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 10/2003

    Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
    Streetcore

  • reviewed 04/2009

    BELL X1
    Blue Lights on the Runway

  • reviewed 10/2014

    PRIMUS
    and the Chocolate Factory

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Nick Lowe
    Jesus of Cool (reissue)

  • reviewed 05/2008

    THE SUBMARINES
    Honeysuckle Weeks

  • reviewed 06/2004

    Todd Rundgren
    Liars

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.