Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. As you might expect, the overall quality of the songs isn't quite up to the standard of the best Death Cab for Cutie albums, but it comes close enough to entertain fans who aren't die-hard completists.
  2. Not really a must-have collection for anyone that doesn't have a Ben Gibbard shrine in the corner of their dorm room.
  3. There's enough previously unreleased material here to make it a good bet even for those lucky slobs who've managed to get their paws on one of those Sub Pop Singles Club 7-inches.
  4. Most of Chords will appeal only to Death Cab for Cutie devotees.
  5. Almost overflows with a heretofore unheard urgency and shows exactly the kind of energy their songs could -- and theoretically still can -- possess.
  6. An enchanting introduction to a talented band's equally solid beginnings.
  7. While little here strays far from the sound Death Cab has been tweaking for the past five years, it still makes for an intriguing listen for even casual fans of the group, and has its share of genuinely stunning moments.
  8. Takes us on a tour of how things got started and where they could be going.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Dec 15, 2012
    6
    It's not that is a bad album it's just that it doesn't really sound like Death Cab for Cutie. Which is really interesting because there areIt's not that is a bad album it's just that it doesn't really sound like Death Cab for Cutie. Which is really interesting because there are some songs that all though different are good but if you're a die-hard Death Cab fan be ready to when you first hear this album to ask yourself if this is the same Death Cab for Cutie you've been listening to. Overall I enjoyed this album. It's good just not great and it's very different for sure! Full Review »
  2. Jon
    Dec 11, 2005
    10
    Most bands don't have an album that shows a totally different side of them. This album is really good to drive to and especially to get Most bands don't have an album that shows a totally different side of them. This album is really good to drive to and especially to get drunk or high to. I recommend it to everyone. Full Review »