Seattle-based Death Cab for Cutie has left Barsuk Records for a long-term, worldwide contract with Atlantic Records. A move particularly surprising for the seven-year old band with a cult-like, indie following. According to DCFC guitarist/producer Chris Walla, Atlantic offered up a contract which maintains their creative freedom, but places more resources at their disposal. Uh-huh, no kidding -- the deal by all accounts is huge, but some unnamed sources claim DCFC pulled in 1.2 million. Don't feel too bad for Barsuk, as the label retains the rights to DCFC's existing catalog as well as an upcoming live album and will release any future albums on vinyl. DCFC's most recent album Transatlanticism, which has sold 225,000 units to date, is an indie label cash-cow which will likely grow much fatter when the Atlantic marketing machine takes hold of the band.

Perhaps fearing a fan revolt, singer/guitarist Ben Gibbard posted an explanation on the DCFC website. He thanks Barsuk profusely and downplays the move's potential impact on their musical integrity with the following:

Here is a detailed list of the changes that will occur now that we are on Atlantic Records:1) Next to the picture of Barsuk holding a 7", there will be the letter "A" on both the spine and back of our upcoming albums. I hope all of you can deal with this list.

Postal Service fans may still have something to worry about as DCFC's move to a major label may distract Gibbard from his critically acclaimed side project on Sub Pop Records.