Death Cab For Cutie -- "You Are A Tourist"

Like all of Death Cab For Cutie's past work, I have come to this first single off of their new album (Codes and Keys) late. I will be honest, I came late to this band because I can't stand Ben Gibbard's voice. I can't be the only one... I have never been a huge fan of this band, but I gotta' say that I really like the new album. I wasn't surprised by the album's fantastic production because that has always been a given with this band. Producer and guitarist, Chris Walla, not only produced many, if not all, of Death Cab's past albums, which all sound great, but also has produced albums for bands such as Telekinesis, Ra Ra Riot, and Nada Surf to mention a few. The man is a fantastic producer.

Moreover, what impressed me most about Codes and Keys was the songwriting. I have previously disliked a lot of Gibbard's songwriting because of its languid and rather bleak nature, but it really works for me on this album. Their is a lot of lyrical detachment on this album, which has always been common in Death Cab songs, but their is a certain experimentation, but yet straightforwardness to their musicality on Codes and Keys (I know that may seem confusing, but try to follow me). This is arguably their most experimental record to date, but more so than past albums, they actually just go for it here, which is truly something to admire. "You Are A Tourist" is not at all one of the more "experimental" songs on the album, but it is however a great song. If you enjoy this then I highly recommend giving the rest of the album a listen.

-- Greg

Death Cab For Cutie -- "You Are A Tourist"