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 10/2011

    REPTAR
    Oblangle Fizz Y'All

  • reviewed 03/2009

    J.J. CALE
    ROLL ON

  • reviewed 06/2012

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

  • reviewed 03/2017

    Bright Brown
    Soft Landings

  • reviewed 07/2006

    THE LONG WINTERS
    Putting the Days to Bed

  • reviewed 02/2010

    VITAMIN-D
    Bridge

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.