That is, if you've got an extra eight and a half minutes in your pocket.
That's how long it takes to get through Death Cab's sprawling new single from their forthcoming new album, Narrow Stairs (out May 13th).
We're not sure how we feel about this one yet. We heart Ben Gibbard & company, but this song feels unnecessarily long, such that it borders a little on pretentious. We're not against a lengthy, "epic" song when it's warranted, but the elements of this track are, when torn apart, pretty basic and perpetual.
It's a good song, but it could stand to shed about four minutes.
That's just our opinion, mind you. You should judge for yourself. And if you've still got the time, let us know what you think.



my thoughts exactly, for the most part. it might grow on me, it might not. i've never been a fan of long, instrumental jams, especially not where death cab is concerned. the part with lyrics is promising, though.
oh, and it's like they're just DARING the radio stations to play it in its entirety. i think kexp is...
Also, why would they release such a long, long song as the single? My pretentiousness alarm bells are ringing like crazy.
This is the "album version" of the single. I would assume the "radio edit" would be significantly shorter. As in, they'll lop the first four minutes off the song.
I thought "pretentious" was Death Cab's brand? (Not that I really dislike their stuff.)
Good point about the pretentious-as-brand, Clint. Still... bring on the radio edit!