Recently, many musical artists have collaborated on tracks and side projects.

I find this trend to be fascinating because it has created interesting combinations that have produced fresh and funky tunes. I was very excited to learn that Jim Tamborello, who records under the name Dntel, and Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard recently decided to create an album together.

They call themselves The Postal Service, a name they had to fight the government for, and they released their first album Give Up in 2003.

I am not really a fan of the whole digitally created music thing. I prefer classic guitars and drums to computerized music any day. However, for The Postal Service, I make an exception.

I really like Death Cab for Cutie's indie-rock style, so I was expecting that The Postal Service would sound similar, but this was not the case. Give Up is filled with electronic sounds, heartfelt lyrics and driving beats that give each track a quiet energy. It features songs that could be classified as emo-ish, but they have an upbeat and offbeat quality that makes this CD sound completely original.

The Postal Service's music has a very personable feel that is easy to relate to. Each song paints a picture, and the listener can fill in the details from his or her own experiences.

The track titled "Clark Gable" is probably one of my favorites. Anything that has to do with Clark Gable is cool, right?

This song is about searching for truth and love, which many people are familiar with. It feels as though all the songs are directed at you and that they were written about your life. This makes the album accessible as well as appealing.

Sometimes you need music to relax to after a stressful day or before a big exam.

Give Up definitely provides you with plenty of soothing sounds. The music as a light, easy, flowing style that is perfectly mellow. The tracks blend together to form a harmoniously hypnotic CD.

However, most of the tracks have a beat in the background, so you could dance to them, or like me, work out to them.

I find that The Postal Service has a very dynamic style that can fit almost any occasion or mood. It can put you to sleep, or it can put a bounce in your step, depending on what time of the day you are listening to it.

Tomborello and Gibbard's music is very real and down to earth. Give Up is a peaceful yet addicting CD that is in constant rotation on my play list. It is one of those albums that makes me wonder how I would ever survive without it.

The Postal Service really delivers with its first album.