Band vs. Band #11: Death Cab for Cutie vs. The Shins

Still relatively new on the radar, these two bands have gone from independent label obscurity (avid fan-followings notwithstanding) to indie label superstars (as far as indie label superstars go). But which do you like best?

Death Cab for Cutie
(Probably most famous for the tune "Soul Meets Body" off of their most recent album, Plans. Experienced an initial surge in popularity after their 2003 release, Transatlanticism. Listen to snippets of these albums by clicking on the album titles and making use of Amazon's free song samples.)

or

The Shins
(Arguably pushed into the limelight by their dual song appearance on the Garden State soundtrack. As such, they are probably best known for "Caring is Creepy" and "New Slang." They recently released the album Wincing the Night Away, which has received decent critical and commercial success. Listen to snippets of these albums by clicking on the album titles and making use of Amazon's free song samples.)

Don't let Zach Braff be the only one to share his opinion -- cast your vote now!

Benny K says...

I'm tempted to say I'm more likely to listen to The Shins. Overall, I think they're a bit more upbeat than Death Cab, which means the latter band is often reserved for moments of relative calm and/or melancholia. But, if you compare my enjoyment of Death Cab when I'm really in the mood for Death Cab, and my enjoyment of The Shins when I'm really in the mood for The Shins, I think Death Cab takes the cake. All things considered, Death Cab for Cutie is a notch above and must garner my vote.