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 09/2008

    THE BROKEN WEST
    Now or Heaven

  • reviewed 05/2015

    Summer Cannibals
    Show Us Your Mind

  • reviewed 01/2006

    THE GOURDS
    Heavy Ornamentals

  • reviewed 04/2010

    Dave Barnes
    What We Want, What We Get

  • reviewed 05/2008

    MATTHEW RYAN VS. THE SILVER STATE
    Matthew Ryan Vs. The Silver State

  • reviewed 05/2008

    THE PROCLAIMERS
    LIFE WITH YOU

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.