Thursday, November 16, 2006

¡Forward, Russia! The Decemberists in Houston


I'm a recent convert to the The Decemberists, a definite case of better late than never. It's still a bit incomprehensible that such a quirky, esoterically-fueled band would gain such prominence, yet it's reassuring that being unique is still appreciated. Initially, I was exposed to some of the more difficult material, including their epic "The Tain," which really didn't do anything for me. Only last weekend, I randomly heard the charming, pretty hook of "The Engine Driver," and I really noticed the pop sensibilities underneath their often quirky content.

This show was recorded on October 15th, 2003 at Rudyards in Houston, Texas. While it dates from the Her Majesty era, some tracks also appear on Picaresque. At some point, I should probably give a listen to their acclaimed Crane Wife.

Enjoy:

1. Leslie Anne Levine
2. The Bachelor and the Bride
3. The Gymnast, High Above the Ground
4. The Engine Driver
5. The Soldiering Life
6. Up The Junction (Squeeze Cover)
7. Sixteen Military Wives
8. The Legionnaire's Lament
9. Clementine
10. Red Right Ankle
11. Grace Cathedral Hill
12. Los Angeles, I'm Yours
13. The Chimbley Sweep
14. Here I Dreamt I Was An Architect

Writer of Fictions: Here

4 comments:

Headphonetones said...

they're best when it's just Colin Melloy solo.

Roland said...

Hey, thanks for stopping by again. I've heard very good things about Colin's solo work, but unfortunately I haven't checked it out yet. Then again, I still haven't heard all of Picaresque, either.

Anonymous said...

What?!?! Get thee to the record store and get Picaresque and Crane Wife. Both are essential owns in my opinion.

I have some Meloy solo stuff. I'll try to get it to you by the end of the week. It is very good, although I like the full sound a backing band brings.

Anonymous said...

PS - your link for Engine Driver is the same as the Soldiering Life.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...