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 03/2007

    Leroy Justice
    Revolution's Son

  • reviewed 11/2012

    THE SUFIS
    The Sufis

  • reviewed 04/2005

    Martha Wainwright
    Martha Wainwright

  • reviewed 08/2006

    Gov’t Mule
    High & Mighty

  • reviewed 03/2012

    RUSSELL HOWARD
    City Heart

  • reviewed 06/2010

    JACK JOHNSON
    To the Sea

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.