It has been really strange over the years to see Ben Gibbard become a
household name. I am not saying that it never seemed like it was possible
but with the Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie being so well known that
guy's name is everywhere now, I think even the redneck kids know him. The
thing that kills me the most though is how many bands now mention how they
either sound like Ben or at least write like him. There are a lot of people
that deserve to make this comparison but it seems like I see more than
enough of those who barely deserve to think of the name Gibbard. Recently I
received an email that contained a band that merits the Gibbard comparison,
that band is In Civilian Clothing. I put up two songs from the bands new
album, We Made A Killing, We Made A Mess, which is due out on September 12.
Enjoy and be sure to jump over and be their friend on Myspace!
:In Civilian Clothing - Current Therapist: It
is not that these guys necessarily sound like Death Cab or the Postal
Service (well maybe there is a light Postal Service vibe) but the comparison
is in the lyrics. I have always admired how Gibbard writes songs that are
rooted in simplicity but contain a lot of depth that allows you to listen to
the same line over and over again. "Now you only want to talk to your
current therapist, which I'm not." The line's meaning is not hard to figure
out but it so crafty it makes me wish that I could be as creative as this
band's one lyric, then I believe I could rule the world. The other thing I
love about this song is how subtly done the music is, that is what I meant
by the light Postal Service vibe. If you have not noticed yet, I am always a
sucker for bands that make music that enhances smartly written and performed
vocals.
:In Civilian Clothing - Out Of Body: While
Current Therapist intrigued and entertained me with it's lyrics, Out Of Body
manages to craft a really great mood for what is essentially a standard
indie pop song. I really love the music in this song and I think that it is
because of how it is in contrast to what was used in the other song that I
posted up. The guitar parts mixed with the synth moments are filled with
dark undertones and like I mentioned above, they all come together to create
an undeniably great mood. I should also mention that the vocals are nicely
done again, I especially like how well they compliment the music. Looks like
this band is what I would call well balanced.
On a side note, Sufjan Stevens has announced that he will be releasing a
five disc Christmas album later this year, I think this is the most insane
thing that I have heard so far in 2006. I don't suppose he will ever finish
that 50 state project.
-
John Laird -
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