Justin W. Price, AKA PDXKaraokeGuy, is a freelance writer, blogger, and award-nominated author based out of Juneau, Alaska.
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Classic Death Cab for Cutie lineup. From left: bassist Nick Harmer, vocals/guitar/keys Ben Gibbard, vocals/guitar/keys Chris Walla and drummer Jason McGerr.
Autumn DeWilde
Death Cab for Cutie are unlikely music superstars. Hailing from Bellingham, Washington, they moved to Seattle, where they built a small, but committed following. Eventually, they moved to Los Angeles, where they became poster boys for indie rock stardom. That said, “poster boy,” is a loose term. The band looks a little rough around the edges. They're all a little chubby, they're all awkward dancers, and they all share a self-deprecating sense of humor. They may not be your GQ band, but that makes them all the more endearing.
Benjamin Gibbard has been the constant member of the group and, as the primary songwriter and lyricist, he has a knack for wordplay, vivid storytelling, and the undeniable pop hook. As a songwriter, he is second to none.
After nine full-length albums, a half-dozen EPs, several compilations, and several movie soundtrack contributions Death Cab has left behind a musical legacy that will ensure that they will always be remembered. And, although they are approaching their mid-forties, they are still young enough to build on an already strong career.
Not all of their work is perfect, but they've never released a bad record. While some are masterpieces and some are forgettable, they all have undeniable hooks and pitch perfect songwriting. Below, I've ranked the albums and EPs from best to worst. Let me know what you think of my list in the comment section below.
I've always been someone who's so destination-focused that I've had difficulties with the journey, in general, during my life. What ultra-marathons have taught me is to be present in the journey. Since I've started the practice in my life, ultra-running, to me, has been like a spiritual practice. Some may roll their eyes, but it is like a religion of sorts.”
— Ben Gibbard (on aging and continuing to create music)
wikipedia
1. Transatlanticism
Release Year: 2003
Production Company: Barsuk Records
This is Death Cab's undisputed masterpiece. Once again produced by Chris Walla, this is the second concept album by Death Cab. The album follows the theme of long distance love. Alternative Press declared that Transatlanticism is “Death Cab's slowest and most mature recording
There's no blame for how our love did slowly fade
And now that it's gone, it's like it wasn't there at all
And here I rest where disappointment and regret collide
Lying awake at night
— Death Cab for Cutie, “Title and Registration”
wikipedia
2. We have the facts and we're voting yes.
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Release Year: 2000
Production Company: Barsuk Records
“Facts,” as it's often called by fans, begins a remarkable streak of nearly flawless albums by Death Cab for Cutie. It was also their first concept album. Once again produced by Chris Walla, this album tells the tale of a the deteriorating relationship of a hip Seattle couple. There's something about this record that just warrants repeat listens. “Title Track” is melancholic and beautiful. “405” is brilliantly structured. “Company Calls” is up tempo and fun. And, finally, the long and introspective closing track “Scientist Studies,” will make anyone emotional. I used to listen to this album on repeat. It hasn't aged as well as some of their other projects (which might be why it's not my favorite), but it's pretty damn good.
That second record, especially, for years and years, has been my favorite… As I try to figure out what it is about that record that I react to so strongly–we started recording it like twelve years ago–dissecting all those elements and trying to reverse-engineer what happened, I've learned so much about what I value about songwriting and about performances.”
— Chris Walla (on recording “Facts”)
wikipedia
3. The Photo Album
Release Year: 2001
Production Company: Barsuk Records
Another album produced by Chris Walla, The Photo Album is (as the name would suggest) a collection of vignettes covering life, love, and loss. It's catchy and heartfelt, simple, yet complex and layered. With songs like “A Movie Script Ending,” “Styrofoam Plates,” “Blacking out the friction,” and “We Laugh Indoors,” the highlight tracks are among the best in Death Cab's career. I have two complaints about this album. Firstly, it's too short (under thirty-nine minutes long). Secondly, it's a little choppy. I love the album, but I often find myself unable to listen to it in one sitting. At times, it feels incongruous and the weaker tracks really drag the album down. This album isn't as good as The Photo Album or Transatlanticism, but it's still an amazing album.
Whenever I come back, the air on Railroad is making the same sounds,
And the shop fronts on Holly are dirty words (asterisks in for the vowels)
We peered through the windows, new bottoms on barstools but the people remain the same.
— Death Cab for Cutie, “A Movie Script Ending”
wikipedia
4. Narrow Stairs
Release Year: 2008
Production Company: Atlantic Records
Whereas the production on Plans was somewhat heavy-handed, Chris Walla chose a more hands-off approach for this record. This resulted in a more raw, pure, and dark sounding record. Written after nearly two solid years of touring, Walla wanted a record that “Sounded like four guys playing on stage” and, in that sense, the record is a resounding success. The album has some gems, including the epic “I will Possess Your Heart,” “Cath,” “Your New Twin Sized Bed,” and “Grapevine Fires.” Musically, it falls between the earlier indie pop sound of Transatlanticism and the more streamlined, straightforward rock that has begun to define their post Walla career. Narrow Stairs was their last great record (start to finish), until Thank you for Today. It's an essential album in their catalog.
That record is kind of a fulcrum in my life. So much of the negativity in my life got funneled into it. I realized after that I didn't want to go any darker. I wanted it to be the bottom for this band and my own emotional spectrum in terms of writing. I had no grandiose plans to turn my life around.”
— Ben Gibbard on “Narrow Stairs”
wikipedia
5. Open Door EP
Release Year: 2009
Production Company: Atlantic Records
This is Death Cab's best EP. The four original songs on this EP are among the strongest material Death Cab put out between 2000 and 2010. The album includes the insatiably catchy “Little Bribes.” The songwriting is mature and fully realized. These songs could easily fit on any of their prior five full-length albums. The “Talking Bird” demo is interesting, though, ultimately, it is a throwaway track.
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The Eiffel tower built to smaller scale
The freshest oxygen I'd ever inhale
I tapped a bottle against a safety rail, killing time
And you were like a walking compliment
— Death Cab for Cutie, “Little Bribes”
wikipedia
6. Thank You for Today
Release Year: 2018
Production Company: Atlantic Records
While this record still lacks some of the urgency of their earlier releases, it does show Gibbard growing comfortable without Walla as a songwriting sidekick and producer (this album was also produced by Rick Costey). The record marks the first release for Death Cab since Gibbard turned forty. The album explores themes of reflection, uncertainty, and regret. It has more hits (“Your Hurricane”, “When we Drive”, “Northern Lights”, “Near/Far”) than misses (“Gold Rush”, “Summer Years”) and shows a band that is optimistic about the future and has no signs of slowing down. Album closer “60 & Punk” is a top five song in the Death Cab catalog. As a fan, this record shows that we have a lot to look forward to from the band.
The curtain falls to applause and the band plays you off, the band plays you off
He's a superhero growing bored with no one to save anymore
The curtain falls to applause and the band plays you off, the band plays you off
