Live: Ben Gibbard @ SXSW (Video)

Austin, TEXAS just has to keep taunting me with its ridiculously good line-up, first Chiddy Bang and now Ben Gibbard! I have seriously considered up and leaving for the U S of A next year, never mind University! At the gig Ben played an eclectic set with some Death Cab and a few covers thrown in. Thanks to Stereogum for the videos. Enjoy ( I know i would have if i lived in Austin).

"Title And Registration"

"405"

"Recycled Air"

Transatlanticism's Christmas Playlist

It is finally here, with more "ho ho ho's" than an episode of Hollyoaks its the *Drum Roll* Transatlanticism Christmas Mix. That's right boys and girls grab you candy canes and stockings and lets all revel in Christmas spirit. As a festive treat i will give you a run down of the tracks i have chosen and why i chose them (if i can remember).

1-I Wish It Could Be Christmas Today - Julian Casablancas
Finally a good old cheesy Christmas song from and indie artist well done jules.

2-Let It Snow (interlude) - Dean Martin
Can't have a Christmas mix without a little wishful thinking.

3-Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Death Cab For Cutie
Of course there was going to be a Death Cab Song on here somewhere.

4-I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
Probably the ultimate Christmas song, probably the weirdest Santa costume ever.

5-Blue Christmas - Bright Eyes
Another one of those bands i couldn't resist, one for you lonely souls.

6-Frosty The Snowman - The Beach Boys
Everything The Beach Boys touch turns to gold, even snowmen.

7-Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bruce Springstein
I can't believe i didn't realise The Boss had done a Christmas song, this is literally amazing.

8-My Two Front Teeth (Interlude) - Nat King Cole
I would like more than my two front teeth for Christmas, oh well each to their own.

9-Maybe This Christmas - Ron Sexsmith
Classic O.C Christmas moment had to be noted.

10-Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin' Stevens
He moves like a geriatric (ironically). He sings classic Christmas song, He makes it on to the playlist.

11-Be Good For Goodness Sake (Interlude) - Jackson 5
"He sees you when your sleeping"......I'm scared

12-A Fairytale Of New York - Kirsty MacColl, The Pogues
Probably the most abusive song on the mix. RIP Kirsty MacColl

13-Stay Another Day - East 17
Oh Dear East 17, Oh Very Dear. Good song though.

I Have Posted the Zip file containing the individual tracks, but unfortunately soundcloud is being a douche so no pretty player yet. Enjoy (you better it has taken me friggin' ages).

Transatlanticism Christmas Playlist

"Meet Me On The Equinox" (Music Video) - Death Cab For Cutie

I know this video has been out for a while, but now the hype of the "New Moon" film has dropped from completely ridiculous levels to just ridiculous levels i thought i would try and show people that if you take away the Robert Pattinson factor this is a well produced music video and one of Death Cabs best.

Three Track Wonder: Modest Cab For Jaxx?

I have decided to start a new feature.. "three track wonder", it makes sense at the moment as i have so many good new songs but not enough time to post them individually. This way i can give you lot plenty of musical bounty with less effort. So for this three track wonder you have a collaboration excellance from Basement Jaxx and Lightspeed Champion, a movie soundtrack from Death Cab For Cutie which puts its movie to shame, and a "Whale Song" from the new Modest Mouse Album. Enjoy, as if you couldn't.

The Whale Song - Modest Mouse

Serving Suggestion: Serve loudly with a side of anger.

My Turn - Basement Jaxx

Serving Suggestion: Serve with synthesizer and ukulele.

Meet Me On The Equinox - Death Cab For Cutie

Serving Suggestion: Without the movie.

Long Time No See........Fresher's '09 Playlist

It has been to long...hasn't it? TMB is back to its small blog best with a highly relevant playlist. The highlight of the week has to be the acoustic Maximo Park gig which i arrived at, 4 hours before they came on just to get on the barrier. Their support acts Viva City and Bombay Bicycle Club helped to pass the four hours in a more than capable way, anyway less chat more music. enjoy.

Have You Ever Felt So Messed Up - Viva City

Apply Some Pressure - Maximo Park

Evening/Morning - Bombay Bicycle Club
Kick The Covers - Tommy Reilly

Questing, Not Coasting - Maximo Park


Hero - Regina Spektor


By The Monument - Maximo Park

Apply Some Pressure - Maximo Park

Crooked Teeth - Death Cab For Cutie

Greatest five albums of all time, Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism

1- Transatlanticism - Death Cab For Cutie

Rather predictably if you read my blog title Death Cab For Cutie's 4th album is my #1 album and in my opinion is when Death Cab hit their peek. The album kicks off with the crashing guitar riffs of 'The New Year' (Their first single off the album), then moves into the slumbering 'Lightness' in which Ben Gibbards Voice and lyrics take centre stage with just the singular guitar and piano notes to back him. Track 3 'Title and Registration' was Death Cabs 3rd single has the strong drum rhythm and lyrics that are synonymous with the band and shown again on 'Death of an Interior Decorator'. 'Expo 86' shows another aspect of the band with the progressive aggression of the track shown both in the lyrics, the guitar and drums. One of the more 'poppy' records on the album 'The sound Of Settling' is great for that reason, it is a well crafted pop song with a upbeat chorus which slots nicely into a more abstract album. 'Tiny Vessels' and 'Transatlanticism' both have romantic lyrics but not in the cheesy love song form perfected by so many boy bands over the years, they are less glorified and exaggerated and give a realistic outlet to the classic love song. the final 3 tracks show the extent of Death Cabs song diversity. First the slow piano in 'Passenger seat' creates a drifting end to the album which is counteracted by the heavy guitar and angry lyrics of 'We Looked Like Giants' until the album finishes with the brilliant but very depressing 'Lack of color' with lyrics that are so painfully personal they underline the genius of Gibbards songwriting skills.