Death Cab's new album Codes and Keys

Although the first track echoes "Nothing's the same," don't worry. It's just the happier side of Death Cab for Cutie that we all know and love. Somebody said this album is proof that Ben Gibbard suddenly realized he's married to Zooey Deschanel and rejoiced. Just look at the upbeat track titles: "Stay Young, Go Dancing," "Underneath the Sycamore," "Doors Unlocked and Open." Hear lovestruck vestiges in lyrics like "She may be young but she only likes old things," "cause when she sings I hear a symphony," and my personal favorite the resounding "This fire grows higher."

Guitarist Chris Walla told Rolling Stone that Codes and Keys "continued to be fun to work on all the way to the end, which is seldom the case with any record. That has a lot to do with what the songs are about." Apparently, they continuously switched studios and took weeks off for family-time. A brilliant way to avoid getting mired in the process.

Mixed by producer Alan Moulder (My Bloody Valentine) there's a dubby influence, overlaid instrumentation, less guitar more synth. Sometimes coming off as dancy and other times mysterious, nothing can really dispense the folksy from their vocals. The sound may not bring anything new to the table as far as their own history. Many argue that this could be titled A Death Cab Compilation: Just the Happier Sh*t. But isn't happy-town the logical place to go after Plans (2005)? Besides the fact that it was released circa Katrina, that album is kill-yourself city. With all the longing in "Marching Bands of Manhattan," shouldn't we be happy for them? Frankly, it's relieving to know I don't have to worry about these guys. They're in a better head-space now. Whenever I hear "I Will Follow You Into the Dark," I go to my quivery-lip, I-miss-my-best-friend place.

Death Cab for Cutie - Codes and Keys by ATL REC

In related news, Bassist Nick Harmer also got married, but we don't know her. Drummer Jason McGerr just had a kid, which makes me wonder how he managed to even work on this...Whatever, my bet's on Zooey.

Freelance writer, novelist, and editor for Prick of the Spindle, Sarah Rae lives and writes in Brooklyn.

May 2011 Playlist

Last month was crazy for me personally. Wrapped up working on 2 shows and than I went on a 10 day vacation that I just got back from. It has been tough to get back into the swing of things. Hopefully this post gets me rolling again. I plan on wrapping up a new show tonight.

Robyn - Don't F*cking Tell Me What to Do

I will be posting an interview soon with the Brooklyn artist Making Friendz. She told me how much she loved Robyn live so I had to check it out. I really enjoyed this album as a pop effort

Architecture in Helsinki - Contact High

Check out the wonderful review of this album by Sarah.

David Vandervelde - More Than You Can Feel

Check out the photos I took from his show at Brooklyn Bowl.

Robag Wruhme - Thora Vukk

Great mellow electronic music. An under the radar album from last month

Tyler, The Creator - Yonkers

Check out my review of this album.

Booker T. Jones - Everything is Everything

I deep down loved this album. Got me pumped for my southern vacation.

The Radio Dept. - Heaven's on Fire

This is off a compilation of singles from 2002 to 2010? Where the hell have I been? How have I not heard of this band. love, Love, LOVE.

Poly Styrene - Generation Indigo

This former lead singer of one of my favorite punk bands, X-Ray Spex, passed away at the end of April. Here is one of my favorite tracks off her last solo album that came out this year.

Man Man - Bangkok Necktie

Gang Gang Dance - MindKilla

Sloan - Unkind

The Lonely Island - I Just Had Sex

Wild Beasts - Bed of Nails

Company of Thieves - Oscar Wilde

Awesome voice. It was hard for me to choose just one song, but the web made it easy since this is the only good recording of them on YouTube.

Bahamas - Let the Good Times Roll

This album was on steady repeat in our office. And being most of us are from New Orleans we really related to this one.

Danger Mouse - Problem Queen (Feat Norah Jones)

Also, check out the review Sarah did of this album.

The Elected - Babyface

Foster the People - Helena Beat

Great pop dance record. Surprised how much traction this album has on Rdio. I would much rather go out dancing to this than lets say Lady Gaga. But that's just me.

Yelle - Que Veux-Tu

I am already seeing that June may top May, which is tough for me to believe. There are a lot of awesome tracks on here. If you are on Rdio follow us and check out our whole playlist where I also have some classic gems that I thought I should reserve for another time. If you aren't on Rdio, JOIN! You can follow us as well as Defend New Orleans, Park the Van and Off Beat Magazine for you New Orleans heads along with the likes of Pitchfork, Merge, and XLR to name a few. Get with the cloud people!! For 5 bucks a month, it's a steal.