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EDIT INFODeath Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
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Album Details
- Artist: Death Cab For Cutie
- Album: Narrow Stairs
- Label: Atlantic
- Year of Release: 2008
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: dscanland on 2008-07-09
Media
RecommendI've been waiting for a review of Narrow Stairs to show up on the site but no one has taken it on despite many showing interest. I have to take this one on only because I'm quite enjoying this album. More than I have from the last few Death Cab For Cutie releases. "I Will Possess Your Heart" was the first single off of Narrow Stairs and a lot of people had issues with the long introduction and the slightly monotonous feel of the song. I thought it hypnotic and mesmerizing.
The mis-titled "No Sunlight" actually ends up being one of the sunniest songs on the album. It's the sort of song that screams "road trip". It reminds me of The Weakerthans.
But then they take the low road on "Talking Bird" and sound like a lo-fi band with barely any instrumentation. It turns out to be a charming song as well even though it doesn't get past the crawling stage. Something a little different for the pop band. "You Can Do Better Than Me" on the other hand has a huge production on it. Walla does a good production job on this one. With "Grapevine Fires" we head a little more into the expected territory although it does have a bit of a different sound for DCFC. You will notice that the whole album is a little different. It is a band reaching ever so slowly for a new sound with a firm grasp on their old sound. There is no reason why a Death Cab fan wouldn't like Narrow Stairs. It is a logical next step for this great pop band.
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Tell us why this album is great or sucks ass, or correct the reviewer. If you write enough quality reviews you may find yourself on the editorial staff.
Reviews have to be over 100 words, shorter ones are classed as comments.
Log In or Register to Rate Albumson 2008-06-03 X_NaStY Said:
That's a pretty good review. I also noticed the guitar work. Especially the bass lines, they're all very catchy, most noticeably on the single 'I Will Possess Your Heart. I'm not a huge Death Cab fan, but there are a few songs on this album I like.
Rating: 8/10
on 2008-06-02 psychoticbarber Said:
I knew I should have waited a couple days to accept the editorial review position ;)
Not Rated
Review:
on 2008-06-02 lekwon Said:
Death Cab for Cutie had their fans on their toes with the looming months before the release of Narrow Stairs. When Plans came out, we immediately saw a polished, sparkling album; it was a work of art suited for the band's new major label home. What made us so antsy about the release of Narrow Stairs was its possibility to be either a return to a former Transatlanticism stage or a continuation of an album appropriate for commercial and mainstream success. Instead, Death Cab for Cutie would like to answer our concerns with a firm question: who says a band has to keep to previous influences and sounds?
The first thing I notice in this new album is its innovative use of guitars. "Bixby Canyon Bridge" opens the record with the fuzzy buzzes of these instruments. The fast-paced "No Sunlight" makes a smooth transition to the sorrowful, mature track "Cath..." with just about the same amount of guitars. No matter the pace of each track, the new application of guitars really gives the songs a bite. Above all, Ben Gibbard's voice is still melancholy and young. Furthermore, he continues to pluck the heartstrings with some dark and poignant lyrics.
The single "I Will Possess Your Heart" is arguably one of the standout tracks in this album. It runs over eight minutes long, and the vocals do not even come in until the later half of the song. However, the layering of the song is incredible; it starts with some strong bass lines and then progressively adds the guitar licks, the beats, and ultimately the dreamy piano to introduce the assuring voice of Gibbard romantically phrasing his goal to make a love interest his. Before you know it, you have become sucked into the great force of the band's talents.
Narrow Stairs is neither a step up or down from Death Cab for Cutie's previous masterpieces. It is a change in entity, almost as if the band has shelved away many of the influences that birthed albums like Transatlanticism and Plans. Death Cab has created a completely new standard by which their loyal indie rock listners are to assess them. Simply said, however, Narrow Stairs is introspective and dynamic.
Not Rated
on 2008-06-02 digitalbath Said:
I still plan on reviewing this album. It will be up within the next week.
Not Rated
on 2008-06-02 dscanland Said:
Alright, I'm going to tempt the users. First full user review gets 2 premium CDs that I happen to have in my stash. Not eligible for editorial reviewers. But please, editors, add a full review above. Narrow Stairs is a good album.
Not Rated
on 2008-05-29 dscanland Said:
Come on. Someone has to have an opinion of Narrow Stairs?! Anyone?
Not Rated
