There really is enough pabulum, the one nowadays has to go through as a music listener. Whether schmaltzy such as James Blunt or Coldplay played to death, somehow can not hear you all of them. The more gratifying are bands like Death Cabs that are easy to put into any category. What is so special about this band? Is it the clever lyrics that expressive melodies or is it the haunting voice of singer Ben Gibbard? Hard to say, probably, it is the perfect blend that makes the magic of the US band. I now own almost every album of this exceptional artist and can not get enough. Death Cab for Cutie, it understands perfectly to combine original lyrics with melodic rock and occasional electronic beats to give a totally unique expression of each song. This they have driven to their latest album to perfection. Sometimes melancholic and sad, sometimes playful Cheerful, on this record is anything to find. For me, every single song goes "plan" under the skin. My absolute favorites are "Different Names for the Same Thing" (the melody is amazing!), "What Sarah Said" (Ingenious text) and "Your Heart is an Empty Room" (both!). To the Death Cabs are one of the best live bands I've ever seen. I was able to experience a few weeks ago in Munich / Muffathalle and was absolutely delighted with the high musical guys from the Staten. Only a small tip: a true gem is the disc "Give up" of Postal Service, a solo project of the singer of Death Cabs, in which he lets his love of electro beats free rein. This is what quite special!