When Natalie Portman played "New Slang" for Zach Braff in Garden State and assured his character that "The Shins will change your life," the band was born. Not literally, but after recording two discs (Oh, Inverted World, 2001, Chutes Too Narrow, 2003) the Portland-based band instantly shot from indie-rock infamy into the world of mainstream. The Shins return with the highly anticipated Wincing The Night Away.   Once again, they deliver emotionally-tinged, jangly, pop rock and blow you away with opener, "Sleeping Lessons," where lead vocalist James Mercer croons softly in on a delicate keyboard only to climax into an explosion of loud guitars and bashing drums. And Mercer's lyrics "You're not obliged to swallow anything you despise," is a message that is too cool to ignore.   The first single "Phantom Limb" offers a gorgeous melody, topped with crisp tambourine taps and "Australia" sends you into a road trip of toe-tapping fun. Other tracks worth noting are "Sea Legs," "Red Rabbit" and "Turn on Me."   The Shins continue to make wicked songs and on Wincing The Night Away, they haven't lost any of their nerdy and quirky charms either.

Where Silent Alarm was more heart pounding rock, Bloc Party's second effort, A Weekend In The City finds itself falling into a more subdued place-still, a great album.   It may take a few spins to draw you in after you've listened to "Waiting for the 7.18" and "The Prayer," but the second, slower half with songs "Kreuzberg," "Sunday" and "SRXT" are of epic proportions.

Not only did Arcade Fire bring a new kind of coolness to dramatic, off-beat rock with their debut Funeral, they merged rock with symphonic-like strings and tambourines. This continues with their follow up, Neon Bible, especially on songs "Black Mirror," and "Keep the Car Running."   New to Arcade Fire's musical repertoire is a pipe organ, a military choir and a full Hungarian orchestra.

Upon their arrival, LCD Soundsystem seemed like one of those bands that were definitely off the charts. A bit new wave and pop, jumbled together with electronica, made LCD Soundsystem's debut a hit.   Now, James Murphy's brainchild has put together the follow-up, Sound of Silver, where songs "Get Innocuous," "Someone Great" and "North American Scum," make you get your serious groove on.