Album of the Day

Seven albums into their illustrious career, the members of Death Cab For Cutie decided to try a new direction on CODES AND KEYS. “Living off in the woods for a month away from family isn't something we want to do,”explained frontman Ben Gibbard; the solution was to record in short bursts at eight different studios along the West Coast. The Atlantic collection is also unusual for its emphasis on keyboards over guitars and a brighter lyrical outlook (that may owe something to Gibbard's marriage to actress Zooey Deschanel). What hasn't changed is Death Cab's knack for the thoughtful, melodic songwriting displayed on “You Are a Tourist,” “Home Is a Fire” and the title track. Released 10 years ago today, CODES AND KEYS was a Top 10 Billboard debut and earned a well-deserved Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.