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 04/2008
The Mines
People Music
reviewed 03/2010
BEN HARPER AND THE RELENTLESS SEVEN
Live From the Montreal International Jazz Festival
reviewed 09/2006
citizen cope
Every Waking Moment
reviewed 12/1969
SAM PHILLIPS
Don't Do Anything
reviewed 03/2010
BLACK 47
Bankers and Gangsters
reviewed 06/2012
THE BACON BROTHERS
Philadelphia Road - The Best of The Bacon Brothers

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.