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 04/2014

    DOUG GILLARD
    Parade On

  • reviewed 03/2010

    SOLID GOLD
    Synchronize

  • reviewed 02/2009

    KEANE
    Perfect Symmetry

  • reviewed 01/2008

    VAMPIRE WEEKEND
    Vampire Weekend

  • reviewed 06/2004

    Dave Alvin
    Ashgrove

  • reviewed 11/2008

    THE POSTMARKS
    By the Numbers

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.