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
												
			JONATHAN WILSON
Gentle Spirit
												
			BAT FOR LASHES
Two Suns
												
			...AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD
The Century of Self
												
			Missy Higgins
On A Clear Night
							
			Stew
Something Deeper Than These Changes
												
			PROFESSOR LOUIE AND THE CROWMATIX
Whispering Pines
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