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 11/2009

    CHANCE JONES
    The Incident at Primrose and West

  • reviewed 06/2006

    DAVID FORD
    I Sincerely Apologize for all the Trouble I’ve Caused.

  • reviewed 10/2004

    Chuck Prophet
    Age of Miracles

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Glen Philliips
    Mr. Lemons

  • reviewed 11/2004

    Luna
    Rendezvous

  • reviewed 05/2009

    JASON LYTLE
    Yours Truly, The Commander

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.