Death Cab for Cutie going Pop/Mainstream?

[_Andrew]

Death Cab for Cutie (http://www.spinner.com/tag/DeathCabforCutie/) want to take over the airwaves with its next album. Although frontman Ben Gibbard (http://www.spinner.com/tag/BenGibbard/) hasn't even begun writing the follow up to last year's 'Narrow Stairs,' the band's producer/guitarist Chris Walla (http://www.spinner.com/tag/ChrisWalla/) hopes to make a bigger, bolder musical statement with Death Cab's next disc.
"I have no interest in doing anything that's mild and meek," Walla tells Alternative Press (http://altpress.com/features/296.htm). "I want to make a radio record this next time out. There's no reason for us to keep doing what we're doing if we're making meeker, smaller records." He explains, "I don't particularly have any real connection to a lot of the mellower stuff that Ben writes. I really feel like he's getting his best stuff when he's being assertive and forward."


You can read the rest here: http://www.spinner.com/2009/01/05/death-cab-for-cutie-want-to-own-the-airwaves/


also not the first time Chris has said something along the same lines of the above, in this interview done only at the end of last month (so like a week ago) he says this:




It has been mentioned that the next Death Cab For Cutie record is going to be somewhat more catered for the commercial mainstream?
Yes as I’m dying to make a pop record. And it is really opposite to where I was like three years ago. I don’t know what it is. My pendulum swings pretty wide I guess.


source: http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/death_cab_for_cutie_everything_tend s_to_have_a_natural_evolution.html


Personally, I was very very very disappointed to read that, I mean when i compare Narrow Stairs to their previous sound (Transatlanticism, Plans, Photo Album etc...). I can already hear the shift, while Narrow Stairs is no where near as enjoyable as Transatl. or Plans for me, it's not entirely "pop" there's a few good tracks, Grapevine Fires, You Can Do Better Than Me.


I just bought their latest EP two days ago and I was impressed, overall it was better than the entire Narrow Stairs album.


I always thought they'd just go back to their sound, or at least stay in the same sort of range as their previous sound... but for them to just ditch it all and go Pop or Mainstream? wtf...? I'd be so annoyed to turn the radio on one day and hear Death Cab on a commercial station...


Thoughts..?

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Well The Postal Service is all over commercials. I would hope that DC stays away from that realm of the business.


On a side not I still haven't heard the new EP but I have only heard great things.

[_Andrew]

Well The Postal Service is all over commercials. I would hope that DC stays away from that realm of the business.


On a side not I still haven't heard the new EP but I have only heard great things.

Didn't know TPS had been used in commercials in the states... but for some reason my respect for Gibbard and DCFC allows me to overlook/excuse that.

I mean after all they did really make their break through on The O.C. but... for them to completely shift their sound to something I would most likely hear on the radios top 20 while driving home, would make me puke!

The EP, still has a "Narrow Stairs" kinda rocky sound to it, but its better than the album for sure.

[Smash Adams]

I wonder if Zooey is at all responsible for this, she's like Yoko but prettier and a better singer

[_Andrew]

I wonder if Zooey is at all responsible for this, she's like Yoko but prettier and a better singer

I would think that Zooey would have a positive effect on Ben's writing skills in a lyrical sense, rather than a negative.

It's Chris' is fault. I seriously think Ben can have a brilliant solo career.

[Smash Adams]

I would think that Zooey would have a positive effect on Ben's writing skills in a lyrical sense, rather than a negative.

It's Chris' is fault. I seriously think Ben can have a brilliant solo career.
I didn't necessarily mean it in a bad way, by poppy he probably means more of 60s pop than modern pop which I think would work well for them, I'd be interested to hear it

[Praetor]

I don't like this news at all. Narrow Stairs was an awesome direction for them, and a huge step up from the clusterfuck that was Plans.
The EP, still has a "Narrow Stairs" kinda rocky sound to it, but its better than the album for sure.
That's because the EP consists of outtakes from the Narrow Stairs session.

[_Andrew]

see 60's pop i suppose i wouldn't mind too much, but i mean if they're gonna be going up against Katy Perry and Britney Spears and shit at the next MTV Music awards... then fuck lol

[_Andrew]

I don't like this news at all. Narrow Stairs was an awesome direction for them, and a huge step up from the clusterfuck that was Plans.

That's because the EP consists of outtakes from the Narrow Stairs session.

Yeah I know... but it's still significantly better, I don't know why. I especially like the demo of Talking Bird.

[Smash Adams]

see 60's pop i suppose i wouldn't mind too much, but i mean if they're gonna be going up against Katy Perry and Britney Spears and shit at the next MTV Music awards... then fuck lol
I don't think Chris Walla listens to that stuff haha, definitely not what he meant by poppy

[_Andrew]

I don't think Chris Walla listens to that stuff haha, definitely not what he meant by poppy

haha I sure hope not lol...

[Keagan Ilvonen]

95EeUAvAba4

[_Andrew]

95EeUAvAba4

they jacked the beat lol... they didn't even use any vocals hahaha...

[batmannj]

I really hope they don't go "mainstream" because they are finally starting to gain some mainstream appeal by doing what they have always been doing, which is writing great music.

[thefinalcatch]

Well also it's just the history of every band. First they find their unique sound which hits a certain crowd so they have a following. Eventually, the band continues to expand their musical abilities and songwriting skills up to the next level which is summed up with a question of: Is this a commercially acceptable album? That is where every band ends up at some point. Whether or not this album will sell or not. Or will it make more money than the last album? The music business is both music and business in one people tend to forget that. That's why band's change. If they don't then they don't increase their sales, it will stay level or drop off. That's what I plan on doing with my music except I'm trying to start at the commercially acceptable stage. Music as an art is still important because the lyrics, in my opinion, makes the song what it is and that's what tells the story. The instruments are just supporting the story.

[_Andrew]

Well also it's just the history of every band. First they find their unique sound which hits a certain crowd so they have a following. Eventually, the band continues to expand their musical abilities and songwriting skills up to the next level which is summed up with a question of: Is this a commercially acceptable album? That is where every band ends up at some point. Whether or not this album will sell or not. Or will it make more money than the last album? The music business is both music and business in one people tend to forget that. That's why band's change. If they don't then they don't increase their sales, it will stay level or drop off. That's what I plan on doing with my music except I'm trying to start at the commercially acceptable stage. Music as an art is still important because the lyrics, in my opinion, makes the song what it is and that's what tells the story. The instruments are just supporting the story.

You raise a good point, a well-known issue but nevertheless a good point.

The thing is, a band like death cab for cutie that has multiple EPs, and Albums... just by doing what they do best wouldn't need to go and change their sound if it wasn't because of a certain record label (Atlantic)... I'm sure they gotta have something to do with it.

Let's face it, Plans sold more than any other album they've ever made. If they were gonna go mainstream, they would have done it right away with their next album (Narrow Stairs)... I mean that would have been the ideal time - at their peak.

Why would they go and change it up now?

[Keagan Ilvonen]

they jacked the beat lol... they didn't even use any vocals hahaha...

basically haha. I could swear I saw it in another commercial but I can't think of it.

[thefinalcatch]

You raise a good point, a well-known issue but nevertheless a good point.

The thing is, a band like death cab for cutie that has multiple EPs, and Albums... just by doing what they do best wouldn't need to go and change their sound if it wasn't because of a certain record label (Atlantic)... I'm sure they gotta have something to do with it.

Let's face it, Plans sold more than any other album they've ever made. If they were gonna go mainstream, they would have done it right away with their next album (Narrow Stairs)... I mean that would have been the ideal time - at their peak.

Why would they go and change it up now?


It could be because that they are looking to find the sound that makes them and their record company happy. I'm not sure you'd have to talk to them personally. Even their producer.

[_Andrew]

It could be because that they are looking to find the sound that makes them and their record company happy. I'm not sure you'd have to talk to them personally. Even their producer.

If I had to talk to Chris Walla personally, i'd probably kick his head in for suggesting such an absurd idea.

[thefinalcatch]

If I had to talk to Chris Walla personally, i'd probably kick his head in for suggesting such an absurd idea.

Haha I'm not huge fan of Death Cab but they're pretty talented musicians for sure. I'm getting a music business major in college right now. So, it just seems that the direction they're going is a bit of a heated debate between the band members and between the band and the record company.

[_Andrew]

Haha I'm not huge fan of Death Cab but they're pretty talented musicians for sure. I'm getting a music business major in college right now. So, it just seems that the direction they're going is a bit of a heated debate between the band members and between the band and the record company.

That's the thing though, Chris Walla (The Producer/Band Member) seems to be the one that is pushing this concept more than anyone else, I haven't read or heard Ben ever say that this is the kinda direction he'd like to go in.

But for sure, I think your right when you say the record label is influencing they're motives.

[MickShamrock]

They went mainstream when they were featured on The OC.

[_Andrew]

They went mainstream when they were featured on The OC.

I wouldn't say they went "mainstream" but rather they became exposed. The OC is responsible for the exposure of plenty of bands, and artists. For example: Bright Eyes, Modest Mouse etc... would you consider those bands mainstream now?

[Neo Cassady]

Well The Postal Service is all over commercials. I would hope that DC stays away from that realm of the business.

"Transatlanticism" was in a Canadian cell phone commercial about 5 years ago.

[Praetor]

I wouldn't say they went "mainstream" but rather they became exposed. The OC is responsible for the exposure of plenty of bands, and artists. For example: Bright Eyes, Modest Mouse etc... would you consider those bands mainstream now?
Modest Mouse for sure...everybody knows Float On. Everybody. Bright Eyes not so much.

[MickShamrock]

Modest Mouse for sure...everybody knows Float On. Everybody. Bright Eyes not so much.

I agree with this.

[batmannj]

Modest Mouse for sure...everybody knows Float On. Everybody. Bright Eyes not so much.

I don't know if I would say mainstream for Bright Eyes, but I think quite a few people who heard nothing else by them still knows "Lover I Don't Have To Love"

[_Andrew]

Modest Mouse for sure...everybody knows Float On. Everybody. Bright Eyes not so much.

I agree with this.

I don't know if I would say mainstream for Bright Eyes, but I think quite a few people who heard nothing else by them still knows "Lover I Don't Have To Love"

But see I could generally walk up to people at random on the street and ask them if they know: DCFC, Modest Mouse or Bright Eyes (at least here in Aus.) and probably 2 out of 10 will get at least one of them. As opposed to me asking if they know who Beyonce, Katy Perry or Lady Gaga are where i'd get at least 2 out of 3 of them if not all 3 from each person.

To me, that's not mainstream... people's ability to recognize a song versus, being familiar with the artist or more of their works isn't mainstream.

So while people might recognize "Float On" or "Lover I Don't Have to Love" if you try and play those same people "Lua" by Bright Eyes or "Talking Shit About A Pretty Sunset" by Modest Mouse, what are the real odds they'll be able to tell you who the artist of the songs are?

edit: It's kinda like those people who know (or like) one song by an artist and then believe they have a right to claim that they are a "fan".

[Praetor]

But see I could generally walk up to people at random on the street and ask them if they know: DCFC, Modest Mouse or Bright Eyes (at least here in Aus.) and probably 2 out of 10 will get at least one of them. As opposed to me asking if they know who Beyonce, Katy Perry or Lady Gaga are where i'd get at least 2 out of 3 of them if not all 3 from each person.

To me, that's not mainstream... people's ability to recognize a song versus, being familiar with the artist or more of their works isn't mainstream.

So while people might recognize "Float On" or "Lover I Don't Have to Love" if you try and play those same people "Lua" by Bright Eyes or "Talking Shit About A Pretty Sunset" by Modest Mouse, what are the real odds they'll be able to tell you who the artist of the songs are?

edit: It's kinda like those people who know (or like) one song by an artist and then believe they have a right to claim that they are a "fan".
By that right then basically no artist is mainstream. Ask a Beatles "fan" about Wild Honey Pie? A Fall Out Boy "fan" about The Patron Saint of Liars and Fakes? A Dylan "fan" about Temporary Like Achilles? The mainstream in general is oriented towards songs, not artists' catalog as a whole, or even albums. I do see your point though.

[uglystar03]

I would love to see them do another album like Plans. I think that album had plenty of commercial appeal. It's probably their most accessible album to date. Either way, I love pop music, and I think they have the chops to write some great pop songs. Whatever direction they go in, I'm sure it will be delicious.

[_Andrew]

By that right then basically no artist is mainstream. Ask a Beatles "fan" about Wild Honey Pie? A Fall Out Boy "fan" about The Patron Saint of Liars and Fakes? A Dylan "fan" about Temporary Like Achilles? The mainstream in general is oriented towards songs, not artists' catalog as a whole, or even albums. I do see your point though.

I see what you're saying too, but I mean the songs I've mentioned are generally well known songs, they're public songs, they're on their albums. Significant albums too, they're not b-sides or anything.

The general Bright Eyes/Modest Mouse fan would know what I'm talking about, as would the typical Coldplay fan if I asked them if they've heard the song "Don't Panic", which is from their 2000 album Parachutes.

To me mainstream is if i turn on the tv or radio and see you or hear you on a commercial station, if I walk down the street and see billboards advertising your latest work, if i can ask pretty ordinary looking person if they've heard one of you're songs.

[lonelysuperstar]

I would love to see them do another album like Plans. I think that album had plenty of commercial appeal. It's probably their most accessible album to date. Either way, I love pop music, and I think they have the chops to write some great pop songs. Whatever direction they go in, I'm sure it will be delicious.
this. i think death cab are at their best when they're poppy.

[_Andrew]

this. i think death cab are at their best when they're poppy.

If you conceptualize "poppy" as Plans, then i agree.. I'd rather another plans album then them trying to push their way into another genre.

[decodeyoutokyo]

Define Death Cab making a pop record...

Plans pop? Go right ahead.

Atlantic pop...well looks like all great bands must FAIL. Missy Elliot's on Atlantic...maybe they'll tour with her on for support. Sweet! I would love to see Ben sing on Work It.

All aboard the failboat.

[lonelysuperstar]

i don't get why everyone is so sceptical. it's not like they're suddenly going to stop being great musicians and start writing new Britney singles. i have faith that anything Gibbard and crew do will be brilliant, it always has been.

[Coh33d]

Honestly I think this band can do no wrong. Everything they have come out with so far has been pretty much fantastic and I would personally love to hear their take on a pop record. Its not like their previous stuff has been that far away from pop anyway. Every album has at least one really poppy song on it.

[Praetor]

I see what you're saying too, but I mean the songs I've mentioned are generally well known songs, they're public songs, they're on their albums. Significant albums too, they're not b-sides or anything.

The general Bright Eyes/Modest Mouse fan would know what I'm talking about, as would the typical Coldplay fan if I asked them if they've heard the song "Don't Panic", which is from their 2000 album Parachutes.

To me mainstream is if i turn on the tv or radio and see you or hear you on a commercial station, if I walk down the street and see billboards advertising your latest work, if i can a pretty ordinary looking person if they've heard one of you're songs.
Ah I see what you're saying now. I guess I just have a looser definition of mainstream.

[mrxstripes]

If so, I want full on synchronized dancing.

In reality though, I think Walla has an offbeat view of pop because he was constantly calling Field Manual 'a nice pop record' and I was just like Ookay, if you call that pop sure. I still love him though

[uglystar03]

Define Death Cab making a pop record...

Plans pop? Go right ahead.

Atlantic pop...well looks like all great bands must FAIL. Missy Elliot's on Atlantic...maybe they'll tour with her on for support. Sweet! I would love to see Ben sing on Work It.

All aboard the failboat.

I don't see why you are being so negative. When they say pop, I interpret that as Beatles-esque pop, not R&B type pop.

[_Andrew]

If so, I want full on synchronized dancing.

In reality though, I think Walla has an offbeat view of pop because he was constantly calling Field Manual 'a nice pop record' and I was just like Ookay, if you call that pop sure. I still love him though

It's closer to pop than it is to indie that's for sure.

[uglystar03]

If so, I want full on synchronized dancing.

In reality though, I think Walla has an offbeat view of pop because he was constantly calling Field Manual 'a nice pop record' and I was just like Ookay, if you call that pop sure. I still love him though

And that's what I don't think people are understanding. When Chris Walla says pop, he isn't saying they want to play R&B or nu-metal or any other genre that is confused with pop. I see it as he wants to play straightforward songs that are based off simple sweet melodies.

[lonelysuperstar]

Honestly I think this band can do no wrong. Everything they have come out with so far has been pretty much fantastic and I would personally love to hear their take on a pop record. Its not like their previous stuff has been that far away from pop anyway. Every album has at least one really poppy song on it.
exactly. if anything, i'm super excited :)

[circatbs]

fuckin shit fuck

[mrxstripes]

And that's what I don't think people are understanding. When Chris Walla says pop, he isn't saying they want to play R&B or nu-metal or any other genre that is confused with pop. I see it as he wants to play straightforward songs that are based off simple sweet melodies.
Exactly.
Now if their new stuff is all dance beats and songs about making love in a club then I'll second guess them, but I really just think Walla's idea of pop is different from the general idea of pop haha.

[boxingwithstars]

I would love to see them do another album like Plans. I think that album had plenty of commercial appeal. It's probably their most accessible album to date. Either way, I love pop music, and I think they have the chops to write some great pop songs. Whatever direction they go in, I'm sure it will be delicious.

i agree, i consider Plans to be their most mainstream album so far. i think they could definitely break into the mainstream even further without changing their sound that much.

[3mpire]

I don't like this news at all. Narrow Stairs was an awesome direction for them, and a huge step up from the clusterfuck that was Plans.

That's because the EP consists of outtakes from the Narrow Stairs session.
Plans? Clusterfuck? Were we listening to the same album?! Ha.

[Praetor]

Plans? Clusterfuck? Were we listening to the same album?! Ha.
Easily their worst album imo. Two good (Sarah, Brothers) and two decent (Manhattan, I Will Follow You). Everything else is forgettable.

[uglystar03]

Easily their worst album imo. Two good (Sarah, Brothers) and two decent (Manhattan, I Will Follow You). Everything else is forgettable.

Apparently we are listening with different ears. I prefer Plans over Narrow Stairs any day. I think Narrow Stairs is largely forgettable, with only a few decent songs.

[_Andrew]

Easily their worst album imo. Two good (Sarah, Brothers) and two decent (Manhattan, I Will Follow You). Everything else is forgettable.

I agree with all of he above by would probably throw "Your Heart is an empty room" in their too.

[3mpire]

Apparently we are listening with different ears. I prefer Plans over Narrow Stairs any day. I think Narrow Stairs is largely forgettable, with only a few decent songs.
I'm totally with you on this. Plans is a really strong album. I can't even name half of the tracks from Narrow Stairs. Cath.. is the only track I'd consider a real stand out.

[batmannj]

I see what you're saying too, but I mean the songs I've mentioned are generally well known songs, they're public songs, they're on their albums. Significant albums too, they're not b-sides or anything.

The general Bright Eyes/Modest Mouse fan would know what I'm talking about, as would the typical Coldplay fan if I asked them if they've heard the song "Don't Panic", which is from their 2000 album Parachutes.

To me mainstream is if i turn on the tv or radio and see you or hear you on a commercial station, if I walk down the street and see billboards advertising your latest work, if i can ask pretty ordinary looking person if they've heard one of you're songs.
Ok yeah I see what you mean. To be honest, I really hope that Death Cab doesn't go for this because they are a band that I don't wanna see some teenie bopper kid in Hot Topic listening to. I was in the Hot Topic at my local mall and I saw The Decemberists CD in there and I died a little on the inside.

[_Andrew]

Narrow Stairs also lacks staying power for me too. Nothing compares to Transatlanticism.

[uglystar03]

I'm totally with you on this. Plans is a really strong album. I can't even name half of the tracks from Narrow Stairs. Cath.. is the only track I'd consider a real stand out.

I don't think Narrow Stairs is a bad album by any means, but I would say it is the most disappointing from their discography. I usually only listen to Cath, No Sunlight, Your New Twinsized Bed, and Grapevine Fires off that album, whereas I only skip Crooked Teeth while listening to Plans.

[theguy77]

who gives a fuck? this band still pumps out quality music, i got so into narrow stairs and plans last night. they can play this band however the fuck many times they want on "alternative" radio, beats the shit out of kings of leon/the fray.

[3mpire]

I'm really enjoying the Photo Album at the moment. Love the mood that's created in Coney Island.

[theguy77]

I'm really enjoying the Photo Album at the moment. Love the mood that's created in Coney Island.

right on! my favorites are probably songs 2-4 -- early i know but the album keeps your attention quite well regardless. i was so surprised when i heard we laugh indoors, never before knew death cab could rock out like THAT.

[uglystar03]

I'm really enjoying the Photo Album at the moment. Love the mood that's created in Coney Island.

Absolutely. Coney Island is probably one of my favorite Death Cab tracks. From some reason I have a desire to watch Cloverfield when I listen to it, though.

[_Andrew]

who gives a fuck? this band still pumps out quality music, i got so into narrow stairs and plans last night. they can play this band however the fuck many times they want on "alternative" radio, beats the shit out of kings of leon/the fray.

Doubt you'd be saying that if you saw a 13 year old girl at the bus stop talking to her friends about her personal interpretation of title and registeration. As obnoxious and egocentric as this may come across, the sort of audience that listen to your music or buy your records says a lot about the quality of music your producing.

[_Andrew]

The Photo Album is awesome!

[3mpire]

Doubt you'd be saying that if you saw a 13 year old girl at the bus stop talking to her friends about her personal interpretation of title and registeration. The as obnoxious and egocentric as this may come across, the type of people who listen to your music or buy your records says a lot about the quality of music your producing.
Problem is, there'll always be retards buying music from whatever band. This is something you can't stop.

[_Andrew]

Problem is, there'll always be retards buying music from whatever band. This is something you can't stop.


You're right, but the thing is a few idiots is better than an entire following of dumb fucks.

[theguy77]

Doubt you'd be saying that if you saw a 13 year old girl at the bus stop talking to her friends about her personal interpretation of title and registeration. As obnoxious and egocentric as this may come across, the sort of audience that listen to your music or buy your records says a lot about the quality of music your producing.

its not obnoxious and egocentric, its just pathetic. why cant you be happy death cab are finally able to secure their futures with a music career? they deserve it so much and they spent 5 albums and 7 years under an independent label that still works exclusively out of seattle. go ahead and psych yourself into thinking death cab are shit now because you're pretentious and think you're better than their current fanbase, thats just more quality music you're missing out on. death cab do have a very straightforward pop appeal but thats ALWAYS been there and they still havent lost what's underneath that.

[_Andrew]

its not obnoxious and egocentric, its just pathetic. why cant you be happy death cab are finally able to secure their futures with a music career? they deserve it so much and they spent 5 albums and 7 years under an independent label that still works exclusively out of seattle. go ahead and psych yourself into thinking death cab are shit now because you're pretentious and think you're better than their current fanbase, thats just more quality music you're missing out on. death cab do have a very straightforward pop appeal but thats ALWAYS been there and they still havent lost what's underneath that.

Dude you just totally judged me and my perogatives on what basis exactly? Don't get ahead of yourself. Your entitled to your opinion and so am I. I don't believe moving genres is a good move, simply because I appreciate their current sound and I have every right to take that stance. I won't think they're shit, I'll always be interested in hearing whatever it is they come up with. However doesn mean I'll enjoy it. And if that makes me pretentious then wow!

[theguy77]

Dude you just totally judged me and my perogatives on what basis exactly? Don't get ahead of yourself. Your entitled to your opinion and so am I. I don't believe moving genres is a good move, simply because I appreciate their current sound and I have every right to take that stance. I won't think they're shit, I'll always be interested in hearing whatever it is they come up with. However doesn mean I'll enjoy it. And if that makes me pretentious then wow!

im sorry if i was a bit abrasive, it comes from the bitterness of these stupid poll threads and people always making the dumb choice. but come on man as a real death cab fan you've got to trust that when they say they're making a pop record its gonna be a damn good one. ben's an incredible songwriter, chris is an incredible producer. relax, they're not going to be brittany spears and it doesnt matter how many 13 year old girls latch themselves onto the trend, they're still death cab for fucking cutie, you know?

[_Andrew]

All good, I feel your passion. Trust me I love death cab a he'll of a lot but you gotta expct a bit of anxiety when something yourbso thoroughly familiar with is going to change. I'm not one of those people who hates change as long as it's good change. What can be constituted aa good change? Well thats totally relative and personal... But I mean let me aak you this, so you think if the first time you heard death cab was from a 13 year old you would have given them a serious shot?

I think Gibbard is an awesome lyricist but, and walla has done some great production. I'm just not sure how I'll feel with a completely unfamiliar sounding dcfc.

[lonelysuperstar]

Exactly.
Now if their new stuff is all dance beats and songs about making love in a club then I'll second guess them, but I really just think Walla's idea of pop is different from the general idea of pop haha.

i could totally get into a death cab song about making love in a club. sounds like a huge win.

[lonelysuperstar]

I think Gibbard is an awesome lyricist but, and walla has done some great production. I'm just not sure how I'll feel with a completely unfamiliar sounding dcfc.

see, i don't think they're going to be a completely unfamiliar sounding dcfc. they're still the same band dude. i mean, narrow stairs was a huge change from plans, but it still shares heaps in common as well. i'm just excited to see what they'll put out next.

[_Andrew]

see, i don't think they're going to be a completely unfamiliar sounding dcfc. they're still the same band dude. i mean, narrow stairs was a huge change from plans, but it still shares heaps in common as well. i'm just excited to see what they'll put out next.

i don't see any commonalities between plans and narrow stairs. just like i don't see any commonalities with transatlanticism and plans...

[Keagan Ilvonen]

"Transatlanticism" was in a Canadian cell phone commercial about 5 years ago.

Really? That seems pretty random but I could see it happening.

[GuitarR0cker1]

I feel like Death Cab has always been fairly poppy. That is actually what got me into to them, I just hope they don't water down their music or lyrics for more catchiness.

[2 fly and shy]

Death Cab has had significant commercial appeal and mainstream success already. Don't see the point of this thread.

[Snork]

Yeah, I don't really get what the big deal is. They've always been a rather poppy band. I also am kind of amazed to read people's posts saying they don't see any commonalities between Plans and Narrow Stairs
Death Cab has never really done much of anything to change their sound, and Narrow Stairs was supposed to be their big 'curveball' album
reading all the press surrounding it before its release is such a joke now
how they were going to make it harder and more aggressive and sludgy and stuff like that
honestly i'm pretty thrilled to hear them talking about changing their sound
maybe it'll actually happen this time
and besides it's not like they weren't already a pop band

[JustSway]

who gives a fuck? this band still pumps out quality music, i got so into narrow stairs and plans last night. they can play this band however the fuck many times they want on "alternative" radio, beats the shit out of kings of leon/the fray.

This post wins the thread.

Honestly I dont see why everyones getting so worried. I guess all Walla means is he wants some big, anthemic, hook-laden songs. Think along the lines of The Sound of Settling, perfect Pop-rock for radio whilst still being identifiably DCFC. I can see why youd get a bit bored of nothing but "The Ben Gibbard Experiance".

If its a return to Plans, then brilliant, though I really would never have labled Plans as a pop album at all and Im a little confused as to why, it's a pretty dark album.

[lonelysuperstar]

If its a return to Plans, then brilliant, though I really would never have labled Plans as a pop album at all and Im a little confused as to why, it's a pretty dark album.
Yeah, it was dark, but it was catchy as and well produced.

[JustSway]

Yeah, it was dark, but it was catchy as and well produced.

Yeah that still doesn't mean its a pop album. As much as Narrow Stairs seems to get shit on, didn't it do very well, like, number 1 on the Billboard charts or something? So I dont think people should worry too much about a shift in sound as what they did on Narrow Stairs clearly did something right.

[lonelysuperstar]

^ Well aside from pop just being short for popular, I think it's grown to have another meaning, which describes an approach to songwriting. I'd say that Narrow Stairs is less pop in its sound than Plans because it has 4minute long intros, it's a little bit more gritty, and it doesn't have the hooks of songs like "Your Heart is An Empty Room" or "Crooked Teeth". I think being catchy and well produced does make it more poppy, because those are things that people want in a radio single. I work for a radio station and if a song doesn't have those qualities, it pretty much just isn't considered for airplay. And what encompasses pop music more than commercial radio?

[3mpire]

To be honest, I wouldn't mind an album full of Soul Meets Body / Sound of Settling if that's what he's getting at. As long as they're great songs, it's all good.

[_Andrew]

To be honest, I wouldn't mind an album full of Soul Meets Body / Sound of Settling if that's what he's getting at. As long as they're great songs, it's all good.

I wouldn't mind this either to be honest. But I would LOVE another Transatlanticism.

[perfectstranger]

why? you already have one

[_Andrew]

why? you already have one

I was saying i would appreciate an album with that similar sort of sound.. i get what you're alluring to though.

But im just saying i like that era of Death Cab.

[theguy77]

I wouldn't mind this either to be honest. But I would LOVE another Transatlanticism.

yeah, ive kind of accepted that thats their best album and not to expect them to top it or redo it. but hey if they still put out albums like narrow stairs, im satisfied.

[theguy77]

To be honest, I wouldn't mind an album full of Soul Meets Body / Sound of Settling if that's what he's getting at. As long as they're great songs, it's all good.

yeah see like it might sound really scary what hes saying, but come on its chris walla we're talking here haha. when he says pop i bet he means like beatles-style pop which is always amazing.

[theguy77]

All good, I feel your passion. Trust me I love death cab a he'll of a lot but you gotta expct a bit of anxiety when something yourbso thoroughly familiar with is going to change. I'm not one of those people who hates change as long as it's good change. What can be constituted aa good change? Well thats totally relative and personal... But I mean let me aak you this, so you think if the first time you heard death cab was from a 13 year old you would have given them a serious shot?

probably not but now that i already know how brilliant their writing is i cant let that bother me, you know?

I think Gibbard is an awesome lyricist but, and walla has done some great production. I'm just not sure how I'll feel with a completely unfamiliar sounding dcfc.

well narrow stairs is pretty unfamiliar for them too, and in all honesty i was skeptical about it at first. but i love death cab enough to give any curveball they throw at me several listens and i have faith that i'll get used to it and enjoy it even if they do something completely different.

I feel like Death Cab has always been fairly poppy. That is actually what got me into to them, I just hope they don't water down their music or lyrics for more catchiness.

in all fairness they already watered down their lyrics, ben wrote some dense, ambiguous shit on their first two records.

[s.t.e.v.e.n.]

Indie-Pop band talks about being poppy. Where's the tragedy?

Don't repeat yourselves, I read the whole thread. I just think this is not a big deal. They haven't been YOUR little band for a long time.

[GuitarR0cker1]

in all fairness they already watered down their lyrics, ben wrote some dense, ambiguous shit on their first two records.
Oh I agree, I just don't want them to water down their lyrics even more.

[_Andrew]

Oh I agree, I just don't want them to water down their lyrics even more.

Neither.

I think that's what makes Ben Gibbard unique, like when you listen to a song like Transatlanticism for example, it's not entirely in your face, like you don't get what he's saying immediately on the first listen. There's a lot of metaphors in there that describe the distance/space.

It's unique, it's a DCFC characteristic. If he's just gonna be "blunt" or "straight to the point" it kinda takes the fun out of interpreting the meaning of songs.

[mushroom]

I wonder if Zooey is at all responsible for this, she's like Yoko but prettier and a better singer

...and she doesn't talk a load of bollocks, doesn't produce pointless cliche art... this list could go on forever.

[x togepi x]

...and she doesn't talk a load of bollocks, doesn't produce pointless cliche art... this list could go on forever.

I too talk shit about art i don't understand.

[IWasaCamera]

haha

[chipdip18]

Death Cab do whatever they want now, they've done the best they're going to do already.

[IceAge/HeatWave]

if its pop in a neil young/ bob dylan way, which i think ben's capable of doing, then i'm all for it.

[IWasaCamera]

Gibbard trying to be Neil Young or Bob Dylan would be hilarious.

[decodeyoutokyo]

I don't see why you are being so negative. When they say pop, I interpret that as Beatles-esque pop, not R&B type pop.

Not trying to hate man, honestly, I love DCFC...and Walla is a great producer...I mean his work so far with DCFC has been solid. His work with The Decemberists, just pure gold. However, have you heard Walla's own work? Not that great...even with some of his songs from You Can Play These Songs With Chords...

I'm just saying, it can go either way from here. I really miss the counter guitar melodies from The Photo Album, or the masterpeice Transatlanticism. Plans was a great major label debut, and Narrow Stairs hints at previous works (ie: Cath...to Company Calls epilogue, and Bixby Canyon to Ambient sounds from Transatlanticism).

I think I'm just scared. I fear that approaching the mainstream can just make them...I don't even wanna think about it lol.

[drtomoe123]

The Photo Album will ALWAYS be the best DCFC record.

[mushroom]

I too talk shit about art i don't understand.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/2525658296_2aa547c4e0.jpg
tell me how great this piece is then

[x togepi x]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/2525658296_2aa547c4e0.jpg
tell me how great this piece is then

i don't know what that is, but you're still a moron.

[mushroom]

i don't know what that is, but you're still a moron.

clearly

[x togepi x]

clearly

you're talking shit about a great conceptual/performance artist because you don't understand conceptual art. that makes you a moron. Yoko was way more important than the Beatles at the time she met John, history just went the other way.

[theguy77]

Neither.

I think that's what makes Ben Gibbard unique, like when you listen to a song like Transatlanticism for example, it's not entirely in your face, like you don't get what he's saying immediately on the first listen. There's a lot of metaphors in there that describe the distance/space.

It's unique, it's a DCFC characteristic. If he's just gonna be "blunt" or "straight to the point" it kinda takes the fun out of interpreting the meaning of songs.

if thats a characteristic you enjoy you should listen to iron & wine.

[theguy77]

Gibbard trying to be Neil Young or Bob Dylan would be hilarious.

yeah i dont think he could haha. ben gibbard is ben gibbard, i like ben gibbard, but dylan/young is quite a stretch haha.

[DCFCutie]

Death cab is mainstream.
I've been obsessed with this band for years.
These guys are more than a band to me, as creepy as that sounds.
But we can't hide the fact that they are being thrown around all over the mainstream.
It depresses me looking at preppy girls iPods and seeing "I will follow you into the dark" and "A lack of Color" being lonely tracks and then they claim to "love" death cab.
It drives me beyond crazy.
I just miss my small little indie pop band that people who can appreciate great musicians knew about..
and "my" as in the band where none of my friends knew about and sometimes came across a person who appreciates good music as much as i do.
When I go around wearing one of my dcfc shirts I usually get the "soul meets body" or "I Will Possess Your Heart" comments. I just stare and walk away.

[DCFCutie]

Problem is, there'll always be retards buying music from whatever band. This is something you can't stop.

I see that almost every day at school.
And that's what pissed the fuck out of me.

[SAY WHAT]

jesus christ
there goes death cab

[mmmmmpoetry]

Didn't like their past two albums at all.

[theguy77]

oh no, death cab's gonna make pop music! theyve never done that before! :rolleyes:

[thespearkid]

I'd love to see a much more assertive record from Death Cab. I feel like before they got signed, that's the direction they were heading in; louder, crunchier music but still inherently Death Cab. Narrow Stairs was nice enough but I'd rather hear a record full of the meatier parts of Transwhatchamacallit.

[theguy77]

transatlanticism was their best. however, plans and narrow stairs are still great pop albums.

[Javs]

Wern't they mainstream before? Soul meets body and crooked teeth were overplayed and extremely poppy.

I really liked plans and transvestite-ism, narrow stairs sounded like they were trying to be someone they're not.

[DCFCutie]

Wern't they mainstream before? Soul meets body and crooked teeth were overplayed and extremely poppy.

I really liked plans and transvestite-ism, narrow stairs sounded like they were trying to be someone they're not.

Well I wouldn't call Soul Meets Body pop but Crooked Teeth was a perfect example of a Death Cab pop song.
But now, it just feels like Death Cab is getting big and just not the same as they were.

[DejaNew]

Id be interested to see where exactly they go with this. You never know, mainstream Deathcab could actually be pretty awesome.

[afterthefact]

Death cab was good when they were an indie* band. Ever since they signed with a major label and became an indie** band, they haven't been as good.


*as in "independant."

**as in the genre, "Indie"

[ThemChains]

They've been mainstream for a little while now. Their music is already pretty accessible, proof being that my mom listens to them. Pop isn't a dirty word.

[IceAge/HeatWave]

my ex girlfriend always said death cab is incapable of selling out. i guess we shall see with the next release.

[ThemChains]

Define selling out: they are on a major label, they have songs that play on the radio, they sell out pretty large venues, and they have videos that play on MTV. By the standards of most who consider their music outside the mainstream, they already have.

[xjulianx89]

Haven't they been mainstream for a while?

Also, what's with the hate on Plans? I love that album.

[IceAge/HeatWave]

Define selling out: they are on a major label, they have songs that play on the radio, they sell out pretty large venues, and they have videos that play on MTV. By the standards of most who consider their music outside the mainstream, they already have.




i believe she meant making crappy music just to get airtime, or losing their artistic integrity. i don't think they have gone that far as of yet.

[s.t.e.v.e.n.]

Haven't they been mainstream for a while?

Also, what's with the hate on Plans? I love that album.

Agreed. I love Plans.

[theguy77]

plans > any of the pre-transatlanticism albums.

hows that for controversy, bitches? someone prove me wrong.

[Jumpoff]

plans > any of the pre-transatlanticism albums.

hows that for controversy, bitches? someone prove me wrong.

Styrofoam Plates > Any song they've released. Ever ever.

[DCFCutie]

plans > any of the pre-transatlanticism albums.

hows that for controversy, bitches? someone prove me wrong.

How can we prove your opinion wrong?

[theguy77]

How can we prove your opinion wrong?

opinions dont exist on this website. only fact, and well-defended BS.

[doppelganger]

they got mainstream sounding after we've got the facts imo. the newer cds are pretty good though.

[Sigur Ros]

You can read the rest here: http://www.spinner.com/2009/01/05/death-cab-for-cutie-want-to-own-the-airwaves/


also not the first time Chris has said something along the same lines of the above, in this interview done only at the end of last month (so like a week ago) he says this:




source: http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/death_cab_for_cutie_everything_tend s_to_have_a_natural_evolution.html


Personally, I was very very very disappointed to read that, I mean when i compare Narrow Stairs to their previous sound (Transatlanticism, Plans, Photo Album etc...). I can already hear the shift, while Narrow Stairs is no where near as enjoyable as Transatl. or Plans for me, it's not entirely "pop" there's a few good tracks, Grapevine Fires, You Can Do Better Than Me.


I just bought their latest EP two days ago and I was impressed, overall it was better than the entire Narrow Stairs album.


I always thought they'd just go back to their sound, or at least stay in the same sort of range as their previous sound... but for them to just ditch it all and go Pop or Mainstream? wtf...? I'd be so annoyed to turn the radio on one day and hear Death Cab on a commercial station...


Thoughts..?


So I don't have the patience or time, nor do I really even care what you have to say, to read all of the other posts, but I have one thing to say.

All of you, how fucking lame are you really? Death Cab For Cutie is selling out! They're mainstream! Oh no! Are you fucking serious?

All of you people play music off like there are standards as to how you can like them. This is the biggest example of pure hypocrisy I have ever seen. You stupid fucking hipsters think that you just can't like music because of who else likes it. You need to be the first one to like it or its not cool anymore. For real?

The idea of music is liking how it sounds. If you really love music as much as you say you do, you wouldn't have made or supported this board. You people make music a fashion tool. A fad. You set your stupid indie standards to what you can like.

I think that Death Cab For Cutie is one of the most talented bands I have ever heard. They have such a pure and perfected sound, and I love them. But.....now since they are mainstream and I'm not the coolest person anymore......maybe I can't.......

Get real people. Fuck.

[chipdip18]

How was the new b-sides EP anyway?

[theguy77]

So I don't have the patience or time, nor do I really even care what you have to say, to read all of the other posts, but I have one thing to say.

All of you, how fucking lame are you really? Death Cab For Cutie is selling out! They're mainstream! Oh no! Are you fucking serious?

All of you people play music off like there are standards as to how you can like them. This is the biggest example of pure hypocrisy I have ever seen. You stupid fucking hipsters think that you just can't like music because of who else likes it. You need to be the first one to like it or its not cool anymore. For real?

The idea of music is liking how it sounds. If you really love music as much as you say you do, you wouldn't have made or supported this board. You people make music a fashion tool. A fad. You set your stupid indie standards to what you can like.

I think that Death Cab For Cutie is one of the most talented bands I have ever heard. They have such a pure and perfected sound, and I love them. But.....now since they are mainstream and I'm not the coolest person anymore......maybe I can't.......

Get real people. Fuck.

i pulled two words out of this.

BOO and YAH.

(or SHAKE and BAKE) :shrug:

either way, :appl:

[GuitarR0cker1]

How was the new b-sides EP anyway?
If you liked Narrow Stairs, you should like the EP. I thought it had one of their best pop songs ever written(Little Brides).

[Sigur Ros]

i pulled two words out of this.

BOO and YAH.

(or SHAKE and BAKE) :shrug:

either way, :appl:

Thank you, sir.

I may have gotten a little carried away, but I think I made a solid point.

So, ya man, thanks a lot. Glad to see there is people around here who love music for what it is. Pretty damn refreshing if you me.

[theguy77]

Thank you, sir.

I may have gotten a little carried away, but I think I made a solid point.

So, ya man, thanks a lot. Glad to see there is people around here who love music for what it is. Pretty damn refreshing if you me.

yeah your point is one ive been trying to stress throughout this thread. good on you man!

[_Andrew]

So I don't have the patience or time, nor do I really even care what you have to say, to read all of the other posts, but I have one thing to say.

All of you, how fucking lame are you really? Death Cab For Cutie is selling out! They're mainstream! Oh no! Are you fucking serious?

All of you people play music off like there are standards as to how you can like them. This is the biggest example of pure hypocrisy I have ever seen. You stupid fucking hipsters think that you just can't like music because of who else likes it. You need to be the first one to like it or its not cool anymore. For real?

The idea of music is liking how it sounds. If you really love music as much as you say you do, you wouldn't have made or supported this board. You people make music a fashion tool. A fad. You set your stupid indie standards to what you can like.

I think that Death Cab For Cutie is one of the most talented bands I have ever heard. They have such a pure and perfected sound, and I love them. But.....now since they are mainstream and I'm not the coolest person anymore......maybe I can't.......

Get real people. Fuck.

Dude,

First of all relax a little, I wasn't being aggressive in my writing so there's no need for you to be, we're all discussing stuff, after all that's what this place is for.

To put simply what my concern is and what I was trying to say: I like their current sound or better yet, their pre-Narrow Stairs. My concern is that in changing their sound I will no longer have an attraction to their music, because after all it's like you said "The idea of music is liking how it sounds"... although 13 year old girls listening to the same bands as me would make me feel a bit odd, it wouldn't be the only reason I would not listen to a particular band.

I'm sure there's a lot of bands or artists that i listen to that pre-pubescent or pubecsent teenage girls also listen to, that doesnt' stop me because at the end of it it's the music I enjoy.

I don't particularly like straight "pop" music, so if this is the sort of sound death cab are going to aim for there's a significant chance I will not like the music that they put out. How ever that's yet to be determined.

[Sigur Ros]

Dude,

First of all relax a little, I wasn't being aggressive in my writing so there's no need for you to be, we're all discussing stuff, after all that's what this place is for.

To put simply what my concern is and what I was trying to say: I like their current sound or better yet, their pre-Narrow Stairs. My concern is that in changing their sound I will no longer have an attraction to their music, because after all it's like you said "The idea of music is liking how it sounds"... although 13 year old girls listening to the same bands as me would make me feel a bit odd, it wouldn't be the only reason I would not listen to a particular band.

I'm sure there's a lot of bands or artists that i listen to that pre-pubescent or pubecsent teenage girls also listen to, that doesnt' stop me because at the end of it it's the music I enjoy.

I don't particularly like straight "pop" music, so if this is the sort of sound death cab are going to aim for there's a significant chance I will not like the music that they put out. How ever that's yet to be determined.

Sorry for the aggressiveness.

But I think that you are getting too attached to a band. Like, its a personal connection. When bands change their sound, (as did YYY's on their most recent, Tt's Blitz!) its because that's what bands have to do. If a band stayed the same forever and never changed their sound, they would be Disturbed. Or boring. It would be unoriginal.

Mainly, I just wouldn't consider Death Cab pop no matter how much I like them. When I think of pop I think of NSync, Backstreet Boys, Brittney Spears, and Bon Jovi. Death Cab are incomparable to any of those (horrible) acts. Death Cab will always be a rock band to me, a very musically and mostly lyrically talented one.

The "13 year olds" comments a little lame, because 3 years ago when I was 13 I liked Death Cab, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, Leftover Crack, etc. Doesn't that just mean that 13 year olds have good taste in music? And even if it is just a radio thing, I think that we can both agree that there will be a song on the radio the next week that they will love and forget about Death Cab. The good ones will hold on, but mostly, they will forget. Problem solved there.

So dude, where I see your side of this, I still disagree. Maybe it's just my mindset and outlook on music, but I just love it for what it is, regardless of what others think about it.

Peace

[ThisIsNotDan]

Death Cab now and then are excellent, so really there should be no concern

How was the new b-sides EP anyway?

think Narrow Stairs if it was way more upbeat. it was good, you'd like it

[EricKillsTime]

How about we talk about what new DCFC sounds like after we hear it?

[DCFCutie]

Sorry for the aggressiveness.

But I think that you are getting too attached to a band. Like, its a personal connection. When bands change their sound, (as did YYY's on their most recent, Tt's Blitz!) its because that's what bands have to do. If a band stayed the same forever and never changed their sound, they would be Disturbed. Or boring. It would be unoriginal.

Mainly, I just wouldn't consider Death Cab pop no matter how much I like them. When I think of pop I think of NSync, Backstreet Boys, Brittney Spears, and Bon Jovi. Death Cab are incomparable to any of those (horrible) acts. Death Cab will always be a rock band to me, a very musically and mostly lyrically talented one.

The "13 year olds" comments a little lame, because 3 years ago when I was 13 I liked Death Cab, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, Leftover Crack, etc. Doesn't that just mean that 13 year olds have good taste in music? And even if it is just a radio thing, I think that we can both agree that there will be a song on the radio the next week that they will love and forget about Death Cab. The good ones will hold on, but mostly, they will forget. Problem solved there.

So dude, where I see your side of this, I still disagree. Maybe it's just my mindset and outlook on music, but I just love it for what it is, regardless of what others think about it.

Peace

I was 12 when I first really started liking death cab.
When someone says 13 they mean preppy 13 year old girls who don't know good music and only have I will follow you into the dark.
Not 13 years old in general. Because thats stupid.