Chutes Too Narrow

The Shins

What's the deal? West Coast 'emo' (emotional punk) heroes, whose second album's march to the top of the US indie charts - despite sounding nothing like Nickelback - is being hailed as proof that drab, whining '90s rock is finally over.

To be honest: These are indeed ten proper pop songs - with la-la-las, keyboards, harmonicas and everything - which quickly take root in your head once you overcome the feyness. It's a bit poncy compared to Nirvana, after all.

Listen out for: The jangly ghosts of the La's, the Smiths and any other mid-'80s indie popsters you thought had gone out of fashion.

Play: On a sunny Sunday morning, while waving to your neighbours.