Give Up - The Postal Service

The Postal Service's debut album, Give Up, is a collaboration between Seattle-based indie band Death Cab for Cutie front-man Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello, of electronica group Dntel, with a little vocal help from Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley) and Jen Wood. Over a period of 10 months the two exchanged recordings via post (hence the name), eventually forming this jewel of an album. Tamborello's dream-like world of multi-layered clicks, bleeps, and whirring synths are complemented perfectly by Gibbard's wistful, melody-driven, poppy vocals, strong guitar riffs and beautifully sad poetry. It's a combination of styles that you would never put together, but just ...  Read the complete review

Ah yes, the side project. The immortal words in any musicians life which are an attempt to make a bit more cash, sound a bit different and not really make that much of an impact of the music industry (with the odd exception thrown in for good measure). Well here's one that will make you take note; The Postal Service, and their one and only album; "Give Up". Released in 2003, the band was an idea created by Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and producer Jimmy Tamborello. Anyone familiar with Death Cab For Cutie will know their electronic indie pop and The Postal Service take this to, in my opinion, a better level. This ten-track album ...  Read the complete review

This album is the debut record from Postal Service, which is Death Cab for Cutie vocalist Ben Gibbard, teaming with Figurine, Headset and Dntel producer Jimmy Tamborello. Postal Service derived their name from the way the songs on this album were produced, which was, suprisingly, via post, they sent the tracks back and forth to eachother through the post, editing and adding vocals along the way. The album has an overall sound of modern electronic music, mixed with the sound of 80's 'New Wave' genre. Which I kind of expected knowing the artists involved, mainly Tamborello. The stand out track for me (and most popular single) is ...  Read the complete review

I cant believe that the last reviewer only gave this 3 stars. I think it's one of the most rewarding and inventive albums of the century so far. The beats on this album can get so messed up that you think your cd's broken. This is due to DNTEL's experimental rhythms and digital distortions. Ben Gibbard's lyrics are up there with the best, as fans of death cab for cutie will already know, although i far prefer the postal service album to anything death cab for cutie have produced. And holding it together are some beautiful melodies and vocals. I would heavily recommend this album to fans of the flaming lips, belle and sebastian ...  Read the complete review

The Postal Service is a must have for anyone who enjoys music such as Death Cab For Cutie, Alaska In Winter, etc. Even though the genre is stated as 'Dance & Electronic' this album is more of an Indie style, it mixes it's electronic music in an Indie sense as to set itself apart from the rest of music in today's society. Ben Gibbard who is most renowned for his Indie music is the lead singer in this band and because of this he gives his essence of individuality throughout the album meaning you'll get as enjoyable experience as possible as far as this type of genre goes. If your an Indie fan or just want to add something different to your music collection then this ...  Read the complete review