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 12/2004

    Luna
    Rendezvous

  • reviewed 07/2015

    The Outer Vibe
    Full Circle

  • reviewed 09/2011

    PETER WOLF CRIER
    Garden of Arms

  • reviewed 09/2015

    Supersuckers
    Holdin' The Bag

  • reviewed 06/2012

    THE BACON BROTHERS
    Philadelphia Road - The Best of The Bacon Brothers

  • reviewed 01/2006

    SUBDUDES
    Behind the Levee

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.