An open letter to Ben Gibbard from your pal Nick

Dear Ben,
I’ve been a big fan of your band Death Cab For Cutie for a number of years now. Back in the old days, when you were opening for Dismemberment Plan and providing sig lines for Live Journals, I thought you could do no wrong. Your lyrics were novel and your music was thoughtful, and your stage show was intimate and friendly. When the airwaves became inundated with bands who wanted to be just like The Strokes you stuck to your guns and released The Photo Album, which is still one of my favorite records. Then you did the whole Postal Service thing, which has clearly found some legs.
But recently Plans came out, and I have to say I think I’m done. It’s not you, it’s me. Plans is just boring, and feels like an abandonment of what was good about Death Cab in favor of what was maudlin and dull. I mean, have you read the words to Summer Skin since you wrote them? I know 13 year old girls who wouldn’t write that stuff where it could be read. And now this Franz Ferdinand “co-headlining” show, and the OC soundtrack. This probably hurts me more than it will ever hurt you but please don’t try and call. We had something wonderful. I remember fumbling in the dark with the plastic wrapping on We Have The Facts And We’re Voting Yes so that I could hear your voice. But no more. Atlantic Records needs you more than I do.
Go.
Before I change my mind.

Your pal,
Nick