Song Exploder

Death Cab for Cutie - El Dorado

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Jul 20, 2015
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ANECDOTE

Instrumentation of El Dorado

  • Ben Gibbard acquired a Fender Mustang guitar and a Rhythm Master drum machine.
  • These instruments significantly influenced the creation of many songs on Death Cab for Cutie's eighth album, including "El Dorado."
ANECDOTE

Initial Demo and Demoitis

  • "El Dorado" started with a simple drum machine beat and an arpeggiated guitar part.
  • Gibbard experienced "demoitis," being attached to the initial demo's sleepy feel.
ANECDOTE

The Double-Time Drumbeat

  • Jason McGerr's double-time drumbeat over the original drum machine part saved the song.
  • It added a driving force that the demo lacked.
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