The Shins are reissuing their sophomore album for its 20th anniversary. The new edition of Chutes Too Narrow was remastered by Adam Ayan (under the supervision of Shins frontman James Mercer). It’s out October 20 via Sub Pop.
In a press statement, James Mercer discussed Chutes Too Narrow and his feelings ahead of the album’s recording. “I was very aware at the time that I had struck gold with the first record, and it was unlikely to happen again. ‘Sophomore slump’ and all that,” he said. “The pressure to prove myself as a viable writer had never been so pronounced. Midway through the mixing process, I realized one of the songs would not work, so I stayed up after everyone went to bed and wrote ‘Young Pilgrims.’ And with [producer Phil] Ek’s help, it worked! Such a stressful but beautiful experience!”
In 2021, the Shins reissued their debut, Oh, Inverted World, for its 20th anniversary. The band last released a new studio album, Heartworms, in 2017.
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