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 04/2007

    COLIN HAY
    Are You Lookin' At Me?

  • reviewed 10/2007

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Secret Love 3

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Richard X. Heyman
    Actual Sighs

  • reviewed 02/2016

    Waco Brothers
    Going Down In History

  • reviewed 06/2010

    DEER TICK
    The Black Dirt Sessions

  • reviewed 01/2007

    PEPPERTOWN
    Firefly

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.