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The Postal Service

Give Up

Sub Pop | 2003 | Album

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Whew! What a departure for Sub Pop Records. The label that gave us grunge has handed us a melodic electro-pop gem. A collaboration between Silverlake Ca. resident Jimmy Tamborello ( of Dntel fame ) and Seattle Wa. resident Benjamin Gibbard ( of Death Cab For Cutie fame ) reaps great rewards. The two band members traded musical ideas via the mail- hence the band name maybe? The Postal Service is a cool update of the eighties mainstay- the synth-pop duo. The tracks on 'Give Up' are memorable with a great pop sensibility.

'The district sings alone tonight' starts with a lone organ and a minimalist rhythm track. Then Mr. Gibbard adds his distinctive pop voice and excellent lyrics to make a great first track. The background vocals by Jenny Lewis are just right. 'Nothing better' is a duet with Jen Wood. On this song, comparisons to The Human League wouldn't be too far off. The production is poppy but slightly off kilter-which keeps it all very interesting.'This place is a prison' turned out to be my favorite track. The quirky percussion gives way to an insistent drum beat set against the line 'what does it take to get a drink in this town'. An innovative track -and some cool strings at the end.

'Give Up' works mainly because the dark keyboard sound of Jimmy Tamborello is contrasted against the pop leanings of Benjamin Gibbard. The mix of the two types of sounds creates a coherent and innovative band. The Postal Service have a bright future- and Sub Pop should be proud.

J. Marsh