Who could have guessed that an album to become the most successful Sub Pop label since Nirvana's debut of "Bleach" (1989) was created by snail mail?
Yes, that's right.
Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel created the band The Postal Service by sending their work on 2003's hit album "Give Up" by way of none other than the U.S. Postal Service.
Jimmy, the producer, would send music tracks to Ben in L.A., who then added vocals and sent it back. Despite a mild tiff with the United States Postal Service, the indie pop group was allowed to use the trademark name in exchange for promotional efforts.
Thank goodness, because The Postal Service and their unique name are popping up everywhere. Their hit single "Such Great Heights" was covered by Iron & Wine as a part of the movie "Garden State," featured in the soundtrack to the hit television series "Grey's Anatomy," and used in advertisements for the U.S. Postal Service, M&M's candy, as well as "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, Season 1."
Scattered within the tracks, you'll find crystal-clear melodies in "We Will Become Silhouettes," "Brand New Colony" and "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight."
As demonstrated in "Natural Anthem," their music is a very smart, synth-pop mixture of sounds and vocals.
Although strange to the ear at first, after browsing the album, you might just find yourself addicted to this band's unique, resilient tracks. You might even go so far as to share it with a distant friend.
If so, send it snail mail.
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