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 03/2014

    XIU XIU
    Angel Guts: Red Classroom

  • reviewed 11/2016

    French Horn Rebellion
    Classically Trained

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Air Traffic Controller
    Black Box

  • reviewed 11/2006

    THE FLOURIDE PROGRAM
    Roadside Flowers

  • reviewed 12/1969

    THE RED BUTTON
    She’s About to Cross My Mind

  • reviewed 01/2007

    Various Artists
    Endless Highway: The Music of The Band

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.