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 03/2007

    THE ICICLES
    Arrivals & Departures

  • reviewed 01/2008

    SHELBY LYNNE
    Just a Little Lovin'

  • reviewed 05/2006

    The Black Cats
    The Famous Rockabilly Of The Black Cats

  • reviewed 10/2008

    TV On The Radio
    – Dear Science

  • reviewed 10/2006

    MOSQUITOS
    III

  • reviewed 10/2008

    MENAHAN STREET BAND
    Make the Road by Walking

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.