#codesandkeys

Vinyl: Death Cab For Cutie - Codes and Keys An underrated and horribly under appreciated album from their discography. It seems like after “Narrow Stairs” their popularity took a dive and this album pushed them further down. The production goes synth-heavy and electronic drum sounds take over during a few tracks. None of their singles really landed, and people shook their heads in disbelief. I, however, warmly welcome the new direction the band took. I think there are quite a few gems here, and Ben’s songwriting is strong as ever, although a bit more abstract at times. The title track is blissful, with gorgeous string arrangements filling out a grand piano rock tune, with lyrical themes about oneness that turn witty at times. “You Are a Tourist” still slaps to this day, with an energetic guitar lick and upbeat lyrics. The thing that really makes this album stick out for me isn’t their sonic switch, but rather one of themes. There’s this air of optimism, hope, and, at times, pure joy, throughout Codes & Keys that none of their other records quite reach. There’s hardly any melancholia here, which Death Cab made a name for themselves on. Not that they haven’t written a happy tune before, but on “Unobstructed View” you get six minutes of swelling, rich synths playing in unison over lyrics about pure, innocent, simple, love. “Portable Television” displays a cute story of a couple huddled out in the snow, trying to keep each other warm while watching a dinky little television that had no channels on, just some static. But they let the static play anyways. It ends with “Stay Young, Go Dancing” a short but sweet tune about enjoying life while you’re young. I don’t think Death Cab will ever make an album like this one again, but I’m glad they gave optimism a go, and I hope they may stumble upon it again someday. .-~<{===}>~-. @deathcabforcutie #codesandkeys #np #currentlyspinning #33rpm #ontherecord #deathcab #vinyl #songwriting #goodalbum #lovelymusic https://www.instagram.com/p/B__mS6YBP_W/?igshid=10cidf5xg9585

Some boys don’t know how to love . . . @deathcabforcutie #deathcabforcutie #deathcab #lyrics #codesandkeys #someboys #deathcabforcutielyrics