Death Cab For Cutie: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Death Cab For Cutie came as a trio: Ben Gibbard sang, Nick Harmer played bass, and we wheeled in our piano for Zac Rae. This intimate set included two new songs - including "Black Sun," the first single from their new album Kintsugi.
The album title refers to the Japanese art of reassembling broken pottery and making the breakage part of the newly formed pot. Death Cab For Cutie, a groundbreaking band formed in 1997, has gone through its own rebuilding of sorts. Chris Walla, a founding member of the band, has left, after contributing music to Kintsugi, but that's his farewell offering.
Death Cab For Cutie is still strongly defined by Gibbard's words, and that couldn't be more evident in this beautifully stark performance, which also includes "No Room In Frame" from Kintsugi, as well as two stripped-down favorites from the past. One, "Your Heart Is An Empty Room," is from Plans, while a beautiful love song from Transatlanticism, "Passenger Seat," moistened more than a few eyes in the crowd.
Set List
"Black Sun" 0:07
"No Room In Frame" 5:13
"Your Heart Is An Empty Room" 9:23
"Passenger Seat" 14:00
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Maggie Starbard, Carlos Waters; Assistant Producer: Emily Jan; photo by Emily Jan/NPR

[@nprmusic]

How do you love rap when rap doesn’t love you back? From Rico Nasty’s harassment from toxic Carti fans, to Saucy Santana's unapologetically femme aesthetics in a queerphobic industry, to the assault case that put Megan Thee Stallion’s entire image on trial, each episode of Louder Than A Riot - the second season of our investigative hip-hop podcast - unpacks the unspoken rules of rap that hold the entire culture back. Tap in to our first episode at n.pr/louder-season-2.

[@Confucius_76]

The moral dilemmas of being a progressive...

[@No_Ghosts]

@@Confucius_76 how many angels can dance on the head of a queerphobic unapologetic femme?

[@Confucius_76]

@No_Ghosts I'm not sure what your point is sorry :)

[@No_Ghosts]

@@Confucius_76 ha no worries. The question, "how many angels can dance on the head of a pin" represents the sort of ideas decadent, out of touch intellectual elites start to discuss when they get lost in their own ideology. This was an actual philosophical question pondered by scholastics, and it is associated with the end stage of scholasticism. You could say our own liberal elites are in a similar decadent stage, where they are lost in these questions of queerphobia and so on.

[@Confucius_76]

@No_Ghosts thanks, I knew what the phrase meant, just wasn't sure how you were relating it to the other part. I agree though. The whole subject of queerness seems naturally inclined to that sort of intellectual navel gazing

[@JayReezy-bs1ot]

I was in prison in 2016 and we had these tablets that we could listen to podcasts and music on. this tiny desk concert pulled up and listening to this concert got me thru some pretty hard times. Thank you. ♥

[@amberl5513]

I’ve always loved this concert. I listen to it often.

[@FroSilva]

Amen‼️🙏✝️🙌

[@user-ki2zw7se4k]

Good soul

[@bsmp145]

You found the good stuff brother

[@dickbielskis8514]

“And we’ll both go on to get lonely with someone else” has to be the most depressing line I’ve ever heard! 🙁

[@grc2003]

It hurts so good

[@dw4735]

Right in the gut!

[@candiceerorita9505]

From which song was this? 😢

[@AtHomewithLucas]

The way Ben weaves silence into his singing is just beautiful

[@emmacoles7786]

"Music is the space between the notes"-Debussy

[@WildesWaldwesen]

Beautifully put.

[@ISEEKSPACE]

Passenger Seat is one of the greatest songs ever written. Transatlanticism, one the greatest albums ever produced. Death Cab For Cutie, one of the most brilliant bands in the last 15 years!

[@wpc456cpw]

Fully agreed!! Passenger Seat is so underrated.

[@craign3766]

Absolutely love passenger seat. Always been a personal DCFC fave.

[@seitan8386]

One of the most brilliant bands of all time really. I put them equivalent to the Beatles personally, and even a tiny smidge past them if I’m being honest.

[@ScrewStandards]

In the last 24 years tbh

[@MrKaratechop1726]

@ISEEKSPACE this is the greatest album since the 80's. This is the masterpiece that mercury wishes he could've made.

[@RelientKStuff]

let's all take a moment to recognize zac raes beautiful piano playing here

[@johncalcerano5460]

And Nick Harmer on bass!

[@Rainlitnight]

i love this cause of the piano

[@nino0057]

RelientKStuff simple yet sublime

[@ThomasBrophy]

RelientKStuff His playing and interpretations of the compositions remind me so much of Phillip Glass.

[@dippedincustard]

They may look like a bunch of sausages, but those fingers are magical

[@percula8]

"There's a dumpster in the driveway...of all the plans that came undone." Lyrical gold.

[@KANTstanzoo]

It would not have resonated with me if not for a loss of a parent recently. Listening to it now, strikes a hard. The melody and lyrics make me cry, remembering loading a 20 yard roll-off full of the house i grew up in. Unexpected and barely accepting the reality of losing a loved one. Ben painted the picture perfectly and i could listen to the song again and again

[@CursedMarkMedia]

Every plan is a tiny prayer to father time.

[@chickenman515]

There are so many Ben Gibbard lyrics that are so impactful. I find myself starting to cry often listening to such genius.

[@markcarr5142]

I'm about to put a dumpster in my driveway, because my marriage has fallen apart. All the good I wanted to do... Just so much wasted potential.

[@jaconova]

@@CursedMarkMedia God is the father, timeless, eternal.

[@lukelarsson]

I met Ben during a Morning group run in Seattle. He showed up with the rest of us on a super rainy Tuesday morning at around 6am. We went for a 6 Mile run around discovery park and hung out at the running shop for a little while afterwards. He’s just as nice and genuine as you think he would be.

[@cuervos69]

This warms my soul. Thank you for sharing.

[@MrBegebege]

That's pretty cool man.

[@internogrupo]

Had the chance to see the 20th anniversary tour in NYC and I’m still speechless. The way Ben sings Transatlantism + Passenger Seat makes me emotional.

[@sarahcarroll8186]

Same! I’ve been to numerous concerts and they were unforgettable.

[@davidpilkenton7178]

Just saw them at UBC in Vancouver. Ditto

[@QuietEarp]

he's smirking at the beginning of the video cuz he knows he's about to crush it

[@jakeneugebauer9923]

no room in frame is such an underrated song. it should have been way more popular

[@doinsngoins]

Agreed, I'm liking it much more now .

[@johnbowman3630]

Zoey Deschanel made some calls to keep it down

[@eyelid.movies]

One of my favorites by them. I never get tired of it!

[@henriquefmq]

This version of Black Sun is just cruel. 10/10

[@bartholomewnelson1801]

How could something so fair be so cruel?

[@max-zl1vm]

Death Cab's songs really resonate with me. They're quiet, introspective, shy, and honest.

[@choppedandscrewed7351]

what a great description

[@doinsngoins]

Direct, deeper than heart...

[@TylerGarner-do2zt]

My middle school and high school theme my ipod was full of death cab the postal service and all time quarterback

[@phillipmakris7345]

"How could something so fair be so cruel?" I don't know exactly what hes referring to but man what a line. That hits deep

[@taylorhead2803]

If it hits you, you find some sort of reference in it. You’ll find it for yourself soon enough.

[@lauratude5132]

I don't get what he's saying either, but it's deep

[@briandantana8470]

Fair = beautiful. A lady, methinks.

[@alicebingham9796]

Yeah fair here is used to mean like ‘a fair maiden’ basically noting the contrast between her beauty and her cruelty with some fantastic wordplay, ‘something’ is also used to suggest that after this cruelty she no longer deserves to be referred to a someone, she has become inhuman.

[@elinannestad5320]

@@briandantana8470 it's better than that, I feel. Like, yes, it has that allusion, but nothing else in the language is oldy-worldy, and the romanticism is stark and dark. I feel it means more like, life has come out as it was always going to, and it hurts. Yet it's right.

[@Bowiegirl12]

This stripped down version of black sun is the equivalent to the sound of a heart breaking.

[@argmik2910]

absolutely. spot on.

[@mykep28]

Kamryn Mello you’re so beautiful it’s like looking at the magic obtained inside a rainbow.

[@kushinflames]

I cant stop replaying and singing Black Sun. Such a satisfying song to sing.

[@mpthorvonericksen]

Black Sun is meant to be sung this slow and stripped down

[@KyleTheLEGOMaster]

Interested in promoting The 50-50 Club, in Atlantic City, with 50 Cent?

[@carriekmms]

I am overwhelmed with nostalgia so much it's making me cry.

[@ggthewhale]

Same

[@maryg.1014]

💗

[@crazypizza]

i remember when the kintsugi album first came out and i was like "a NEW ALBUM!" and now it's been 7 years

[@conradclipper]

Love u janie

[@jaayro]

@@crazypizza SEVEN YEARS?!??!!?

[@Itiswhatitisitiswhatitiswhatit]

I sing Passenger Seat to my 4 month old son every night to get him to sleep. So many memories to that album, and now even more. Excited to see it live next year! Happy 20th anniversary! ❤

[@beezybeez6285]

This is so good but you must hear “Winding Road” or “Live Not Survive” by SLT 🤘

[@wallflowercommenter3610]

I just saw them and I love it so much

[@Itiswhatitisitiswhatitiswhatit]

@@wallflowercommenter3610 I had to skip it cause my son was sick, but I'm sure it was amazing

[@toni8342]

Passenger seat is a timeless masterpiece

[@kriscarter1252]

I can’t listen to “Passenger Seat” without holding back tears. Almost all of “Plans” is the same way.

[@patrickn8355]

One that doesn't get the respect it deserves at all either.

[@AshliAuguillard]

One of the most beautiful pieces ever...

[@ALeaud]

That song is incredible. Actually, that entire album hits so hard.

[@khloeg1649]

Every song on that album is a timeless masterpiece

[@selfay8593]

Ah. Even after listening to Kintsugi for a year I still find little nuggets of emotion that I hadn't noticed before. "And we'll both go on and get lonely with someone else." Ben Gibbard, you kill me.

[@elishazepeda184]

Same here, I never really paid attention to that line until hearing this version.

[@Burnzybabyy]

I read this right as he sang it. Amazing

[@austins.2495]

That is a fantastic line

[@error.418]

Read this comment right as he sang it XD

[@Riley-nw6jv]

Black sun 0:07 No room in frame 5:13 Your heart is an empty room 9:23 Passenger seat 14:00

[@laariluz]

always looking 4 the angel who does that

[@ericmccool602]

Just watch the full thing every time, it's an insult not to.

[@hangnailh.9659]

Thank you

[@zethpeterka2930]

Thanks

[@jamespopp9875]

Eric Mccool. I like black sun but its not my favorite. Its not really a somg that I listen to a lot

[@isabelschmitt6640]

I love all the Tiny Desk concerts. But, this one is special. It is audible wine.

[@ajeje1996]

I would've gone with scotch, but I guess wine works just as well :)

[@jonathoncliffbailey]

you mean whiskey in water?

[@youngblood3rd545]

I'll stick with wine on the first song. Lyrics or not... Just the feel. Second song: carrot juice. Till the last line hit. Damn... this third song... Dude... Man got hit by a true Bitch. Came n went, with his soul. Piano solo drives the nails deep into his heart. NPR the NEWS STATION? Dude.. Why am i just seeing this room? These recordings? Must be more... I hope. 4th song... More Cowbell.

[@lupowins]

Young Blood 3rd I’ll stick with some good WA flower for all 4 songs, or any DCFC or PS song for that matter.

[@youngblood3rd545]

@@lupowins NEED Tennessee to LEGALIZE FLOWERS. N u oughtta have a jug of my cranberry.

[@bungopony]

Kudos to the audio engineers at Tiny Desk! The sound is always so good. Until Tiny Desk, I've never seen a shotgun mic on the lead vocalist. Just thought I'd give a shout out to the audio folks at Tiny Desk.

[@samvingtneuf]

bungopony so true ...

[@jasontelmos7936]

Totally agree - these sets always make me realize the insane amount of talent that goes into making beautiful music. Vocals, instruments, sound engineering, etc. Literally amazing.

[@TacoInvader69]

I guess the shotgun makes it easier to mix/master the tracks independently from each other.

[@EarthyPoetGrrl]

Heck yes, production is excellent!!!!

[@thedukeparty]

It’s honestly shocking how good they all sound.

[@Mikeyrc16]

These four songs, when listened together in this sequence, are an incredibly beautiful narrative of losing love, going through the rebuilding process, and encountering something even more beautiful. Gibbard is a genius.

[@lakebythesea]

Could not agree more! I love this.

[@jamesrobertarchbald6357]

Mike C is about how black music and country music are so poor and all they have is to revolve around women ....also they also sing about drinking too

[@AlexSuperTramp-]

"black music"? Your narrow mind is showing

[@elijahwhipple8031]

This is my favorite one of these videos

[@klorglork6917]

No need a big thicc one

[@devhive420]

Death Cab's one of those bands where their music sounds better the older I get. Truly timeless. That's how you know it's good stuff.

[@WithoutAChance64]

"My feet on the dash. The world doesn't matter". I always have to hold in a tear when he sings that.

[@AshliAuguillard]

How do you hold it in? I fail everytime

[@craign3766]

I've always LOVED this line. So evocative, it's just captured a beautiful moment of just feeling at peace, if just for a moment. Always stuck with me.

[@sjsh5837]

I'm not crying, shut up, you're crying...

[@erinlee5199]

♡

[@sjsh5837]

+Isuru Abeykoon I'd like to think so yes, I've written a fair few :)

[@IIISO_GHOSTLORD]

thank u4 this

[@mikeperorazio7515]

beat me too it lol

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

*Best comment I have read.* =)

[@inphanta]

I love how people in the Death Cab comments sections (at least on the videos I’ve watched) are so chill. Makes a pleasant change. Keep being awesome everyone. 👍

[@sarahcarroll8186]

Very true! No drama

[@cuevasheather]

20 seconds into Passenger Seat took me back 15 years and filled my eyes with tears... your music has always moved me. Up, down and in between.

[@goodvibesvince]

Heather Cuevas same, god I love it

[@DominicDarrell]

Right there with you my friend. I hope life is treating you well!

[@SteveThePirate80]

You know watching this now in 2021 I gotta say I'm thankful for tiny desk concerts it was ahead of its time before covid and before we were going to unknowingly end up taking for granted the sold out concerts we used to be able to attend.

[@RayPublicHealth]

Yeppers

[@IdahoJessie]

His voice has matured in a beautiful way. I love when musicians get older and start to write from their longer life experience. It's as if some of the superfluous elements are shed and they streamline their sound. Beautiful.

[@stevesherman3961]

Jessica Stewart Totally with you... This new record has a depth, space and a beautiful maturity to it. Thanks DCFC!

[@dannydine5263]

Jessica Stewart Amen.This man has an interesting voice with character.I like it.

[@Press1ToParty]

Jessica Stewart I definitely enjoyed the maturation of his voice in Kintsugi. I wasn't particularly fond of Narrow Stairs, even less so for Codes & Keys, but something just stuck with me in their newest album.

[@musicisbrilliant]

Jessica Stewart I like those words.

[@Gramamanamanees]

Jessica Stewart these words describe it all. The youth is more mature and worldly than people understand, but experience cannot be learned without time. I am 24, I thought i understood deathcab when I was 16. I did not. I fear i still do not. But i know it is beautiful.

[@MegamanXLT]

"When you feel embarassed, then I'll be your pride. When you need directions, then I'll be your guide. For all time" I think those are the lyrics that inspired 'Directions', the visual companion for 'Plans'. Sort of the following through to a vow, the constructed beautiful masterpiece in his mind that he, like so many other's decided to share with another like-minded, deep, passionate individual. He spawned a generation of hopeless romantics, I swear. Now he's living through the same trials as his listeners. Awesome how we've matured together.

[@KargoolElvalie]

This live rendition of Black Sun is simply one of the best songs I have heard in my entire life.

[@Verkrustet]

That bass/piano combo is beautiful.

[@_fellipepires]

2022 and I keep listening to this. True love.

[@AdamGibson]

the bass line in black sun is brilliant

[@timivett8989]

I was actually scrolling through here wondering why nobody had commented on that bass line yet. So, thanks.

[@pioneerscheers]

I would love to be his bass player (if I was a playa!) cuz' it seems like he writes a lot of music that utililzes the bass up front, not just as a supporting instrument.

[@keithgraham8588]

Might be because the bass line is something a beginner would do when they are just noodling lol

[@kpdelaney6460]

yeah it's so good!

[@NoName-li9rx]

I lived in NYC when DCFC first came out. They got huge after an episode of Six Feet Under when Claire & her friends listened to Trasatlanticism in her bedrooom on LSD. I was a baby and newly married living in Westchester. I ran to Limewire to search for the song. A lovely time in NY when Bright Eyes, DCFC etc lived in the city. Wes Anderson films, Ryan Adams was dating Parker Posey. A time of infinite sadness from 9/11 just occurring and still, a hopefulness.

[@danejurus69]

Ben is so underrated as a vocalist.

[@durkley]

There's a moment when NPR guy says, off frame, "thanks for doing this", and Ben pauses, looks up and right into NPR guy's eyes and says "of course". I thought it was kind of a revealing moment. It made me like him a lot more; it was a moment that could have gone by without a response, but he seemed very genuine in his reponse.

[@counthackula1704]

durkley. It's even better because Ben starts off by thanking all the NPR people for coming to see him play...in their offices. Class guy

[@TheSquareOnes]

Obligatory internet pedantry: How can you know he looked him right in the eye if they were out of frame?

[@asdfate1]

Not sure, but at least we know why they were out of frame: there was no room.

[@mikkelnielsen6359]

@@asdfate1 You just made my morning with that comment

[@Kaizhouwong]

13:55 for those wanting to see this moment for themselves (but I mean you might as well watch the whole thing over again - no loss haha)

[@SpinTheMercury]

This band changed me.

[@HoudiniFontmeister]

Transatlantacism Changed my Life growing up. Critically underrated band

[@hattorihanzo7349]

Oh god. Same. I can’t listen to them without tearing up and thinking of my days of heavy dissociation

[@dewilew2137]

SpinThe Mercury we can tell ♥️

[@nickrandles1102]

Forever

[@myguykaikai9215]

They’re still changing me.

[@tomromano145]

Just found this. Picking my jaw up off the floor. So stripped down and somehow greater without the synths and guitar. The piano was soulful and sounded so good. Seriously how does a tiny desk concert produce sound this great? Great job NPR. Can’t listen to the studio of Black Sun anymore cuz this one is the real one.

[@963robw]

"There's a dumpster in the driveway of all the plans that came undone" kills me every time

[@freeme1071]

Mess with a poet, you will get the symbolic thorns. I hate seeing this guy sad, but he does write great music after he takes a beating.

[@adamontiveros-oberg1528]

I don't follow the band that closely, what had happened then?

[@vvoollaannss]

lol that would be "life"... Life happened.

[@crustpunkjesuschrist]

@@adamontiveros-oberg1528 just a messy break up, essentially.

[@silverbat5873]

True

[@ydk2284]

@@adamontiveros-oberg1528 Ben at the time had divorced and the album had some implications towards that.

[@madelinekorbut395]

This stripped down version sounds ten million times better than the studio version on their new album. Way more emotional!

[@phredshunkie3487]

I think it’s the piano. 😌

[@FSULAUBACH]

Still one of if not my favorite concerts to watch online of all time. I must watch this video 10 to 15 times a year to be honest.

[@mpthorvonericksen]

THERE IS GRACE WITHIN FORGIVENESS BUT IT IS SO HARD FOR ME TO FIND

[@DHGroove]

I think my favorite part of this performance is Zac Rae's playing. His touch and feel on the piano is incredibly tasteful. Also the recording quality is just amazing on this.

[@dmbreland82]

Agree on both poonts

[@jakecarroll2439]

I get why everyone always says death can for cutie deserves a listen or 2.

[@jakecarroll2439]

Can, hahaha

[@jakecarroll2439]

I meant cab..

[@Guernicaaa]

All hail the death can!

[@theangrycardwolf436]

I’ve always thought “The Decemberists” and “Death Cab For a Cutie” sounded super similar. They’re two wonderful bands that I’ve loved through the ages.

[@marletschkotho6994]

I always come back to this Version of "Black Sun" because it has a certain tranquil atmosphere

[@greatleapforwards]

the slow progression from ben gibbard to steve zissou

[@wokandwoll4lyfe]

who the shit is kingsley zissou?

[@NobodySleepsNow]

Yes!!!!

[@andrewchamm]

... my favorite rendition of "Your Heart is an Empty Room". Unreal.

[@Mrgrpgrp]

Same bruv, it's absolutely beautiful

[@sarahcarroll8186]

Agreed

[@wittenhenderson875]

this man as yanked more tears out of me than any other person alive. Can't believe it's already been seven years since Kintsugi.

[@beezybeez6285]

This is so good but you must hear “Winding Road” or “Live Not Survive” by SLT 🤘

[@lifelong5425]

Dear god...as a tragically hip fan, and still feeling the loss of Gord Downie.....watching this man deliver this song was like seeing Gord be there with him... singing along....we are so lucky to have these musical geniuses...

[@jamiebsings]

Something I've just noticed after the nth time watching this - I love how, during Passenger Seat, Nick is sat there really getting into it, despite there being no need for him to play. If you notice when the song finishes, it's like the spell is broken and he snaps out of a trance. Nice to see such a team player. I feel Nick deserves a mention, he's been an underrated bass player for years imo. Love this Tiny Desk :)

[@kyleallred956]

stripped down to the bass and piano. something special about this sound with the context.

[@RichardBrandon5]

I have always been enamoured by Ben's storytelling. Any tune from Death Cab or Postal Service always offers a lovely remedy to any case of "Writer's block".

[@sarahjane5178]

Passenger seat has always been, and continues to be, one of the most achingly beautiful yet simple songs I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. I've been listening to it for years and it gets me every time.

[@joshthebasil]

Zac really just gives a whole new dimension to Death Cab's already wonderful sound. Those piano melodies are gorgeous.

[@MorningRoutineGirly]

So wholesome. I needed this. Death cab got me through some rough times as a teenager. Now they comfort my soul as an adult. ❤️

[@DominicDarrell]

Right there with you my friend. Cheers, hope life is treating you better now!

[@damazy]

I know those are not christmas songs by any way, but I stumbled on this on KZbin around the christmas 2017 while having christmas at my first own apartment aaand.... it stuck, this set seems to be perfect for this "winter is starting/new year and maybe new chances are coming" season. So I keep listening to this each year, only in December. This one will be the first one with my son... hope he likes it, and that there will be many more.

[@Nobody.Animash]

Omg this is adorable!

[@tinasnedden8724]

I stumbled onto this Tiny Desk Concert yesterday. I haven't listen to Death Cab For Cutie since I lived in my grandfather's house as a teenager. He passed away yesterday morning. The depth of these songs brings me to my own. Encouraging me to feel hope, heal the pain and grief from his loss while coming to terms with the ground shaking reason behind his absence. Thank you Death Cab For Cutie. Thank you NPR.

[@Alpha_7227]

A friend put me onto this band, didn't know much about them, being from Australia. Certainly beautiful lyrics.

[@dragoniousmaximus7304]

I'm sorry about your grandfather. He is watching you if that makes it better. You never die your soul never sleeps, you will float on...

[@matthewpardo8379]

When did you pass away?

[@dragoniousmaximus7304]

@@matthewpardo8379 3 seconds after my 3rd blast of dimethyltryptamine

[@musicisbrilliant]

NPR, THIS is why I LOVE you: Bands ALWAYS sound way different here playing "tiny desk concerts"!!!! And.... Its always WAY better in my opinion! WAY more intimate and just more personal and emotional and I LOVE what youve got going on. Bob Boilin and all others involved... YOURE BEAUTIFUL people and I love you guys (along with all the other huge, huge fans). So I wanted to thank you and encourage you NEVER TO STOP. Keep it up!!!!!! Bands music truly NEVER sounds as good ANYwhere else!

[@joshbrown4614]

this is so true, I always look up the bands I like and their music never sounds as good as it does at npr :P

[@isras6702]

musicisbrilliant Agreed

[@erwinthedodo9205]

4 years later but don't mind me, I just found NPR and subsequent this series. I believe the reason these always sound different from the bands studio performance is because their basically just plopped into this room and given the instruments they need and told to enjoy themselves. No deadlines,no manager telling them to start from the top. Just them and their passion for the craft laid bear. Truly these performances are a testimony to their skills

[@musicisbrilliant]

@@erwinthedodo9205 Absolutely! And yeah, 4 years later, thats crazy. Still listening to this performance though, put it on my mp3 player. Happy listening my friend!

[@davidhoggan5376]

His voice is just sooo...good. This is my kind of music

[@Asaski09]

Those Kintsugi numbers sound gorgeous acoustic, I'd even go as far as to say better.

[@donaldwisor3031]

This really does make listening to the album version of No Room in Frame tough.

[@barefootbusdriver]

This might be the best Tiny Desk Concert of them all.

[@isaimrtnz]

agree

[@LeviCorbett]

yes

[@isabelschmitt6640]

agreed.

[@Just1Humanoid]

it actually is.

[@Therolando27]

Completely agree!

[@MetalForLife2697]

This is one of the hardest hitting Death Cab performances I've ever seen. So so good

[@drinkingpoolwater]

I wanna share a death cab story, back in early 2005 I bought Plans on a whim thinking that maybe I'd like it. after wearing it out by listening to it non stop I bought every album they ever made knowing that they were musical geniuses. they create an entire atmosphere in their sound. it's nostalgia, beauty, love, loss, and melancholy wrapped up in some of the soothing melodies ever created. it takes me back to some of the best days of my life and I am grateful to have a vehicle to reach them whenever I need to feel like that again. peace and love, people. update: these 4 songs here are so timeless. gives me shivers thinking of time, space, love, loss, the future, the past, and all the mysterious things we still haven't figured out about the people and situations in our lives.

[@BucketHead6541]

drinkingpoolwater Well said.

[@musicisbrilliant]

+drinkingpoolwater Nice story! What are some of your FAVORITE albums by them?? Which are their best?? (Im just trying to check them out).

[@drinkingpoolwater]

The Photo Album, Transatlanticism, and Plans are my favorites. All of their albums are great. Just finally got to hear Kintsugi the other day and it's incredible as well.

[@musicisbrilliant]

+drinkingpoolwater AWESOME! Yeah Im excited to star making memories with their music too! Great story my friend!

[@darrellgarrett2535]

I wanna share a story also, my ex introduced me to The Postal Service. That's when I heard about Ben, and have been a fan ever since.

[@PDX999X]

This band’s music has helped time stamp so many things in my life.

[@beezybeez6285]

This is so good but you must hear “Winding Road” or “Live Not Survive” by SLT 🤘

[@dickslayer111]

No room in frame is really earth shattering...

[@nolenpeterson]

one of the greatest song writers of our day..

[@LexMassive]

I got in to Death Cab about nine years ago thanks to the Postal Service. When I heard that Ben Gibbard was from a band called Death Cab for Cutie I thought it sounded like the most emo band going; and this was around a time when we'd been suffering emo bands for far too long already. I love being wrong.

[@dacubanb323]

There is grace within forgiveness. This country would do well to remember that.

[@infinitysdice2826]

I'd forgotten how incredibly talented Death Cab for Cutie was.

[@akacottonmouth]

I love NPR Tiny Desk Concerts but this is the best one ever made. Barely knew about DCFC before getting here by accident... It was so touching that I couldn't help myself but crying. The four songs are the process between a broken heart and the joy of finding a new love. On top of that, everything on this set sounds beautiful, amazing musicians and wonderful sound engineering job. I've rewatched this so many times and still gives me the chills ❤️

[@nathanspivey8447]

I guess it's something about Ben, or maybe something about deathcab as an entity or love as a concept, but holy fuck why can one voice consistently make me cry.

[@MrSourkrause]

this whole album is a breakup album done right! thanks zoey deshanel

[@rjrodriguez2270]

Lol

[@lauratude5132]

He expects us to interpret it however we want

[@pioneerscheers]

Yeah, No Room in Frame is one of the ultimate revenge songs!

[@janosmarta8258]

In this performance soul meets body, thank you.

[@benjaminodonald6846]

Good lord. It's funny how you miss some of these older ones. This is fantastic. Anyone else in 2019?

[@kingofpancakes1278]

Im a little late, but right here buddy

[@MrTmac1986]

2020

[@akshatrupapara6580]

NPR music is the best friend you've never met :')

[@tarsanlaut]

This!

[@sophietrosclair]

I cannot get over this. On repeat all day, everyday.

[@LeviCorbett]

same

[@Hello.Newman]

Excellent musician. Will be enjoyed for decades to come. Your music helped author my teenage angst and now I listen fondly and am reminded of the memories you are forever tethered to.

[@meritatralala]

I can't believe that the two last songs are more than 10 years old...

[@lukaszgudewicz6442]

12 now

[@upthewolfs2347]

They're timeless

[@jrdnsgrarchvs9163]

:)

[@stringged]

NPR Concerts are better than MTV Unplugged

[@Rmasters08]

MTV Unplugged Pearl Jam 1992. That's all I have to say.

[@brianhargrove763]

+Rmasters08 i will raise my glass to that man!!!

[@danman6669]

I love Pearl Jam to death, since they are one of my favorite bands ever, but Nirvana's Unplugged will never be topped.

[@andrewsanders735]

I love Nirvana to death (since they are one of my favorite bands ever), but the Alice In Chains Unplugged will never be topped..

[@andrewbarrett1537]

They're both great, why rank them and make it a contest?

[@elisekathleen6070]

with my feet on the dash, the world doesn't matter. these guys have had me crying since 2005.

[@MsTokies]

black sun. complete chills..

[@EdibleBlimp]

This is easily my favorite Tiny Desk. I've probably watched this 100+ times. They perform with such emotion and feeling.

[@angelajonbearclaw3863]

no words can express what these songs have done for me. Timeless.

[@TheIlovevideos]

Black Sun just hurts different

[@peacebeuponyou2too]

I wish I could buy this version of Black Sun. I so love their acoustic versions with this being a pure piece of genius...the lyrics and the chorus so moving. You can tell Ben feels the song deeply. I should add too that the piano playing by Zac Rae is gorgeous. Perfect instrumental. DCFC, if you ever see this, would you please do this haunting version of Black Sun and some of your others not done yet as acoustic, stripped down renditions? Such works of beauty. Thank you!

[@walrustime51]

Spotify named DCFC as my top band of the decade and honestly have not agreed with anything more. I grew up listening to Death Cab with my older siblings and watching the OC. Now as twenty something myself I resonate with Seth Cohen and Death Cab much more. It’s more than just the beautiful melodies and instrumentation; the lyrics of Death Cab have always been the foremost aspect of their songs. Ben has always been able to capture raw human emotion in such a beautiful and truthful way, a true artist.

[@RyanRabid]

This is one of those performances where you accidentally start clapping along with the NPR office after the first song. Mesmerizing Then you forget and do it again on each consecutive song.

[@mackthemark9105]

When I first watched this, I remember I listened to the first couple songs then switched off to something else. Coming back to it a few years later... I don’t know what I was thinking! It’s strange how sometimes you can listen to a song, but not really hear it.

[@dlk7003]

I keep coming back to this Black Sun performance. What impacts me are the piano and bass players. Not a smile, word, or wasted movement. Absolute concentration on their instrument, every note perfect. This is incredible respect for the singer and song, like it's the most important performance of their lives. You want to hold your breath while listening.

[@slapfan1]

A vinyl with this session would be priceless...

[@AlbertaBackwoodsAdventures]

How could anyone give this video a dislike? They sound so good stripped down, if you don’t like it then don’t watch it any more!. Why go out of your way to give a thumbs down?

[@luanne916]

As soon as they started playing “Your Heart is an Empty Room” I suddenly felt 15/16 years old again. Ugh. All the feels for this Tiny Desk Concert.

[@angelbunnyoftheuniverse]

Listening to Gibbard's, Postal Service "We Will Become Silhouettes" on this March Covid19th. :( xo Thank you for all the great music getting me (us) through so many crazy assed things.

[@Lady-Lilith]

I haven't listened to any indie style music for years, as I've mostly been listening to heavy metal for a while now, but I randomly popped on The Postal Service today and went through a weird emotional roller coaster listening to that song. The pictures he paints with his lyrics are so incredible. I'll just keep self isolating with Gibbard's voice keeping me company.

[@angelbunnyoftheuniverse]

elizabluekitty cool thing? Ben Gibbard goes LIVE every day at 4pm PST from his home studio in Seattle during this social distancing/stay home time! Come join! Here on KZbin :Death Cab for Cutie channel :) RIGHT?! It’s super rad xo 😘 be well

[@nutmylkboy]

passenger seat brought me to tears i love this song so much. it was when i was figuring out that i was falling in love with my partner.

[@justinportillo242]

I think this version of "No Room in Frame" is better than the studio version.

[@crustpunkjesuschrist]

I love the original, but I have to agree

[@conorhughes6018]

Definitely. Less crowded. More room for the emotions to flow!

[@theshireman5642]

the drums are awesome though and good turn up song on the studio and drive

[@weslo819]

I 100% agree

[@calvinnigh5489]

I would agree if I didn’t think that Jason on drums is 50% of the band’s greatness

[@knowyourenemies7]

It's to the point where I hear those opening piano chords of Passenger Seat and immediately begin to tear up.