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
THE SOUL OF JOHN BLACK
The Good Girl Blues
SAM LLANAS
4 A.M. (The Way Home)
El Perro Del Mar
From The Valley To The Stars
Camera Obscura
Let's Get Out Of This Country
Kerosene Stars
A Million Little Trees
WEST END MOTEL
Only Time Can Tell
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