On the Couch

I have been told numerous times from people in the music business that Ben Gibbard is one of the nicest guys on the face of the planet. But in recent years, he had broken my heart and killed off most of my love for his main band Death Cab For Cutie. I have written extensively about my angst and heart-break HERE.

Gibbard’s first solo album is set for release on October 16th and his fall tour starts up October 14th. The album is entitled Former Lives.

Death Cab’s last two albums have been unabashedly upbeat and happy. This last album, Codes and Keys had songs written about waking up and sitting under sycamore trees. In other words, meaningless dribble. I expect more of the same in the upcoming Former Lives. Gibbard was married to Zoey Deschanel and in a happy place and as a direct result wrote happier lamer songs. Thankfully, Ben and Zoey are no longer together. There is hope that this album was written in response to their break up. We may yet get some sad songs!!

Another concern is that the Death Cab sound that I grew up with and came to love was mostly manufactured by bass player and legendary mixer Chris Walla. He helped write a number of my favorite tracks and because of his skill mixing added that Death Cab feel and quality to many of my favorite albums. With out Chris Walla I wonder what this album will sound like. There is still a good chance it may rock and be the turning point for Gibbard and bring himself back from the brink of irreparable crappiness.

Below is his latest release entitled “Ichiro’s Theme.” It was written about the former Seattle Mariner player, Ichiro Suzuk. Gibbard is a big Mariners fan. I also have included a track from Chris Walla‘s solo album entitled “The Score.”

“Ichiro’s Theme”

“The Score”

Related articles

• Release Info: Ben Gibbard (dontleavetowngavin.com)
• Ichiro Suzuki Honored in Song Written and Performed by Death Cab For Cutie Frontman Ben Gibbard (Audio) (nesn.com)
• LISTEN: Ben Gibbard’s Song For Ichiro Suzuki (huffingtonpost.com)