KCRW
hosted a private Death Cab for Cutie show at Bob Clearmountain’s
Berkeley Street studio in Santa Monica. This intimate setting is a
perfect venue for watching a band you truly love. The past few times
I’ve seen Death Cab in concert I was really far away amongst a crowd of
thousands, so it was such a treat to see them up close and personal. The
excited crowd of 150 people stood shoulder to shoulder in eager
anticipation waiting for the band to take the stage.
After
14 years together, Ben, Chris, Jason and Nick released their seventh
studio album, “Codes and Keys,” back in May. Throughout their ten-song
set, they performed songs from the new album as well as some fan
favorites. Opening with “Crooked Teeth” (one of my favorites) from their
seminal album “Plans,” the quartet seemed right at home on a relatively
smaller stage than they’re used to.
They
led right into “A Movie Script Ending,” followed by a song from the new
album, “Doors Unlocked and Open,” which had everyone moving in unison
to the strong and steady beat. That’s just one of the many things I love
about this band. No matter how mellow they may seem, their live shows
always get people moving.
They
performed the new album’s lead single, “You Are a Tourist” next. The
audience hung on to every word as lead singer Ben Gibbard sang “define
your destination/there’s so many places to call home.”
Following
“Tourist,” there was a mini-break in the show where the band was
interviewed by KCRW’s Annie Litt and we got to know a little bit more
about the quartet. For any Death Cab fan, it was a brilliant dialogue
where they discussed their lyrics, music, touring, books they’re reading
and how they’ve managed to stay strong as a band throughout the last
decade and a half.
After the
interview, they kicked back into gear with “Portable Television” – laden
with a groovy tambourine (tambourines are ALWAYS groovy!) and a
predominant drum beat.
After
“Blacking Out the Friction,” they played a couple more songs from “Codes
and Keys,” including the album closer, the sweet and carefree “Stay
Young, Go Dancing.”
For their
“non-core” – as Ben called it – they closed with the full and rich
“Sound of Settling.” The show was over way too soon, but it was a
thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. This really was an incredible
venue and the acoustics were top notch.
The
performance and interview will air on Tuesday, November 1 on KCRW’s
“Morning Becomes Eclectic.” Be sure to tune in! It will also be
streaming live on line during the radio broadcast.
You can catch Death Cab for Cute currently on tour and their “Keys and Codes Remix EP” will be available on November 22.
