| Music Review | Josh Hinkle |
Death Cab For Cutie "Plans"
Thank God the album title is short. That's a good idea since the band name is so damn long. Anyway, this latest album from the recently signed to a major label band is kind of a disappointment. Not bad in the least, and even bad Death Cab is better than good 90% of everything else, it's kind of a let down after Transatlanticism and the Postal Service records. Those were two breakthrough records that got the word of mouth on the band going and it's a bummer that this is not as good as either of those titles. It's wishful thinking on my part to hope this would surpass those albums, that Death Cab would enjoy that breakthrough success that Nirvana did once, but I just don't think this one has the legs for it. It opens very strongly. Actually the first two tracks are the best of the whole album. The next few songs sound just like DCFC, but have yet to really stand out to me as distinguishing themselves as anything transcendent. Not that all tracks have to be, but as I mentioned above - first album on a major label, coming off two such strong records...
The real saving grace is that the album closes almost as strongly as it opens. Two of the last three tracks are also standouts, and feature some heartrending lyrics. This album seems to focus mainly on death and rebirth in a way that goes deeper than their previous releases didn't match, and it takes on an almost overwhelming air. The gloom of the lyrics is balanced by Benjamin Gibbard's sweet voice- he sounds almost like a high-schooler, still full of hope for the future and positive energy. He could tell me he's been sleeping with my girlfriend, but if he did it in a song I think I'd manage to overlook it. If you're a fan it's a must have, but if you're new to the band I'd recommend you read the 4th sentence of the review and buy one of those albums, then work your way up to this one, after you're hooked and incapable of saying anything bad about them
Standout tracks: Marching Bands of Manhattan, Soul Meets Body, What Sarah Said, Brothers On A Hotel Bed
Fun Fact: that show at the Ridglea - the one on Nov 4th - it's sold out. But if you're one of the first 200 people to get there the day of the show, they just might have some tickets held back. You didn't hear it from me.