{The Decemberists}

The Crane Wife

When I found the Decemberists, I realized how little good music I had listened to. It started with a single on the radio and an interesting album cover and has manifested into a small obsession with a band that is dark, quirky, and wonderful all at once.

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Strengths

The album, The Crane Wife is the latest production from the Decemberists and breaks the mold of some of their older albums. While it is unfair to call them shallow, because they aren’t, many of the older albums have a similar sound quality about them which makes The Crane Wife’s depth stand out even more. For the new listener, the 10+ minute songs may be a little hard to take, but it is in those songs that the band truly shines. The development of a song seems to be a specialty of the band, who (intentionally and knowingly) make you work when listening. Songs such as the 11:20 “The Crane Wife 1&2″ take a listener on a musical journey with crescendo up hills of synthesizers, drums, and guitar, through a valley of emphasized down beats, ending in a flowing river of Colin Meloy’s smooth voice with a simple guitar melody behind him.

It should also be noted that Meloy’s songs are well written, whether you enjoy the subject matter or not (see Spirituality). I’ll admit I am not able to decipher many of his lyrics (if you know what the reference to a Crane Wife is, I’d love to hear from you), but the creativity and emotion conveyed in the carefully chosen words warrants admiration.

Weaknesses

Put quite bluntly, the Decemberists are not a band for everyone. This album transcends the line of obscurity and popularity to a certain extent; however, patience is needed in listening to their songs. Not every song is a single, instead, the album operates as a whole—meant to be listened to all at once. Also, for the listener who takes pride in the lyrics of their favorite songs, you may want to steer shy of this album (again, see Spirituality).

Aesthetic Appeal

I don’t know how many bands can claim they have an experienced accordion among their ranks, but the Decemberists can, adding one of many interesting sounds to their songs (listen hard, and you can hear it in “Sons and Daughters”). The greatest strength of The Crane Wife is the use of different instruments, combined to have an entirely adhesive sound. There are some moments of sheer brilliance, such as in “Perfect Crime 2″ where, just before minute 4, a slight yet wonderful cowbell is introduced, kicking the song up to a whole new level.

Spirituality

As I have mentioned, Meloy’s lyrics can be down right cynical. A beautiful irony of the Decemberists songs is the incredible and upbeat music paired with the somber subject of many songs. While not as bad as some of their older songs, the tracks “O Valencia!” and “Shankill Butchers” reference the traumatic killing of a loved one and a troupe of wandering murders, respectively. Yet, if you can see past the “ugliness,” hopefully you’ll find that Meloy is nothing but a story teller. He bases many of his songs on historical subjects and is out to tell a story and convey a feeling. It can be harsh, but if nothing else, its an interesting listen.

Standout Tracks

Three songs in particular on the album could be, and have been used as singles. The most notable song, “O Valencia!” may already be playing on your radio due to it’s bright and upbeat sound. “The Perfect Crime 2,” while repetitive in some sections well get stuck in your head before you know it, especially because the lyrics are exceptional. Also, the last track of the album, “Sons and Daughters” is a mellow song; however, the 5 part harmony can be described as nothing but incredible.

The Decemberists’ mypsace

The Decemberist’s website

-Jack