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 06/2007

    The Clientele
    God Save the Clientele

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Glitch Code
    Gifted_Damaged

  • reviewed 09/2006

    citizen cope
    Every Waking Moment

  • reviewed 01/2005

    Blue Dahlia
    The General

  • reviewed 04/2014

    CLOUD CULT
    Unplug

  • reviewed 03/2010

    GRAHAM PARKER
    IMAGINARY TELEVISION

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.