The Death of Death Cab

The attempt to preview Death Cab For Cutie’s new album, Narrow Stairs was a failure; I was so impatient, and quite frankly bored, that I turned to an older release, The Photo Album, which was undoubtedly my favorite, even more so than their “classic” albums like Something About Airplanes. Maybe I’m just nostalgic for 2001. After all, I also loved Saves The Day’s Stay What You Are and Bright Eyes’ Lifted, or The Story’s in the Soil… (though that came out in 2002). I was an insular 16 year old who’s only reality and consolation was the young “independent” music scene at a time when I could finally drive myself to shows. The prospect of meeting these musicians and sharing music was so enticing – that is, until I actually met them. Ben Gibbard with his sweaty hands and blank stares and Conor Oberst and his drunk demeanor and crooked smile. But it was a phase that I grew out of… I think. No x’s on my hands now when I go to bars for shows because I’m a grown-up. If only Death Cab could pick it up with more inspired Postal Service-esque tunes, we’ll all be a little more engaged and happy!