The Decemberists

Picaresque

2005-03-31

It’s that voice.

You either like Colin Meloy’s reedy vocals, or you don’t. And depending on your answer, you either like or don’t like The Decemberists, since the entire band is built around him. There’s some nice songwriting and Meloy knows the tricks of the trade: pop hooks and minor-major key wind-up.

A college radio staple, Picaresque may be one of the band’s most commercial-sounding releases in recent memory. You’re entering a world of sea-farers, vagabonds, hucksters, soldiers and angels. No samples here, folks, they’re the real deal from Hammond organ, accordion, earnest strumming, and ok, throw in a tam-tam.

Stella

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 10/2015

    Mod Hippie
    Tomorrow Then

  • reviewed 12/1969

    Lubriphonic
    The Gig is On

  • reviewed 11/2011

    MULTI -ARTIST
    THE BRIDGE SCHOOL CONCERTS 25'TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

  • reviewed 11/2013

    Barrence Whitfield with Tom Russell
    Hillbilly Voodoo

  • reviewed 05/2008

    THE LONG BLONDES
    "Couples"

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Built To Spill
    You In Reverse

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.