Former Lives largely consists of songs written in the last eight years that never fit the themes of past Death Cab records. As a result, Gibbard’s solo debut finds him branching out on countrified “Teardrop Windows” and bubblegum -flavored “Duncan, Where You Have Gone?”

But this is hardly Gibbard’s first project outside of Death Cab. He is also known for his side project All-Time Quarterback, electronic duo The Postal Service with producer Jimmy Tamborello, and 2009 album with Jay Farrar One Fast Move or I’m Gone based on Jack Kerouac’s 1962 novel Big Sur.

On Former Lives, though, he finds a new partner in Aimee Mann, who he duets with on the indie ballad “Bigger Than Love,” and sings lead to old partner Zooey Deschanel’s backup vocals on mariachi-tinged “Something’s Rattling (Cowpoke).” But while Gibbard’s collaborative partners have numbered many over the years, his wittily yearning voice still comes through solo.

In this edition of World Cafe, hear Gibbard play several tracks from Former Lives and discuss his debut with host David Dye.

setlist
TEARDROP WINDOWS
Benjamin Gibbard / SHEPHERD'S BUSH LULLABY / Former Lives
DREAM SONG
LADY ADELAIDE
LOVE'S GONNA LIVE HERE

website
facebook

Recent Release: Former Lives
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Label: Barsuk
Hometown: Seattle