Review 1 of 5

MysticalGenesis writes:

5of 5 Stars

Major label status is not something huge for Death Cab for Cutie. They have been fielding offers from record execs as far back as 1998, but they've taken this long to sign, probably because they wanted to refine their sound. And if that's true, then Plans marks the height of the band's extension of musical ideals. Right off the bat, the record does not show as much raucous energy as their previous effort, Transatlanticism, which opened with what can safely be called the most melodramatic song Death Cab have ever recorded, in The New Year. But with repeated listens, no track on the new album pales in comparison to any track on the last record. This is an album that expands on Transatlanticism, being that it's not only more sparsely produced, but also more densely layered, and the band is taking more risks. The album's first single, Soul Meets Body, is an exercise in Ben Gibbard and company trying on their disco shoes, with a steady back beat and Dr. Rhythm drum sounds, but still retains the essential Death Cab feel. As the record moves along, you'll find the requisite depressing break-up numbers, such as Summer Skin, in which Gibbard compares his love to a bad sunburn. At about the midpoint of the album, you'll notice the band, and Gibbard especially, has taken a more resigned, accepting take on terrible ordeals in relationships. You'll also find the band branching off into new topics of songwriting, such as in Your Heart is an Empty Room, in which the protagonist burns down his own house and everything in it as a symbol of acceptance and moving on. If there's any track here that can be compared to Transatlanticism's grab-you-by-the-heartstrings feel, it would be What Sarah Said. Gibbard wastes no time in the song informing the listener that his love is in the ICU, "that reeked of piss and 409." The song's slow build and eventful catharsis with the line, "But I'm thinking of what Sarah said/That love is watching someone die," provide the backdrop for one of Death Cab's more dramatically moving songs. The album then closes with Stable Song, a rewrite of Stability, from the EP of the same name. Penned in with ringing guitars instead of cold piano, and a major key progression instead of the scary minor keys played throughout Stability, and notably trimmed down in time from twelve minutes to four, Stable Song ranks as Death Cab for Cutie's most beautiful song yet. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned here, that time and patience are essential in achieving your goals. Or perhaps, Death Cab wanted to wait until they had an album as masterful as this to unleash on modern radio.

Nov 30, 2006 22:28:02

Review 2 of 5

Reaction writes:

5of 5 Stars

Plans is one of the most beautifully fragile and touching albums I've ever heard. I became aware of it the year after it was released and it became my soundtrack for 2005, amid an emotional backdrop which featured my first broken heart. The memories associated with some of the songs can bring me to tears at the press of a 'play' button. And even if there were no memories with 'I Will Follow You Into The Dark', it would still be the most amazingly simple acoustic song I have heard - I know its release as a single will still never get me to tire of it.

'Brothers on a Hotel Bed' is a beautiful track with lyrics that hurt me at the same time as I confide in them. In 'Crooked Teeth', Death Cab have a great rockier song to move to, all the while with Gibbard's trademark poetry painting lyrics like a mixed-up masterpiece of irony and melancholy infused with optimistic hopes for brighter times.

I'm very happy to keep this album as a slightly 'underground' treat, innocent of the blatant commercialisation so many small bands succumb to. Perhaps in the US, Death Cab are big news, but here in Australia, only a few really know of them, and that makes them even more mysterious and alluring.

'Transatlanticism' is absolute class, yes, but Plans is no less staggering in its edgy and raw majesty.

Jul 20, 2006 06:08:04

Review 3 of 5

inc0ncert writes:

2of 5 Stars

this cd was less impressive. to me, it was about time that ben gibbard recieved the attention that he deserved, however, plans brought a new crowd to the now expensive death cab shows. for those who have enjoyed death cabs cd (and tapes) from the beginning, its rough to see new fans arise and favorite songs played on mtv. plans does not measure up to the rest, but death cab will always have a place in my heart.

Jul 12, 2006 18:49:44

Review 4 of 5

Helena87 writes:

4of 5 Stars

not really any "get going"-tracks, but still a wonderful album. loving "your heart is an empty room", ""marching bands of manhattan", "crooked teeth" and "brothers on a hotel bed" the most. amazing. thank u DC.

Feb 6, 2006 04:53:03

Review 5 of 5

Bluemask writes:

4of 5 Stars

Perhaps out of nervousness about their first major label release, DCFC turn up the tunes on their fifth LP. Keyboards aplenty on songs such as "Marching Bands Of Manhattan", "Brothers On A Hotel Bed" and "What Sara Said". These four Washignton lads also edge closer to REM with the jangle guitars and sing-song melodys on "Soul Meets Body" and "Crooked Teeth". The big surprise though is "I'll Follow You Into The Dark", an acoustic song about a dying lover.

Dec 6, 2005 16:27:16