The Decemberists “Picaresque” was my favourite album of last year. Songs like ‘Engine Driver’ and ‘Of Angels and Angles’ became my Saturday night drunk-alone-reflective tunes (you know you’ve been there - weeping for your lost loves/pets). I walked into my local record shop to discover that the Decemberists have released a new album - “The Crane Wife”. I grabbed a copy (along with some Teenage Fanclub and Zebras albums) and inserted into my media player of choice, and listened away. Quick review - The Crane Wife is even superior to Picaresque. Pitchfork has (for once!) got it correct - they have given it a dapper review. The sound has changed ever so slightly from previous albums, but in a good way. “O Valencia” is my initial pick from the long player. Its fresh, up-beat and melodic (just what I require from a song). Meloy’s lyric writing is again superb, complex yet descriptive and blends well with the harmonies and melodies that weave their way through the tunes.
Standouts: O Valencia, The Crane Wife 1 & 2, Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)
5 asterisks. *****
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