What makes Shields: B-sides by Grizzly Bear notable?

The album highlights Grizzly Bear's innovative approach to music creation, featuring remixes by prominent artists like Nicolas Jaar and Lindstrøm. It received positive critical reception, reinforcing the band's influence on the modern psychedelic and indie rock movements. Released in 2013, Shields: B-sides came after Grizzly Bear's critically acclaimed album Shields, which had solidified their status in the indie music scene. This collection showcases unreleased tracks and remixes, providing insight into the creative process during a prolific period for the band following their breakthrough success.

Who is Shields: B-sides for?

Shields: B-sides works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamics, ethereal soundscapes for reflection and headphone detail exploration.

How many songs are on Shields: B-sides?

Shields: B-sides has 8 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Shields: B-sides

Grizzly Bear · 2013

47 min · 8 tracks · psychedelic rock

A tapestry of haunting melodies and intricate harmonies unfolds, blending psychedelic rock with ambient textures and reflective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sleeping Ute (Nicolas Jaar remix) — This remix transforms the original track into an expansive soundscape that adds depth to its already intricate layers, showcasing Jaar's distinct electronic style.
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Smothering Green — The track's atmospheric build-up encapsulates the band's signature sound, combining ethereal vocals with lush instrumentation that immerses listeners in its haunting beauty.
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Taken Down (Marfa demo) — This demo version reveals a rawness and intimacy that contrasts with the polished album cuts, offering fans a glimpse into Grizzly Bear's songwriting process.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong writing and production but lacks the cohesive flow of a main release.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a dense, atmospheric soundscape, while the fourth track introduces a more rhythmic and driving pulse.
The remixes at the end of the album shift the original compositions into new electronic territories, altering their structure and feel significantly.
The album maintains a consistent mood throughout, with each track contributing to an overarching sense of introspection and exploration.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with dynamics
ethereal soundscapes for reflection
headphone detail exploration
intricate melodies for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2013, Shields: B-sides came after Grizzly Bear's critically acclaimed album Shields, which had solidified their status in the indie music scene. This collection showcases unreleased tracks and remixes, providing insight into the creative process during a prolific period for the band following their breakthrough success.
Stylistic neighbors: Fleet Foxes· Animal Collective· Beach House