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 03/2007

    VIETNAM
    VietNam

  • reviewed 05/2015

    WEED
    Running Back

  • reviewed 10/2013

    LOU DOILLON
    Places

  • reviewed 04/2013

    BELLO SPARK
    Bello Spark

  • reviewed 04/2007

    Various
    New Arrivals: Vol. Two

  • reviewed 02/2007

    THE SHINS
    Wincing the Night Away

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.