Epic Records

The Garden State Soundtrack changed many lives, not only Natalie Portman‘S.

The musical companion to the indie classic from the mid-2000s, starring, written and directed by Zach Braffwas released on August 10, 2004, 20 years ago on Saturday. Just as the film brought more attention to independent cinema, Garden State Soundtrack brought indie rock music more to the fore, especially The shins.

Those who have seen Garden State — and maybe even those who didn’t — will of course remember the scene where Portman’s character Sam hands Braff’s character Andrew a pair of over-ear headphones while telling him that the song he’s about to hear will “change his life.” Then we hear “New Slang” by The Shins play.

“New Slang” is included on the soundtrack, as is another song by The Shins, “Caring Is Creepy.” Both songs appeared on The Shins’ debut album, Oh, upside down worldwhich was published in 2001.

Followed Garden StateThe Shins overcame their status as indie darlings and entered the mainstream. So much so that their first album afterGarden State2007s The night flashes throughdebuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200.

“I think Zach and the movie and then the popularity of the soundtrack kind of changed the culture,” said frontman James Mercer told The Hollywood Reporter. “Indie music was no longer something to make fun of, and people were discovering that there was interesting stuff on these smaller labels.”

The soundtrack also included Coldplay‘s “Don’t Panic” and a cover of The postal service‘s “Such Great Heights” by Iron & WineIt won a Grammy and was certified platinum by the RIAA.

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