the album is dreamy and clever. The only thing that disappointed me about this band in general is that when I first saw them, opening for Modest Mouse, they were unpolished and looked very nervous. That was 2002, and since then, they have developed into a fantastic live act as well. Enjoy!