Skip to main content

Year in Rock 2011 Nominee: The Decemberists


THE DECEMBERISTS
Down By the Water

From: The King is Dead
Released: January 18

Renowned for intricate albums chock full of murder ballads and high concepts, the Decemberists released what vocalist Colin Meloy referred to as "an exercise in restraint" in 2011.  The King is Dead doesn't have an overarching storyline, song suites, or even a particularly high body count.  What it lacks in familiar Decemberists fare, however, it makes up for in heartfelt, well-written songs.  Musically, most of the album is less cabaret and more Americana compared to earlier efforts, and it really does work.  Plus, the lack of concept gives the songs a chance to stand on their own merit.  Sure, it's no doubt fun to create a cast of characters and give them a songbook, but by throwing out the box that concept albums lock a writer into, the Decemberists have given their most cohesive, most concise and (most importantly) most enjoyable set of songs yet. 

Choosing one to showcase proved difficult, as there are a handful of very strong tracks present on The King is Dead.  I went with Down By the Water because it best splits the difference between the album's softer and harder moments.  Plus, it doesn't hurt to count R.E.M.'s Peter Buck as a friend willing to lay down a guitar line that calls to mind Buck's (former) day job.


Of course, when your band is known for storytelling and high concepts, you sometimes can't help but tell stories and dream up high concepts.  That's why Meloy announced a three-year Decemberists hiatus earlier this year, a break imposed on the band so Meloy can focus on other projects.  Among those projects?  An illustrated book series for young adults, a musical he plans on writing, and perhaps one or more solo endeavours, as well as spending more time with his autistic son.  So much for restraint, I guess.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Year in Rock 2025

  Alright, I've got some explaining to do.   By now anyone who's visited this blog is well aware of how infrequently I've used this space in recent years; aside from the occasional fertile year of content, I really haven't posted all that often over the last five years or so. There are many reasons for this, which have already been outlined in previous apology posts; but, essentially, it boils down to my own laziness and the cold reality that blogs are, like Refused (again), fucking dead. So, I wouldn't hold my breath for a triumphant return to reviews, or even semi-regular posts, but:   a) I feel like Year in Rock posts have always belonged here and, even though I've experimented with different methods of presentation recently and been satisfied, the "blink and you missed it" unveiling via Facebook stories this year was perhaps ultimately a disservice to the records I lauded. After all, cramming the list into short videos isn't too far off from ju...
Post a Comment
Read more

Year in Rock 2014: And the Winners Are...

It's been a long year, and another great one for rock n' roll. While the pop charts were overrun with barely legals obsessed with their asses, rock soldiered on undeterred even as pundits (hell, in some cases even rockers themselves) mourned the genre. Sure, rock didn't dominate the money game in 2014, but that shouldn't evoke sad nostalgia and eulogies. Even for as little perceived impact rock music made, a hell of a lot happened if people had only paid attention. From grizzled vets adding jewels to their crown (Springsteen, Petty) to new beginnings (Against Me!, Antemasque) to happy returns (Faith No More, The Tea Party) and all points in between, rock continued to thrive, evolve and thrill in 2014. Enough talk. It's winning time. Your Year in Rock winners for 2014 are...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hear Me Out: Why Do A Greatest Hits Album?

So, Silversun Pickups announced a "singles collection" today. Now, I'm no expert on "singles" or "hits" compilations; even so, I've got to say this announcement threw me for a loop for a couple of reasons. For starters, isn't it a bit early for a band like Silversun Pickups to be given the "greatest hits" treatment? I know, I know, it's a "singles collection". But, come on; it looks like a greatest hits album, it smells like a greatest hits album, so on so forth. More importantly, though, are these really necessary entities in 2014? I mean, who is this album for? Casual fans who've already downloaded the singles they like or established fans who are expected to shill out $15 for one new song?
1 comment
Read more