SOW: Expo '86 by Death Cab For Cutie
November 07, 2003 | 
3 Comments
The Artist: Death Cab For Cutie
The Song: Expo ‘86
The Album: Transatlanticism
Released 2003
So much good music out lately. Even so, this weeks pick wasn’t too hard as it’s so damn good.
Transatlanticism is yet another amazing album from Death Cab For Cutie. While I’ve not dubbed this their best album yet, I’m getting close. What I can say is that I feel like this is the most focused album they’ve put out.
Each track is amazingly clear both in sound and in message. The songwriting really shines here and at the same time Transatlanticism really showcases DCFC’s musical talent.
What really makes this album for me is the lyrics. Ben Gibbard is truly talented and it’s evident on every song. All of which seem to be about relationships of all kinds. They’re not all brokenhearted love songs.
He obviously has a firm grasp on how people interact and makes clear and honest observations that really get at the listener and draw them into the real story behind the words. A tough thing to do.
It’s it just me or does the Northwest really represent when it comes to great song-writing.
We’ve got Gibbard, Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse, and perhaps my favorite — Doug Martsch (Idaho counts right?) from Built to Spill. All great bands with amazing singer/song-writers.
“Transatlanticism”, “We Looked Like Giants”, “The New Year”, “A Lack of Color” and this week’s song — “Expo ‘86” — are my immediate favorites, but all the tracks are excellent. If you’ve not yet picked it up, I highly recommend it.
Recommended if you like: Modest Mouse, The Strokes, Built To Spill, The Postal Service, The Shins
Filed under: Song of The Week
Comments
1. Mark Trammell said:
Just saw them Tuesday night in Jacksonville, Fla. They were amazing! I went expecting a good show; they definitely exceeded my expectations. Though Transatlanticism is a great album (and, in my opinion, their best), it doesn’t do justice to seeing them live. The energy with which they perform just can’t come across in a studio album.
BTW, Mates of State opened for them and were a solid first act. MoS will be here in Gainesville at Common Grounds on Monday, Nov. 10.
Posted on November 7, 2003 12:37 PM | #
2. Keith said:
No kidding, they are awesome live. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them quite a few times over the years, and they’ve always been great.
Posted on November 7, 2003 12:51 PM | #
3. louise said:
I too, have had the pleasure of seeing them live and the first time i saw them they were good, but the last time i saw them (which was recently at the fillmore on the 27th of november03)they blew me away and i walked away with this amazing high after the show, which in all cases is a rarity. Now that is saying how good they are live
Posted on December 13, 2003 10:29 AM | #
Comments are now closed