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 01/2016

    K. Jones and the Benzie Playboys
    Morning Train

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Lambchop
    The Decline Of Western Civilization: Part II

  • reviewed 05/2007

    THE DETROIT COBRAS
    TIED AND TRUE

  • reviewed 08/2009

    KATE SCHUTT
    TELEPHONE GAME

  • reviewed 05/2014

    DAWN GOLDEN
    Still Life

  • reviewed 10/2004

    Various Artists
    Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Songs of Warren Zevon

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.