The Postal Service albums
	Band Members:          Ben Gibbard - Vocals                                     Jimmy Tamborello - "Techno Beats" Best Album: not one just yet Biggest Influences: Pet Shop Boys, Portishead, New Order                                                             2003                                                             Give Up -    5/8   The Postal Service are most likely a one-shot effort from Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cuite, and his friend Jimmy Tamborello of the ambient outfit, Dntel. It is a great concept: Tamborello makes the "beats" and music, then sends it through the mail to Gibbard, who makes up words and lyrics (and melody I guess?), and then they repeat the process. The music is very techno, electronic, pop fluff, but the best songs on here have an effortlessness about them. "Such Great Heights" was the hit off of here, and its beating verse and chorus do set a new standard for the pop single. "Recycled Air" is the best atmospheric song on here, as it stays entertaining all the way through. "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight" is a very emotional song, and a great lead off track. A lot of the album is simply too much though, with most songs being enjoyable enough for background music, but having no lasting subjects. Examples of that would be "This Place is a Prison" which is moody but nothing else; "Nothing Better" which is way to upbeat and happy for its own good; "Natural Anthem" which would be better if it was shorter and did actually have no vocals at the end there; "Brand New Colony" is the only grating song on here, and it has to be skipped when it comes on. This album is half good or great though, so the line between average (5/8) and good (6/8) is a tough call. For fans of either of the writers' bands, it is probably worth seeking out, as it is for the "indie pop lover" or whatever. Asking if this will stand the test of time however, the answer is probably not, so I go for the lower grade. The band is welcome to try again, because that concept is a great one that will either influence someone else or result in a better album in the future.   - Trevor e.y. 1.the district sleeps alone tonight- 4 2.such great heights- 4 3.sleeping in- 3 4.nothing better- 2 5.recycled air- 4 6.clark gable- 2 7.we will become silhouettes- 3 8.this place is a prison- 2 9.brand new colony- 1 10.natural anthem- 2