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 09/2006

    citizen cope
    Every Waking Moment

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Vigilantes
    Howard City

  • reviewed 06/2016

    Summer Cannibals
    Full Of It

  • reviewed 08/2016

    Matt Brown
    Walk Into The Light

  • reviewed 10/2007

    MARK KNOPFLER
    KILL TO GET CRIMSON

  • reviewed 09/2012

    WORLD FAMOUS HEADLINERS
    WORLD FAMOUS HEADLINERS

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.