Death Cab For Cutie - Nokia Theater, Los Angeles (6/23/08)

 In November of 2004, Steph and I had a mini joint b-day celebration by going to see Death Cab for Cutie play a show at the Wiltern on their Transatlanticism tour. It was right before Death Cab blew up big time. Last week we met up again to watch the band play at the new Nokia Theater in downtown L.A. I was anxious to compare notes both with her and with the past.

What Has Changed

• Much larger, much nicer venues, at which you can purchase champagne (in a paper cup?) and organic trail mix. Oh, brother.
• Ben Gibbard has been working on his fitness. He looks like a skinny little lion.
• I believe every band member has gotten more skilled at playing their respective instruments. But I miss the baby drum kit (they didn't even play "We Looked Like Giants".) I even miss the drum pads from "Title and Registration".
• Chris Walla did not once go on a three minute ramble in which you can't make out 3/4 of what he is saying in his falsetto voice.
• Roadies galore. Way back when, Ben Gibbard liked to alternate between about six guitars. He kept them all on one rack and had to keep walking over to change them himself. 
• "Bixby Canyon Bridge" has replaced "The New Year" as the bands usual opener. That works for me--they killed it.
• The audience. In '04 we were all pressed up against the stage in little rooms. We were all enthralled. That night at the Nokia Theater I looked around the pit and people were just staring blankly during songs like "405". I'm sure most of the attendees don't even own The Photo Album.

What Has Not

• An air of pleasant reserve. Just because Death Cab are more popular than ever doesn't mean they've changed their stage banter (or lack thereof.) This is the least I've heard them speak during a show.
• They played "Company Calls" immediately followed by "Company Calls Epilogue". I've seen them do this once before and it is awesome. Nerds that we are, Steph and I actually high-fived when we heard this. Oh, lordy.
• Still closing out with the heart-stopping glory that is "Transatlanticism". "Do you think they get tired of playing that as their last song?" Steph wondered. I don't know, but we sure as hell don't get tired of hearing it.
• Smarts. Death Cab almost always plays such thoughtful and well-crafted set lists. They keep a really good flow of pacing and energy and they are very aware of which songs sound best live.
• Heart. I've heard a lot of people say that this band is boring live. Obviously I couldn't disagree more. They play hard and they play with warmth, spirit and affection. I think the boys put every bit as much of themselves now, maybe more, into their live performance. And I'm happy I can say this about my favorite band. Great show, great times.
• Steph and I still know when to hit it and quit it.

Why You'd Want To Live Here - Death Cab For Cutie

Comments

[slo]

"Much larger, much nicer venues, at which you can purchase champagne (in a paper cup?)"

soso clever. haha

I miss the drum pad too. I felt so awkward FOR gibbard when he sort of trotted along with the mic in his hand for title and registration. what an awkward little turtle (that we all love).

[bt]

I know. I can't believe Ive reached the point of cracking Death Cab jokes. The worst part: I'm not even ashamed.