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 02/2014

    QUILT
    Held In Splendor

  • reviewed 04/2011

    TUNE-YARDS
    WhoKill

  • reviewed 05/2011

    HERE WE GO MAGIC
    The January EP

  • reviewed 03/2008

    The Black Crowes
    Warpaint

  • reviewed 04/2009

    PAPERCUTS
    You Can Have What You Want

  • reviewed 12/1969

    THE BRIDGE
    BLIND MAN'S HILL

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.