Death Cab For Cutie – Plans (Atlantic)
Who would’ve thought five years ago that Death Cab For Cutie, fresh off their minimalist breakthrough, We Have The Facts And We’re Voting Yes, would have endured a stylistic change, survived a near break-up, watched Ben Gibbard’s Postal Service side project eclipse Death Cab’s success after only one album, experienced a boost in popularity themselves, and signed to a major label for their fifth album, Plans?
The band, who announced that they were jumping from birthplace Barsuk Records to Atlantic, were lucky to avoid a lot of the conjecture that comes about when an indie band signs to a major label. Their fans, notoriously loyal, stuck with the group after the announcement and decided to play the waiting game before they made up their minds on the move to Atlantic. Which only makes sense, really–there’s been no need to worry about the band becoming more television ready and accessible since Death Cab beat Atlantic to the punch, taking that leap themselves on their third full-length, The Photo Album.
Plans bears more in common with The Photo Album than its direct predecessor, Transatlanticism, which actually took a step backwards meeting the band’s other albums at their midway point. No need to compromise anymore, as Death Cab have officially dropped the other shoe, putting out their first official pop album.
The worst news first: Ben Gibbard’s lyrics suffer greatly. For the first time in Death Cab’s career, Gibbard’s lyrics are actually the album’s albatross, betraying the strong production from guitarist Chris Walla. The band offer a handful of hazy environments, above average indie pop songs, and Gibbard drops the ball with them. Of course, with his sense of melody he could sing entries from the phone book and it would sound beautiful, but you can’t help but notice the drop from earlier gems to faux-profound sentiments like “There are different names / For the same thing.” The song containing that lyric, titled “Different Names For The Same Thing,” blurs the boundaries between Death Cab and The Postal Service, opening with two verses of a seemingly inebriated Gibbard behind a piano before building into a cascading collage of vocal chops and beeps playfully interacting with digital clicks, a cut-and-paste display well worn by Jimmy Tamborello.
At this stage in their career, the growing reality of death has become prevalent. “What Sarah Said” and “I’ll Follow You Into The Dark” examine how relationships are altered by death in a way that bears parallels with the recently concluded Six Feet Under; “Soul Meets Body” desires a personal utopia where the spirit and body live harmoniously, a wish we’ve had for Death Cab since their first album. What they have since abandoned cerebrally, they’ve invested in the sentimentality of their melodies. Although Plans is mostly solid, it won’t make you forget that upstart band they once were, lulling us into hypnosis instead of soundtracking teen drama.
I heard “Soul Meets Body” this morning and I’ll be damned if that wasn’t some beautiful shit. Props to them.
Oh, so Death Cab’s genius Lyricist Ben Gibbard is the album’s albatross because he has a lyric previously stated as a title for another song? Who is this moron reviewing this incredible album?
Well wow… I think the lyrics are very strong on this album… just a different style than usual… the song Different Name for the Same Thing is a ballad type of song, but I don’t thing the entire album should be stereotyped as an album trying to mimic it’s predecessor. This reviewer just didn’t give any reason for anything.
Wow the album is great, it seems like this reviewer was too busy with other albums… Shortest, pointless review ever… Hmph…
Shortest? Are you kidding? This is twice the length of the typical CD review.
Just because you disagree doesn’t make it pointless.
And Scott, “the song Different Name for the Same Thing is a ballad type of song, but I don’t thing the entire album should be stereotyped as an album trying to mimic it’s predecessor. This reviewer just didn’t give any reason for anything.”
Your accusations are plain incorrect. Try rereading the review.
And Michael, just because you don’t agree with the review doesn’t make the author a moron. Why don’t you write a positive review of the album in response and we’ll all critique that?
Just because you kiddies love Death Cab doesn’t mean you know how to read… or write… or analyze music with any degree of intelligence…
Please tell us your opinion without flaming the author, and for god’s sake, back it up.
im with nate.
I’m all for people being fans and really loving their bands, but a lot of the fans of some of the more well known “indie” bands border on plain zealot-like obsesseiveness. I’ve tried to understand what the music of Death Cab and Postal Service gives to justify such loyalty and have, to this point, come up empty. Maybe I’m just over the hill at 29 but I don’t hear whats supposed to be so damn great about those bands or Ben Gibbard and his ilk specifically.
I think the use of metaphor and narrative is clearer then ever before. The difference I see is that the band and Ben Gibbard have both matured past the point of viewing music and musicianship as subordinate to the cerebral angstyness of language. On Plans, Death Cab seems to approach a comfortable symbiosis between the two that is more satisfying than either their previous “shut up and listen to what i’m saying” style or The Postal Service’s ambiant gloss. Props to Gibbard, Walla and the rest of the fellas.
“cerebral angstyness?” “ambiant gloss?”
:)
i love death cab but haven’t really heard the new one yet. i’m sure it will take me a while. i’ve never had a gibbard album grab me from the get-go… it always takes a few listens.
fuck the person who did this review. It is my favorite album by them. It is simply amazing!!
“Love of mine, someday you will die;
But I’ll be close behind and I’ll fillow you into the dark;
No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white;
Just our hands clasped so tight, waiting for the hint of a spark;
But if heaven and decide that they are both satisfied;
And illumainate the NOs on thier vacancy signs;
If there’s no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I’ll follow you into the dark”
Gee…gosh…fucktard reviewer is right..what an albatross of a lyric.
I think the reviewer left his Coldplay “X&Y” in the machine and wrote the review about that steaming pile…cause I dont know what the fuck he’s talking about.
LOL at Jay… After I gave X&Y a few listens and checked the interet to confirm that I was hearing the awful and conceited lyrics correctly (You belong with me, not swallowed in the sea) I deleted it and Coldplay’s other two albums from my harddrive.
Plans, on the other hand, is a keeper. For instance, Crooked Teeth — “Cause I built you a home in my heart/With rotten wood, it decayed from the start” and “You’re so cute when you’re slurring your speech/But they’re closing the bar and they want us to leave.”
Stuff that catches you, makes you think, makes you smile. Images are conjured up and stay with you. And this is why Plans will stay on my iPod and take up space vacated by X&Y. It’s not necessarily obvious what’s going on, but it’s clear there’s something at the center of the song. This is what draws me into Plans.
I want to see the reviewer write some lyrics bette than these.
Damn, sensitive Death Cab fans. Relax, guys! I’m one too. But face it, the lyrics on Plans aren’t as good as their previous albums. Jeez, all defensive and shit. I mean, have you read the lyrics for We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes? That shit’s poetry. This shit’s OK.
I think the lyrics are well written, I just think that the reviewer is looking for images and feelings to come through in the songs through eloquent speech…which just isnt Gibbard’s style, so he obviously doesn’t know what he’s looking for. He conjures images through stating mundane things in interesting ways, which he continues to do well in plans. Plus, the reiewer has the word anis in his name.
i don’t think this album is as strong as earlier albums. i do agree with the author that i would have liked more of the hypnosis feel of the music than the poppier sound they have developped into, but i suppose that is the natural progression of any pop-focussed band.
i’ve listened to the album about two and a half times now and something is definately lacking for me personally when i try to compare it to that of transatlanticism or the photo album, both of which were phenomenal. this is very good, but it may be the subject matter which is harder to deal with. there’s a difference in writing when you’re writing about a girl who left you and when you’re writing about a loved one who has passed away.
track 9 ‘what sarah said’ especially had such imagery that it brought me into a place i hadn’t been within myself with the death of my father a number of years ago. it left me awfully depressed and with smooth flawless transition into ‘brothers on a hotel bed’ my emotions just couldn’t contain themselves. i found myself sobbing and grieving for my father. this is absolutely wonderful music, and cudos to anyone who can invoke such a strong reaction within another person but it’s a place i don’t think i want to be brought back to very often.
the lyrics are one of the stronger parts on this album. i’d have liked more of the long musical interludes leading up to something more on this.
I guess it’s expected, but do we have to compare albums in order to assess a new work? Why cant we consider a new album on its merits alone. No one bitches that Beck’s or the Red Hot Chilli Pepper’s albums change dynamically and lyrically from album to album. Each one is considered indiviudually. Maybe Death Cab are to “new” of a band for that kind of acceptance, but I say its bullshit.
True there are no Rockers on this album, and lyrically the substance has changed. But do you want the same shit out of every album? If you want to listen to “The Photo Album”..then take it out its been done already.
Personally, I consider the lyrical shift from the subject of “heartbreak,” to the subject of “death” to be a great step forward. If the lyrics dont resonate with some fans maybe its because the subject is new to Gibbard. I would also suggest based on the previous albums, that he is new to musically expressing his views on death. But, if this is just a first step into uncharted waters…it succeeds greatly. At least he’s not rehashing his earlier sucess, and is stretching himself and hopefully his audience. I’ll take that over the re-hashed shit that bands like Coldplay and other media darlings have tried to foist upon me lately.
okay who leaked this review to the death cab for cutie fanboy message board? They aren’t even close to deserving this much attention. I never can seem to get through an entire song of theirs without pressing the skip button. There will be a part of the song that I fall in love with only to be undermined by some pretentious BS or a part so sugary sweet it gives me a headache. I’m sure it’s just me though. Besides that, Walla is the talent behind the band anyway.
Nate, I do feel the people we’re a little overzealous on the new album, but they did make some points, except for Michael who just was confused. The problem with an indie band who crosses over from an independent label to a mainstream one is the fans won’t shut the fuck up and just enjoy what the band has given them. Most of you people will download the album off the internet, and because the album has crossed over slightly from its predecessor is positive. If you want Transatlanticism go listen to it, and if you want We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes, listen to that.
The problem with the review is the reviewer didn’t pay enough attention to detail, and instead just talked about the bands past and current styles. Plus he only reviewed one song negatively! How can the lead singer be betraying the band, because he sings a chorus below par? Wow… Then the reviewer digs his grave, after reviewing the only song he probably listened to (laughs) by describing what the other songs are about… Who gives a shit what they are about, I want to know why they are negative or positive. If you want to defend yourself in a review try giving more elaboration and details… You didn’t even mention the band’s best track produced and written by Chris Walla “Brothers on a Hotel Bed”. If I worked for Glorious Noise I would fire you, but then I would realize I don’t even pay you and then go, “figures”.
I’ve been having a rough couple of weeks, but listened to “Soul Meets Body” for the first time in my car this morning and now feel a whole lot better. If this music is my opiate, then I’m gonna go cruisin’ after work tonight and score me some more.
I have to admit, the lyrics of Crooked Teeth’s riff, “’cause you can’t find nothing at all, if there was nothing there all along,” struck me as slightly drab as I lay on my bed and listened to this album for the first time. However, it is balanced by beautiful sentiments such as “i’m a war of head vs. heart, it’s always this way. my head is weak, my heart always speaks before i know what it will say,” which are sprinkled throughout the verses of the song. And so is the story of Plans: if you can find something to bitch about, you can find something to make up for it twice over in brilliance. I think that Plans is an incredible pop album which gives fans even more of the cult anthems (perfectly crafted poetry, piano and guitars) that we’ve been waiting for but with a fresh polish as to not exhaust us of the same stuff, as much as we love it. Transatlantacism is my favorite album of all time and I was afraid that Plans would be a let down, an exhibition of an amazing band hanging on their last word. But, when I turned it on, Marching Bands of Manhattan stole my breath as a smile grew so large it constricted my lungs. What Sarah Said filled my heart with thoughtful sorrow and Brothers on a Hotel Bed felt very personal to me. The songs poured out of my speakers and I sat there and listened, and, when it was over I called everyone I know with at least half-decent music taste and told them to buy this CD.
Forget major CD labels or lazy reviewers or a couple of lines which don’t size up to everything we know Ben Gibbard can be, Plans is nothing less than what we adore Death Cab for Cutie for: sincere, poetic and heart-lifting.
The only thing that Plans has in common with Six Feet Under is the notion of death, and the comparison is facile at best. It’s as if the reviewer wants praise for being hip enough to watch SFU. I agree that this is one of the laziest reviews I have ever read. The lyrics haven’t suffered at all in the transition to a major label and if anything the production and instrumentation are stronger than ever; I fail to see how the lyrics to “Different Names For The Same Thing” differ thematically from, say, the title track to “Transatlanticism.” I mean, the chorus repeats “Come on, ” a BUNCH of times there. Clearly this is a pattern of lazy songwriting. I was especially pleased by the fact that this review even comes with the token allusion to the fact that DCFC were frequently mentioned on The OC! I NEVER KNEW THAT! I DON’T THINK THERE’S ENOUGH ATTENTION PAID TO THAT FACT AND WE SHOULD BEGIN FAULTING THEM FOR IT IMMEDIATELY! Mr. Mantzouranis, you are clearly a pioneer in the world of music journalism.
Tom, I’ve enjoyed your reviews in the past, and I know you’re probably a bigger DCFC fan than most of the OC-fans that have been stinking up the comments section, but I do have to disagree with you on the lyrics part. I was actually pleasantly surprised with the quality of some of the lyrics on this album. “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” is almost something that could have come out of Leonard Cohen’s head. Simply amazing.
I think what this album is lacking in unfortunately is the strong song structures that made their past albums so great. I mean, the songs are good, but sometimes it seems like they just put to disc the first few songs they wrote. Some of the songs just seem like they weren’t quite finished. I just remember how past albums would just blow you away from beginning to end, and with this one I feel like some of that is lacking. Possibly because Walla took more of a backseat to the songwriting this time? Just a guess.
Still a great album though, and well worth the wait. Plus I got a free 7″ with it. The record store clerk who rung me up said he had a bunch left over, because most of the kids who were buying the CD had no idea what a 7″ even was, much less that they were giving one away. Hah!
I’m not familiar with the band enough to know whether the lyrics are an “albatross,” but I think they’re rather nice. They may not subscribe to the reviewer’s tastes, but they’re not exactly Mariah Carey either. I bought Plans on the strength of the first song on the album, Marching Bands of Manhattan. It stopped me dead in my tracks when it came on the loudspeakers at Tower Records. That’s music.
Way too hostile, all of you. I think that the album is great, and their lyrics HAVE changed, but in a neutral sense. I currently own all of their albums and I beleive that it is still poetry. One thing i did not like about Tom’s review though was that he compared it to other albums as a contrast. He should have just given his Honest opinion JUST about PLANS instead.
Plans is a great album. I disagree with the claims that it is nothing new… the album is a step forward for the band, it’s tight and it’s very expressive. I really appreciate its intrinsic link with being a teenager, heart break and death. I love the hook at the end of ‘Marching Bands in Manhattan’, so simplistic but so effective… the same goes for “What Sarah Said” they both use repetition so well and ‘I’ll Follow You Into the Dark’ is just amazing.
I know this was a very vague critic but I’m in a rush…
But after reading your posts and not taking anything away from Death Cab for Cutie it sounds like you guys are into prolific versus… I can’t stress this enough listen to The Mountain Goats! If you are after prolific and metaphoric lyrics then John Darnielle will blow you away! I’m seeing them tomorrow night yay!
The album just isnt as good as Death Cabs last 4. Its that simple. So if you dont like Death Cab then thats fine youre missing out on music that is, well at least was inspiring before the oc and the popularity. And for those loyal fans, at least you have prior albums.
The first time i heard ”soul meets body” i thought that this could be their biggest hit ever. In this song the lyrics meet the melody,and could be seen as the soul and body of music…and that is simply amazing to me.
I felt like i took me to a higher state of happiness.
anyway i haven’t really dug into the rest of ”plans” but i think their style has changed a bit, in a good way, so let us all appreciate that!
Pretty astounding defensiveness. Ease up on Tom.
I love DCFC, and have followed them since Chords. They’re excellent guys who make excellent music and put on an excellent show. But…
This review is pretty accurate. The album is good, not great, and it doesn’t make any great steps forward. Listen to all their discs in sequence and see if you disagree. There is no Movie Script Ending on Plans, and no equivalent of Transatlanticism, a song that somehow gets better every time you hear it. I agree the lyrics aren’t as captivating or as clever as what we’ve come to expect from DCFC, an admittedly high standard. There is some very good songwriting, but some songs sound like they’re trying too hard and almost feel contrived. Chris Walla all but said the same thing when the disc was being mixed. I love these guys and look forward to their future. This disc will give you four songs that you like, which is more than you get from most bands. It won’t go down in history as their best. And that’s OK to admit.
This is a terrific album. There’s some new stuff, some familiar stuff, but most of all I think the feel of the album has changed. It’s a little slicker, a little more packaged. Maybe what we’re all really trying to identify here is the difference between major label expectations and an indie label. I don’t have an issue with the lyrics. I don’t have an issue with anything about this album.
It’s not “We’re Voting Yes” – I think we can all agree there. But you know? It’s still pretty damned good. Maybe their next album will be more of a breakout than their first foray into the world of the major labels.
As for comparisons between this and “X&Y”, I can’t believe that anyone could draw any realistic comparisons between the two. X&Y is melodramatic and tedious; Plans picks you up and carries you along with it.
Be happy that this band exists; that they bring this sort of music with them; and that you’re privileged enough to be able to listen to very skilled musicians doing the things they do best.
Frankly, I love it.
This album is great.
I love this band and their blend of indie rock and electric beats. They should keep up the good work & the album is kick ass.
I’ve been a Death Cab fan for years. I have all of their albums and love them all. My personal favorite album is “The Photo Album” I’m not saying it’s their best it’s just my favorite. I got “Plans” about a month or so ago. I only really listened to it closely about a week ago. I was walking around the city upset with only my headphones to keep me company. Death Cab has always been very calming to me so I choose them to be my walking partner. When “Marching Bands of Manhattan” pierced my troubled mind I was shocked. I had yet to give the album a real chance since I figured as most that it wouldn’t live up to the Death Cab for Cutie name. However the lyrics are awesome as I’ve come to expect with DCfC. I can find something I like about every song. “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” and “What Sarah said” were nothing short of breath taking. Perhaps death is the theme for much of this album but they are able to work with such a serious idea beautifully. I find none of there albums to be the same and that’s why I love this band. Call them what you will this album is great. Just enjoy the music instead of looking for pros and cons. Allow the music to speak for itself. (also forgive any typos it’s late)
I just heard “What Sarah Said” in my car on the way home. It is the 1st song I,ve ever heard by this band. I loved it and got it on Napster as soon as I got home. Great singing and song writing.
It is relaxing and thoughtful. Looking forward to hearing all their stuff now.
As for the lyrics comment, you’re nuts. The words that come out of this man’s mouth are purely beautiful and there is not a single song that can compare lyrically or musically. The album is also far from pop. One should note that a band as unique as Death Cab can’t really be grouped in with other genres. I find this album to be one of their strongest yet.
There is no way to measure the beauty that can be found in music like this. There is more to it than just words or notes. It would seem clear to me that the music of this band comes straight from the heart, and that’s extremely rare nowadays. The album speaks for itself and can’t be called better or worse than any of Death Cab’s other works. The only thing that can be said is that with an album like this is that it is simply beautiful and that nothing can be compared.
Gibbard’s lyrics are the albatross of the album? c’mon… “A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere” is one of the most beautifully simple and poetic lines I’ve ever heard in a song. The mere sound of the words evokes a soothing sound that few other artists can create. And who would think to compare a couple in a fading relationship to “brothers on a hotel bed,” something many of us can relate to, but never really make the connection. How many near-30 year olds do you know who have the balls to maturely make an album exploring the relationship between love and death? Gibbard brings thoughts that many of us have to clear, artful, poetic lyrics that make us all think. Walla’s guitar and production abilities put Gibbard’s insights into human relationships to an even more artfully appealing dimension. The bombardment of sounds and tracks on “Different Names for the Same Thing” mimic the feeling associated with what the song is about: being in a foreign country and bombarded by signs and people that you do not understand. “Plans” is a truly beautiful album that shows Death Cab’s maturity while staying true to their indie roots and original style.
Gibbard’s lyrics are the albatross of the album? c’mon… “A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere” is one of the most beautifully simple and poetic lines I’ve ever heard in a song. The mere sound of the words evokes a soothing sound that few other artists can create. And who would think to compare a couple in a fading relationship to “brothers on a hotel bed,” something many of us can relate to, but never really make the connection. How many near-30 year olds do you know who have the balls to maturely make an album exploring the relationship between love and death? Gibbard brings thoughts that many of us have to clear, artful, poetic lyrics that make us all think. Walla’s guitar and production abilities put Gibbard’s insights into human relationships to an even more artfully appealing dimension. The bombardment of sounds and tracks on “Different Names for the Same Thing” mimic the feeling associated with what the song is about: being in a foreign country and bombarded by signs and people that you do not understand. “Plans” is a truly beautiful album that shows Death Cab’s maturity while staying true to their indie roots and original style.
I’ll be damned if this album isn’t on par with the most beautiful thing i’ve ever heard, which may just be transatlanticism.
OFCOURSE it will mimic its predecessor. Denying that is saying that a band should change its style for every album they do, in fear of what? If people like it, which they friggen well do, then hell, give me MORE of this wonderful shit, and fast. If theres nothing more beautiful in the world to you, then why change a thing? And even if different, in this case death cab with a hint of postal service, no reason why it’s changes aren’t more beautiful. For you to decide. They are to me.
These lyrics get me through this world. Sit down, listen, and try, just try to call this rubbish. I agree with Jamie, “A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere” gives me shivers. Amazing.
This man has a gift, and hell,
I don’t want to see them change ANYTHING for the sake of a bigger audience. The only audience that deserves them are those that can admire how truly amazing this music is, just as it is. That’s it. Right there. Just as it is.
It’s been an emotional day, forgive me.
I can’t wait to fall further in love with this.
Sam.
“You may tire of me, as our December Sun is setting, cause I’m not who I used to be.”
I think Mr. Gibbard wrote this lyric for the reviewer and those of his ilk.
Change is good. So is Plans. Ingore this review.
Haha, I love it when GloNo gets slammed by fanboys! Who knew Death Cab had such rabid zealots?
Good review, Tom. I like the album a little more than you, but I never jumped on the Cutie bandwagon. The latest from New Pornographers is much better, IMO.
nah us ‘fanboys’ aren’t zealost we’re the people’s front of judia…
c’mon? His lyrics are albatross, do you remember the cd’s previous to this one in comparison to this? Gibbard is on a much higher platform on his other cd’s to this one. His lyrics are somewhat chldish and repititive. His emotional well being isn’t as distraught as what he was and let’s admit being distraught makes for a good album. Who he is now isn’t even heard through the song it is just this idea that he has, this philosophy of how love between death are. The melodies are beautiful, they are soothing and left you lingering on the day that were better then this that have come. But how are his lyrics so good if I feel like I havn’t learned anything from him? I saw no new reality from his perspective, it didn’t leave me lingering on anything. There are balls of energy we as humans carry in our hearts and minds those emotions are what makes words. Even though there isn’t a word in the world that can grasp the concept of feeling internally there is somewhat a way, a interconnection between words and sound that leave you with that lingering. Without that lingering there is basically no reason to listen to music. This is death cab for cutie we are talking about, this is Gibbard the man who grabbed out hearts with melodies that were slow, he was the man that you went to when you knew winter and death was on it’s way. Not someone who sings about summer and summer skin. Sure it’s catchy and it as something going for it, but between the lines for who this man is, he is failing to live up to the expectations that we all once held for him.
The lyrics on Plans are awesome but I’d have to agree that they can’t match those of previous Death Cab for Cutie albums. The lyrics in the previous albums gave it a strange indie feel. Yet, I think this album holds together better than the other Death Cab albums I’ve heard (besides Transatlanticism maybe).
Although I may not be as well versed in the lyrical stylings of previous Death Cab albums, I must say I find some of Plan’s lyrics mesmerizing.
I wish we could open our eyes
To see in all directions at the same time
Oh what a beautiful view
If you were never aware of what was around you
And it is true what you said
That I live like a hermit in my own head
But when the sun shines again
I’ll pull the curtains and blinds to let the light in.
If theres no one beside you when your soul embarks, I’ll follow you into the dark…
The lyrics, in my opinion are simply put, Beautiful. Death Cab is amazing. I will say that it took me a few listens to truly apprechiate the wonderful lyrics, but once I listened closly I found something original, something poetic, something that you don’t often find in music today…
I disagree with the person who wrote this review. Clearly, the lyrics are outstanding.
To whoever “nate” is. You are very incorrect. You cannot criticize anothers opinion on a review. You may disagree, however, that does not prove them wrong. You can NEVER tell someone their thoughts are wrong.
Unless someone’s thoughts are that someone else’s thoughts are wrong. Apparently you can tell them that THEIR thoughts are wrong. Doesn’t anyone think?