<P> The band was originally a solo project by Gibbard . Upon getting a record deal, Gibbard expanded the project into a complete band and released a debut album, Something About Airplanes, in 1998 . The group's fourth album, 2003's Transatlanticism, broke into the mainstream both critically and commercially, with songs from the album featured in numerous TV series and films . The band's major - label debut for Atlantic Records, 2005's Plans, went platinum . A ninth studio album, Thank You for Today, was released in August 2018 . </P> <P> Death Cab for Cutie's music has been labeled as indie rock, indie pop, and alternative rock . It is noted for its use of unconventional instrumentation, as well as Gibbard's distinctive voice and unique lyrical style . Since their formation, the band has released eight full - length studio albums, four EPs, two live EPs, one live album, and one demo album . </P> <P> The band takes its name from the song "Death Cab for Cutie," written by Neil Innes and Vivian Stanshall, and performed by their group the Bonzo Dog Doo - Dah Band . See Name section . </P> <P> Death Cab for Cutie began as a solo project of Ben Gibbard in 1997, while he was the guitar player for the band Pinwheel, and was recorded under the name All - Time Quarterback . As Death Cab for Cutie, Gibbard released a cassette titled You Can Play These Songs with Chords the same year . The release was surprisingly successful, and Gibbard decided to expand the project into a complete band, recruiting Chris Walla (who had also worked on the cassette) as lead guitarist, Nick Harmer as bass player, and Nathan Good as drummer . Death Cab for Cutie was officially formed at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and lyrics from early songs include local references that were important to the band's development . Many of the early songs were recorded in the basement of an Ellis Street home Gibbard lived in with several roommates in Bellingham . </P>

Where did death cab for cutie get their name
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