|
|
|
|
10:
|
timeless/perfect
|
|
|
9 to 9.9:
|
significant past 10 years
|
|
|
8 to 8.9:
|
significant past 5 years
|
|
|
7 to 7.9:
|
memorable
|
|
|
6 to 6.9:
|
standard playlife
|
|
|
5 to 5.9:
|
good for now
|
|
|
4 to 4.9:
|
will get a few playthroughs
|
|
|
3 to 3.9:
|
won't intentionally listen to this
|
|
|
2 to 2.9:
|
strongly avoid it
|
|
|
1 to 1.9:
|
no reason to ever listen to this
|
|
|
0.1 to 0.9:
|
rage-inducing
|
|
|
0:
|
no merit whatsoever.
|
|
|
|
|
 Decemberists, The
"Her Majesty the Decemberists" (CD)
released in 2003
Label: Kill Rock Stars
This has been the year of the Decemberists - a year that has brought this band to an imperative audience outside of the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the distribution of Kill Rock Stars. Their 2002 debut, Castaways and Cutouts, which was re-released back in March sort of etched out a proper space for the Decemberists, and was well-received by many critics and enthusiasts of the art/indie/rock field. And that’s not surprising at all given their debut offers no reason for disappointment. Oh, they also released a six song EP this year as well, titled 5 Songs, on Hush - just furthering the point that this has been their year. Now comes Her Majesty the Decemberists, a disc that couldn’t have been released at a better time, and if given one complete listen, you will wholly understand why.
If you agree that Castaways and Cutouts etched the Decemberists a space in the indie art scene’s highest echelon, then you’ll be happy to know - if you don’t already - that Her Majesty the Decemberists solidifies them. This album takes all the purely enjoyable features that the Decemberists have already brought us and ups them a notch. Honestly, there are so many exciting features about this disc that it can easily make you feel like a kid in a candy store - no joke - with eight quarters in his pocket, and plenty of options to explore.
Speaking of exploration, instrumentation, of course, is one of the keys to the diverse sound of the Decemberists. They are now known for their use of flamboyant instruments - most notably in the Hammond Organ, accordion, and Oberheim Synthesizer - and they bring all these to the table and more throughout these eleven well thought out tracks. The instrumentation and string arrangements on this disc are incredibly potent, convincing, and harmonious. It all comes collectively to create an album full of equally melancholic and cheerful melodies. Whether you are in the mood for the quietude of acoustic-driven melodies, or all-out orchestrated pop chaos, rest assured that the Decemberists have taken it all into account, and deliver it with ease.
And then there’s Colin Meloy’s unique lyrics and vocal articulation; he definitely has one of the most distinct voices out there. His snotty-as-hell, British-wannabe stylings help guide pristine imagery in each and every one of these nearly impeccable tracks. It’s tough to deny that while taking this all in that it doesn’t make you wanna set sail and explore the ocean on an 18th century ship with fancy dinner parties and a bundle of fine tobacco to boot. Yes, art is what Meloy and company portray, release, stimulate, and flourish in; the Decemberists just might have to duke it out with Fog for being one of the artsiest acts of 2003. While Ether Teeth may very well be “pure art,” Her Majesty the Decemberists is not far behind.
The Decemberists have a lot to say and plenty of images to depict - one almost has to be thankful that they continue to produce music of this stature. This really is an extraordinary album. It’s something to take in for all its glory, in indispensable, face-value fashion, and just be glad that music exists. The Decemberists hit the spot, and, quite frankly, there’s hardly room for dessert.
-30-
Review written on 2003/09/19 by Kyle Undem
|
|
v.3.00.34 © 2002 - 2010 by -30- and stargraphX.com