Death Cab

Greg Sandow has been writing at Arts Journal much more eloquently and in-depth about brainy "pop" music. He mentions one of the loveliest pop songs I know, "Passenger Seat" by Death Cab for Cutie. The combination of the simple piano melody unfolding over a subtle wash of electronics and Ben Gibbard's direct and heartfelt lyrics is, I think, quite moving. Death Cab for Cutie has to be one of my favourite bands right now. The song construction is often quite simple, but the lyrics, production and subtle instrumental flourishes really make them top-notch. Of course, in many ways it's emo-indie rock for teenagers...and 25 year olds.