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 12/2009

    ZEVIOUS
    After the Air Raid

  • reviewed 02/2007

    JESSE SYKES & THE SWEET HEREAFTER
    Like, Love, Lust & the Open Halls of the Soul

  • reviewed 06/2016

    Summer Cannibals
    Full Of It

  • reviewed 05/2007

    JAMES MORRISON
    Undiscovered

  • reviewed 06/2011

    ART BRUT
    Brilliant! Tragic!

  • reviewed 05/2007

    PROSSER
    Prosser

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.