I have been listening to it since Friday, and I like it quite a bit. It’s not much of a departure from their older stuff. Gibbards vocals are much as we have come to expect, and the music, while slightly more poppy-er on some tracks, is typical.

The second (and then the radio version of the same track at 12) song, “I will possess your heart”, is very good. It’s catchy and you’ll be singing along after just a listen or two. The lyrics aren’t quite as dark as I would have liked, but it’s not disappointing.

Other notable songs (in my opinion) are, Track 3, No Sunlight, Track 6, You can do Better than Me and Track 7, Grapevine Fires.

If you are a Death Cab fan, expect to like this record, but maybe not love it. If you aren’t, this is a good entry to the music, but after you tire of it, go buy Plans.

I really like this song:

Saves the Day – At Your Funeral

Many years ago, I was pretty disgusted with music in general and decided that it was a waste of time to listen to it. Periodically I would hear a song I liked or listen to it with friends, but on the whole I didn’t spend time buying or listening to music. I decided that was lame and that I was missing out on some great music. The nice part about getting back into music after a long lay off is that there are a billion songs that you missed, just waiting to be listened to.

Todays favorites:
The Killers – Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me
Death Cab For Cutie – I Will Follow You Into the Dark

Now, this brings me to a conundrum. Namely, should I listen to music while I run? It seems like a natural fit, and it could help pass the time on some of the more lonesome long distance runs. I see two downsides though. The first and more trivial one, is that I suppose I should run with ear buds, and they might drive me crazy if they fall out. The second and more serious of the two, is that I use that long distance to think, and settle the contents of my head. The current title “Running is therapy” isn’t an accident.

I don’t know. I suppose I should just try it.