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The Postal Service

Give Up (2003)
Sub Pop Records

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Contributed by: Ponchohwm
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on February 21st 2003

One day a long time ago, 2 weeks, I'm browsing through Chris Warped the only decent punk music store in Cleveland. I hear on their speakers the like of which I'd never heard of before, Indie-rock magic, large praise for a genre I'm not often a fan of. This genius goes by the name of Postal Service. I soon purchased the cd and it has not left my rotation since.

Postal Service mixes soulful indie rock from Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard and the eletronica stylings of Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel. The group gets it's name from the way they traded sounds and ideas from opposite coasts. Much of the album especially the first two track The District Sleeps Alone Tonight and Such Great Heights would not sound out of place in a DCFC album minus some synth. Gibbard's passionate vocals range the common themes of love, despair, and JFK but his earnest and bittersweet voice brings out a new perspective well known to fans of DCFC. Tamborello brings creative electronica that at times is remenenct of New-wave, and at times random chaos but remains creative and comfortable. When parts of the album lag they are brought up to step by surpises such as a duet with guest artist Jenny Lewis.

The album seems to focus less on Tamborello's electronic input and more as a new outlet for Ben Gibbard's creative lyrics. As a side project this album is a sucess turning out as a much poppier version of DCFC that charms the listener regardless of their past familiararity. Indie-Pop at it's peak.

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literamaniac (December 22, 2010)

Such a great pop record

Anonymous (August 3, 2005)

"I'll be the platform shoes and undo what heredity's done to you/You won't have to strain to look into my eyes"
I love that line. This album's quirky. But in good way.

Sally_Field (March 28, 2005)

Brilliant. Addictive. lolz.

I doubt their next album will top this.

Haggard (February 5, 2005)

"Pathetic mainstream drivel disguised as indie.

Shame on you, Subpop

-Chinatown"

Hahahahaha.

Are you serious?

-Justin

Anonymous (November 19, 2004)

Pathetic mainstream drivel disguised as indie.

Shame on you, Subpop

-Chinatown

titsandtats (June 24, 2004)

ok, so i went out to cali to visit some friends, and this album was in my friends car. i proceded to come up with elaborate plans to "borrow" this cd and bring it home to buffalo. it became a really cool game, and allthough i tried everything, i had to buy my own. not a big deal, worth every penny. i had the coolest cd when i got home, and i was cool for like 3 months until people here started becoming familiar with it. so thank god i have friends on the west coast. BUY IT.

enfilade (April 19, 2004)

One of the greatest albums ever, if not the greatest I've ever listened to. It really does deserve a 10/10, the lyrics are genius, and they're catchy. The album seems like it's definitely underrated here.

Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard and DNTEL's Jimmy Tamborello did a great thing by bringing The Postal Service together after their release of (this is) The Dream of Evan and Chan. I can't wait to see what's up their sleeves next.

Anonymous (February 11, 2004)

if you liked this cd you might want to try anything on neon golden by the notwist... its a little different but in a lot of ways similar

ilikemusictoo (January 23, 2004)

i agree, this album is incredible. i just bought it monday and i have not been able to stop listening to it. my cd library totally sucks now. all i want to listen to is the cd, and its not getting old in the least bit. the idea is so amazing to combine these two genres. gibbard is definitely the man. one of the biggest writing influences ever. DON'T BUY THIS CD, YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO STOP LISTENING! okay, really, go buy it!

Anonymous (January 19, 2004)

"i shot in heavan, now i cry. No one lives for ever, infact we all die."

this score is for the transplans

CallingLondon (January 3, 2004)

i just got this album yesterday after rediscovering some mp3s that my ex had sent me a few months ago. This album is incredible. no, it aint perfect, but this is still original and blissful music that i hope to see more of in the future.

8dollarclarinetsolo (July 8, 2003)

im suprised there is not more negative feedback here, i would think all the "punks" would have something to say you know.. oh i dont know you know

i think this is kinda cool, but still has flaws... for me it drags after about halfway through or so

ill pull it out every once in a while

Anonymous (February 25, 2003)

I am obsessed with this CD right now.

Katie4213 (February 25, 2003)

i just picked up this cd, i am very impressed.