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
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
Streetcore
M. WARD
Hold Time
JONATHAN WILSON
Gentle Spirit
JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 POUND UNIT
JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 POUND UNIT
THUNDERBALL
12 Mile High
SNAKE OIL CHARLATANS
Elixir
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.