Album Reviews

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:

Official site

all reviews | all rock reviews

More reviews tagged #Rock

reviewed 11/2008
SHAWN LEE AND CLUTCHY HOPKINS
Clutch of the Tiger
reviewed 08/2010
THE STEREOFIDELICS
You Are Having a Wonderful Time
reviewed 02/2004
Norah Jones
Feels Like Home
reviewed 01/2008
VAMPIRE WEEKEND
Vampire Weekend
reviewed 05/2009
Cookie Bumstead & The Lonesome Space Cadets
Cookie Bumstead & The Lonesome Space Cadets
reviewed 05/2006
NLX
In Your Face & Behind Your Back

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.