Some albums need a little time to love.
I felt this way about TV on the Radio’s latest album, Nine Types of Light, a few weeks earlier. I don’t know if it is the expectation of the release, or due to the fact that the band arguably hit their peak on a previous record, but I definitely feel this way about Death Cab for Cutie’s Codes and Keys.
The first listen of this album back when released was a complete let down. It sounded tame, retreaded, and simplistic. For these reasons, I didn’t listen to this album again until about five months later. I’m now addicted to the album. It does have its charm. While not being Death Cab’s best album by any means, Codes and Keys is still not as bad as I pegged it. The first half of the way is considerably weaker than the second half. After the single, You are a Tourist, the album kicks into a sound more familiar to long time Death Cab for Cutie fans. In fact, I think the second half is what sold me on this album.
This is why I buy CDs. If I didn’t own this album, I would never have given it a second chance.
Favorite Tracks: You are a Tourist, Codes and Keys, Unobstructed Views, Monday Morning
