If You Like The Shins, Try...

Remember that scene in Garden State, where Natalie Portman's character promises Zack Braff's that if he listens to a song, it'll change his life? That song was "New Slang" by The Shins, and although I wouldn't say listening to the Shins changed my life, it certainly has brightened it. I love the contrast of their dark lyrics and catchy, upbeat pop music. And I was so sad to miss their recent sold-out concert at the Rialto! So, to console myself, I've been listening to a lot of stuff that sounds like vintage Shins.

For bands with physical CDs in the library for you to check out, I highlighted their names in bold. For bands with tracks available on Freegal (three free downloads a week, with your library card!), I italicized them. Some are available both ways!

First up: Broken Bells. This is really the perfect band to get into if you like the Shins, because guess what...they share a singer. It's his side project with Danger Mouse (also known as half of Gnarls Barkley and Sparklehorse, as well as the genius behind the Grey Album, the epic mashup of Jay-Z's Black Album and the Beatles' White Album.) Broken Bells is just as catchy as The Shins, although a little less guitar-driven and twee (which, in my humble opinion, is a good thing!). Try listening to "The High Road" and you'll be hooked. Read on for more sound-alikes!
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