The orchestra was truly a wonderful addition to DCFC's music. The string instruments added a romantic element, and a classical sound. The majority of Death Cab For Cutie's music is quite lovely on it's own of course, Magik Magik just added that little extra element which most certainly helped tug on your heartstrings. I was especially elated when the show was opened with "Passenger Seat", a favorite song of mine off of the album Transatlanticism. Just as soon as I heard the first few notes on the keyboard, my heart melted and I swayed to the music. I have a sentimental attachment to Ben Gibbard's voice. When I hear it, no matter where I am or what I am doing, I am instantly reminded of a certain time in my life. I would say that it is specifically the music of DCFC, but I get the same reaction from listening to Ben's side project, The Postal Service. His voice has such a soothing tone to it. So with the accompaniment of a class act band, often heart wrenching lyrics, and melodic melodies, you get one of the best shoe gazing bands to have ever hit the charts. They are extremely deserving of their success, and I say shoe gazing in the most positive way. They have the tender tunes down to an art, and it works! There isn't much I enjoy more, than music that is able to elicit an emotional response. When it comes to matters of the heart, Death Cab has a lot of stories to tell and because of that, so many can relate.
What fun is a show without some witty banter though? A few songs in to their performance, Ben prompted the audience to stand, since it was a rock concert and all, but only if we wanted to, and with a hint of sarcasm he said "...but I don't care if you do." Naturally the crowd rose to the occasion. He later said that the trick to getting people to stand up is to act nonchalantly, apparently. He traded a little more fun chitchat here and there with fellow band mate Christopher Walla, and also included the orchestra in on a song selection (they chose "Crooked Teeth"). I loved watching the band members switch instruments and contribute something different to each song they played. As the music played on, I thought it to be a perfect combination of both old and new songs. I found the rendition of "Soul Meets Body", to be a little haunting with the orchestra backing it. It changed the sound of the song in a way that made it really stand out for me. During the encore, which started out acoustically, they pleasantly surprised us with a lovely cover of The Velvet Underground's song "I'll Be Your Mirror", and they ended the show accordingly with the title song off of Transatlanticism. I was happily left with a warmth in my heart and the memories of a show I would never forget. I am really glad that after missing as many shows in the past, I got to see them from the third row at one of the best venues in town!
Here is the detailed setlist, some pictures I snapped from my fancy phone, and a really cool homemade fan video, of another favorite DCFC tune:
Passenger Seat
Different Names for the Same Thing
A Movie Script Ending
Title and Registration
Grapevine Fires
Codes and Keys
Underneath the Sycamore
Little Furry Bugs
Death of an Interior Decorator
You Are a Tourist
Bend to Squares
Hindsight
Crooked Teeth
No Joy in Mudville
What Sarah Said
Soul Meets Body
Stay Young, Go Dancing
Encore:
Steadier Footing
Your Heart Is an Empty Room
I'll Be Your Mirror (The Velvet Underground cover)
Monday Morning
I Will Follow You into the Dark
Tiny Vessels
Transatlanticism
