The alternative rock band associated with Portland, Oregon, that released the 2003 album “Chutes Too Narrow” is The Shins.
“Chutes Too Narrow” is The Shins’ second studio album, released by Sub Pop on October 21, 2003. The band was led by singer, songwriter, and guitarist James Mercer, whose melodic writing and high, distinctive vocal style became central to the group’s identity. Although The Shins formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mercer later based the project in Portland, Oregon, which is why the band is closely linked with the city’s indie-rock scene.
The album followed the band’s 2001 debut, Oh, Inverted World, but used cleaner and more confident production. Recording took place in Mercer’s basement in Portland and at Avast! Studios in Seattle, with Phil Ek helping produce and mix the record. Songs including “Saint Simon,” “Fighting in a Sack,” and “New Slang”-era songwriting helped establish The Shins as a major indie act.
The title comes from a lyric in “Young Pilgrims.” A common mix-up is confusing this album with Oh, Inverted World, the earlier record that first brought The Shins broad attention.