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 02/2014

    SAM ROBERTS BAND
    Lo-Fantasy

  • reviewed 10/2013

    GROUPLOVE
    Spreading Rumours

  • reviewed 09/2012

    WORLD FAMOUS HEADLINERS
    WORLD FAMOUS HEADLINERS

  • reviewed 11/2012

    LENIN/MCCARTHY
    Art

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Chris Whitley & The Bastard Club
    Reiter In

  • reviewed 02/2011

    BRIGHT EYES
    The People's Key

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.