The Short List of Things to Do

A guide to what you should see and what you should skip — and what you won't be able to avoid

Narrow Stairs

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On their second major-label album, the kings of emotional nerdiness mine their broken hearts with just enough sonic abandon to keep things sharp. The single I Will Possess Your Heart builds over eight brooding, Wilco-ish minutes (take that, mainstream radio!), while there's actual guitar feedback on Talking Bird. A nice step in a darker direction.

Grade: B+

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