Codes and Keys

Death Cab For Cutie finally released their much anticipated album "Codes and Keys" yesterday, 8 days earlier then previously stated. Much of what I read before listening to the album, said that Death Cab was showing the maturation of a growing band. So after reading that and hearing their first single "You are a Tourist," which I was less then impressed with, I didn't really know what to expect. I was pretty excited to hear all of the new tracks last night when they were all available to the public...

Is it bad if I thought this album wasn't anything special? I don't think my previous love for Death Cab and excitement for a new album will really outweigh my disappointment. It's difficult with past albums that had singles like, "When Soul Meets Body" "Crooked Teeth" or "I Will Possess Your Heart." "You are a Tourist" just didn't cut it for me. Although it may sound like I hate this album, I still think that the music is great, it just doesn't stand up to their past work. I would relate it eating at your favorite restaurant and ordering your favorite dish. When it isn't exactly the way you like it, it isn't horrible but just doesn't live up to your expectation.

It may be that I just want the angst ridden Death Cab that produced "What Sarah Said" or "Cath." As Gibbard and band mates seek to discover new musical endeavors together, they seem to leave behind what made them Death Cab in their past albums. What seems to be a more musically focused album, the lyrics of some songs are elementary at best. Such as "Some Boys"


Some boys are filling, some boys are filling the hole
Some boys are sleeping, some boys are sleeping alone

Now, there is a good chance in the next two or three weeks after my 15th time through the album that I'll miraculously fall in love with it, just as everyone else. But until then I think this just goes on the shelf as a good album, that could have been better.

"Monday Morning" is one of the songs on the album that I do like a lot...take a listen, No matter the writing Ben Gibbard's voice is always pretty awesome.