I've always had love/hate feelings towards Death Cab for Cutie; I love them when they're playing upbeat, indie-pop gems and I loathe them when they drone on, and on, and on with their slow-tempoed tracks. Luckily for me, Narrow Stairs is more love than hate.
The seventh full-length (and second major-label) release from the indie quartet is a solid follow-up to 2005's Plans, which went Gold in 2006. Lyrically, Stairs is spot on -- full of irony and wit, presented with beautiful brevity.
The album's first single, "I Will Possess Your Heart," is built on
a smooth bass groove and haunting pianos, though they grow a little
tiresome during the song's four-minute, wordless intro. The
trimmed-down radio edit is certainly preferred. "Cath..." is a lovely
mid-tempo track telling the story of a less-than-willing bride.
Among the uptempo songs that I'm fondest of are "You Can Do Better Than Me," a surprisingly chipper take on missing self-esteem; and the metaphor-laden break-up story "Long Division." A melancholy tale of hopeless solidarity, "Your New Twin Sized Bed" is the best track on the record. Despite it's obviousness, the symbolism of exchanges mattress is beautifully clever and poignant.
If I judged DCFC albums based on how many "droners" send me reaching for the "skip" button, Stairs would be the best -- with only two tracks ("Talking Bird" and "The Ice Is Getting Thinner") not getting any spins.
The Denouement:
Absolutely Essential for fans of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service, songs with clever lyrics sprinkled with irony.
Fairly Essential for fans of indie-pop (one of my favorite contradictions) or anyone looking for something different.
Among the uptempo songs that I'm fondest of are "You Can Do Better Than Me," a surprisingly chipper take on missing self-esteem; and the metaphor-laden break-up story "Long Division." A melancholy tale of hopeless solidarity, "Your New Twin Sized Bed" is the best track on the record. Despite it's obviousness, the symbolism of exchanges mattress is beautifully clever and poignant.
If I judged DCFC albums based on how many "droners" send me reaching for the "skip" button, Stairs would be the best -- with only two tracks ("Talking Bird" and "The Ice Is Getting Thinner") not getting any spins.
The Denouement:
Absolutely Essential for fans of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service, songs with clever lyrics sprinkled with irony.
Fairly Essential for fans of indie-pop (one of my favorite contradictions) or anyone looking for something different.
