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 02/2004

    Norah Jones
    Feels Like Home

  • reviewed 05/2011

    BEN HARPER
    GIVE TILL IT'S GONE

  • reviewed 10/2009

    AIR
    Love 2

  • reviewed 06/2007

    Ian Hunter
    Shrunken Heads

  • reviewed 07/2006

    GUSTER
    Ganging up on the Sun

  • reviewed 06/2010

    BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE
    Forgiveness Rock Record

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.