Three Imaginary Girls - The Decemberists

Recommended show: The Decemberists at the Paramount {2/18}

heather hydra — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:08:23 +0000

This is why we fight... okay, not really.

Until recently, I had only heard snippets of the new Decemberists album, The King Is Dead. A preliminary chat with the internet tells me that (a) this album is waaaay better than Hazards of Love, (b) REM's Peter Buck makes a guest appearance on a track, and (c) the entire record has a REM "feel" to it. That said, I've listened to a few songs off of the album and can say that it feels like a throwback to Colin Meloy's Tarkio days, which pleases me greatly.

Simply put: I love this band. I first saw them in 2004 at the Crocodile Cafe with the Long Winters in a double header, two-night extravaganza. They played "The Tain" in its entirety (possibly a bit longer than the original) and it was so, so amazing. Cut to 2010, and the Decemberists are performing at the Paramount Theate -- a great example of local band done good, deserving of all their hard-earned success.

The King Is Dead

Chris Estey — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:11:01 +0000

7.5

http://www.amazon.com/King-Dead-Decemberists/dp/B0049OSQ18/?tag=wwwthreeimagi-20

The-Decemberists-The-King-Is-Dead_event_main.jpeg

As most semi-popular music fans know, the two oldest stories in the history of the rock album as "art" is actually the same one from different ends. The grand, ornate, rococo resurrection - and the stripped down, for serious or fun reinvention. Dylan invented all this with his trilogy of amphetamine-fueled apocalypse pop in the mid-60s, and then followed it with LPs where he wore cowboy hats on the cover and tenderly rasped about throwing it all away.

As you may have heard, The Decemberists have kind of done that, too, on recent release The King Is Dead, after one or two double-LP length leviathans of noodly odysseys and noisy oracles, now coming down with some sunny, bittersweet folk-pop, but without leader Colin Meloy having to get all mashed up on a motorbike to do it.

Actually, there's lots less psychic damage and violent imagery here than on The Crane Wife and The Hazards of Love, but I'm really guessing. I have no stakes in whether or not the band should collaborate with Americana like-minded kin like neo-depression bellwether Gillian Welch, and twangle-guitarist Peter Buck here (and don't care a bit how many people think this sounds like an REM album; or rather, care as much about that as I did people in the 80s who thought REM albums sounded like Byrds albums from the 60s), or keep on expanding till they're at Tusk-level.

Also, while The Crane Wife may be my favorite Decemberists album because of that gleeful dusky murder ballad about Protestant children carving up passersby and a title track which sounds like the ghost of my dead mom pining for my also dead dad, I missed out on The Hazards of Love altogether, because it was all just so damned complicated to get into (my wife says it's great though, and I bought it for her, didn't get it for review, which shows our household invests in The Decemberists, for what that's worth).

The King Is Dead grows and grows on you, if you love sanded-down and souped up songs about romantic roadkill and clumsy thieves and hearing hushed rumors about the seasons changing from people with nothing else to gossip about. It has several of my most-enjoyed-songs-lately on it, such as the reasonably-assist-other's-burdens compassionate libertarianism of "Don't Carry It All," the bluesy grind-grass of "Calamity Song," and the early-evening pastoral funk of "Rox In the Box," all wheat-field winners. But if the concept of the "second side" of an "LP" still exists, the triple treat of first single "Down By The Water," "All Arise!" and "June Hymn" are dizzying. The middle song in particular is more than just fun, with some weary love compromises coming off as cranky affair raves, the lack of trust between singer and beloved seeming a bit (attractively) tawdry, even if the title pushes things a little too in the anthem direction.

Which is a good place to say that Meloy may have a problem writing a simple love song, but is hardly the James Joyce of indie rock write hacks like to hack write him out about hackity-hackity. And that somewhere, in the broad shouldered-solid and nestled-in-the-crook of the arm instrumental playing of The Decemberists, among the fairy tales and allegories and timeless lamentations, there is the universal connection we all crave: A tune to remember her or him by. The Decemberists deliver love songs behind a delightful veil, but don't mistake that for a mask.

The 2011 Sasquatch bill is un-frack-withable

imaginary liz — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:28:28 +0000

{Sasquatch photo by asclepius6 from the Imaginary Flickr Photo Pool}

Do you hear that?

It is the sound of folks feverishly tweeting and posting about the amazing #Sasquatch line-up just announced. After weeks (who are we kidding, months!) of mathematically calculating probabilities based on tour schedules and record release dates, we finally have a firm answer of who's going to be at the Gorge this Memorial Day weekend, as well as explanations as to why certain folks don't have a Seattle tour date in the next few months.

Not to sound like everyone else every other year, but this year's line-up has left me speechless. The Sasquatch folks have brought together the best of the best of the best (except Allo Darlin, which I'm guessing will be begged to participate next year) to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. I mean Wilco, Bright Eyes, Matt & Kim, The Radio Dept., The Thermals, Stornoway, and The Young Evils!?!?!? You're killing me!!!

Are you headed that way? Who are you most excited about (mine bolded below)? Anyone else you think is going to be added to the bill before we pack up our roadtrip munchies and head Quincy, WA way?

Photo essay: more MFNW! The Builders and the Butchers, The Decemberists, The Head and the Heart, Menomena

imaginary victoria — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 03:53:04 +0000

Another landslide of gorgeous photos from our imaginary weekend at Musicfest Northwest!

The Builders and the Butchers

The Decemberists

MFNW recap: the weekend edition -- Decemberists, the Head and the Heart, Menomena

imaginary victoria — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:19:31 +0000

{This is part three in a series of recaps about Musicfest Northwest 2010 -- make sure you check out Thursday's and Friday's coverage too!}

The Builders and the Butchers:

Saturday at MFNW was chock full o' rad, with bands around every corner and all kinds of PDX-style awesomeness abounding. The day started off with an excellent lineup at funeral home-turned-venue the Woods, courtesy of KEXP: The Mynabirds, The Builders and the Butchers, Typhoon, and several other bands took the stage from 1pm on for our listening and viewing pleasure. The station crew did a massive amount of taping and shooting, so keep an eye out for words, video, and stills over at their website -- the BatB set was beyond epic and set up living-room style, almost microphone-free on a rug in the middle of the crowd -- and we're quite sure the fine folks of KEXP captured the performance with excellent result.

Countdown to Musicfest Northwest in 3... 2...

imaginary victoria — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:35:02 +0000

Technically, you can get your Musicfest Northwest (MFNW) on starting tonight -- there will be a few gigs going on around town down in Portland to warm up the masses -- but our imaginary coverage will officially begin tomorrow and we can't hardly wait! There's quite a few acts and sorta-showcases that we're espcially stoked to see... so without further ado, here are some of our picks for the best-of-the-fest shows for the next four days.

Please note: the approximate start times are listed for the first band only and are subject to change -- always check your internets before heading out!

Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside
Thursday, 10p @ Berbati's Pan

Having seen and heard a lot about these darlings since their 2009 blip on our Seattle radar, it's going to be quite a treat to catch them at a hometown show. Full of good ol' fashioned big-bodied electric sound and a pair of lungs that just won't quit, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside are as swoon-tastic as it gets!

David Bazan + band / Joshua Morrison
Thursday, 9p @ the Doug Fir

Does this even need an explanation? Hot on the heels of two stellar performances at Bumbershoot, David Bazan (along with the current installment of his band) have fine tuned their sound to some true indie rock perfection. Achy and anthematic to the core, we're super-stoked to catch them at a venue like the 'Fir. Add in local favorite-home-safe Joshua Morrison, and you've got a night on your hands to remember.

The Thermals
Thursday, 10:30p @ the Crystal Ballroom

The Thermals killed Bumbershoot, the new album rules, and we'll be there with bells on. 'nuff said.

Okkervil River / Bobby Bare, Jr.
Friday, 10p @ the Crystal Ballroom

One of those lineups that makes you grateful that the bookers are playing close attention: a headlining set with OKR and a warmup by local favorite Bobby Bare, Jr. sounds like the next best thing since sliced bread. The boys of Okkervil have been hard at work, following up their last album with some amazing work next to the great Roky Erickson, and judging by the sound of the twitterverse, on to the next recording of something beautiful.

It's time to prefunk! Music Fest Northwest is coming, September 8-12

imaginary victoria — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:53:07 +0000

While everyone is prefunking Bumbershoot, we'd like to take a moment to officially get the prefunk to the prefunk for Music Fest Northwest going. Starting today.

If you've never been, MFNW is like a crazier, spread-out-ier Bumbershoot -- spanning four days and venues all over town -- or a tinier, cleaner SXSW. Minus the industry hoo-ha and power-showcases and seminars. Beginning on Wednesday, September 8th, our sweet sister-city will be hosting a veritable slew of amazing bands all over town. Acts like Okkervil River, Menomena, the Decemberists, the Cave Singers, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside, the Thermals, Dave Bazan, Bobby Bare, Jr., the Walkmen, the National, and the Tallest Man On Earth -- among many, many others -- will be bringing an extended weekend of bliss to Portland for our listening and viewing pleasure.

The Decemberists' Colin Meloy to write children's books for HarperCollins

Chris Estey — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:27:34 +0000

Most TIG readers realize that Colin Meloy knows his way with a fetching narrative whether in song (on oodles of albums by his band The Decemberists among others, including under his own name) or in memoir (his superb 33 1/3 book on The Replacements' Let It Be, which has been unfairly lost in the shuffle over time). And now those fans who either dip into children's literature for its affection for good, straightforward storytelling, or wish to get their own kids or others' kids hooked on the book, can get them Meloy's own debut in the field, as part of his new Wildwood series.

A "tale of adventure, magic, and danger," Wildwood is a trilogy in collaboration with fawned-over illustrator Carson Ellis. HarperCollins won the rights to the series after five other publishing houses competed in the auction for the rights. The first novel should be in stores in autumn of 2010.

Sasquatch 2009 Wrap-Up: Day 1

Imaginary Shrie — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:17:26 +0000

23 May 2009

Sasquatch_2009.jpg

Sasquatch was a doozy. I wrote a lil bit o' news about a few bands I saw each day via my check-in's for days 1, 2 and 3. There were people having sex during the Decemberists right out in front of {supreme being} and everyone, and I met a TON of Canadians "eh". I saw a kid wearing a fleece pajama jumpsuit all three days (shower? yeck) and my toes have never been as dirty as they were after three days of music and camping. Verdict: sunburned, dehydrated, jolly good time.

The itsy bitsy press trailer was anything but cush, so I kept my ass out and about amongst the common-folk gorging themselves on the sweet sweet sounds of Sasquatch. Here is what I heard:

SATURDAY

The Doves sound is produced. They aren't garage rock or ramshackled indie... they're anthemic and full. Swooping in and out of lyrics and instrumentation and their sound was abso-freaking-lutely perfect for the Gorge Ampitheatre. Beautiful, produced and consistent, the Doves soared (tee hee). A swift walk up that damned hill and over to the Wookie stage set me up for Passion Pit, who I've become slightly obsessed with over the coming weeks. Having garnered much attention as of late, Passion Pit commissioned a fairly large crowd for their set. All the half-clothedgirlies were screaming their heads off, and being in the back I couldn't tell why until I inspected a bit further. Michael Angelakos, the head honcho/lead singer, is one hell of a charismatic individual. Swishing his curly, not unlike Wayne Coyne , hair from side to side and swaggering his tight hipster-jean across the stage and back again was causing a fever to break out amongst the ladies (and a few men, admittedly). Angelakos' high notes and range seemed a bit stunted, like he was holding back in order to hit the notes, but his strutting ways and their quirk-pop sound invigorated the crowd.

King Khan & the Shrines are a spectacle. Adorned in a feather headdress, wooden staff, gold cape, and itty bitty satin shorts King Khan strutted onstage, hands held high to the heavens. One part George Clinton, one part southern soul preacher, and one BIG part balls-out freak, King Khan knows how to put on a show and have a blast. They ran through their songs like a train and antics onstage got a little wacky when one of the band members droppedpantaloons and shoved his junk from front to back, leaving it that way for the entirety of the song. This band will take you in their uterus, jumble you up crazy-style and rebirth you fresh and anew!

Completing the one-two punch of awesomeness, I experienced Animal Collective next. AC are one of my favorite bands of the last few years, of which I've hailed their greatness before. I was expecting nothing short of awe-inspiring and I got it. Visually, they were simple: guy on guitar, two guys whopping on keyboards/synths and the stunning Gorge backdrop behind. They sounded rougher, less honed live, but that didn't take away one iota of amazement. I witnessed several people initially appalled at AC's ambient ways turn a kinder light towards them later on in the set. This in itself was a treat. Preened jocks nodding their heads hard to baby sounds and hazy echoes, as expertly emitted by AC... unbelievable.

I'm admittedly not much of a fan of the Decemberists or the Yeah Yeah Yeah's, but saw them for my readers' sake mostly (my friends also wanted to see them). Aside from the couple sexin' it up on stage right during the Decemberists, the highlight of the show for me was when of their female members came up and belted out a few tunes. And man, did she belt. A personal opinion, but they'd be much more interesting if she was at the vocal helm more often. Slightly raucous with devastatingly beautiful vocals but slightly lackluster energy-wise, the Decemberists seemed to really pull an adoring audience.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs always struck me as being about show and fist-pumping energy more than musical complexity or engaging songwriting, and my experience seeing them live affirmed that. The crowd went absolutely bananas for them, and with Karen O. decked out in neon green tights and an electric-colored poncho, I can see why she'd draw a lot of attention. The vocals were almost incomprehensible from where I was sitting, but I commend them on their energy. They have the live performance thing down, and their fans count on that consistency.

Sasquatch was a doozy. I wrote a lil bit o' news about a few bands I saw each day via my check-in's for days 1, 2 and 3. There were people having sex during the Decemberists right out in front of {supreme being} and everyone, and I met a TON of Canadians "eh". I saw a kid wearing a fleece pajama jumpsuit all three days (shower? yeck) and my toes have never been as dirty as they were after three days of music and camping. Verdict: sunburned, dehydrated, jolly good time. The itsy bitsy press trailer was anything but cush, so I kept my ass out and about amongst the common-folk gorging themselves on the sweet sweet sounds of Sasquatch. Here is what I heard:

Colin Meloy's sideburns on Colbert

imaginary liz — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:02:13 +0000

Whether you're a huge fan or not, you have to beam with even a small glimmer of pride to see our very own Pacific Northwest book clubbers, the Decemberists, take over the Colbert Report last night.

Or were you just excited to see what Colin would twitter from backstage? Come to find out, I guess there was a cell phone lock down?

Streaming previews of The Decemberists new Hazards of Love album

Deborah Barnard — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:22:57 +0000

As I was browsing ChrisB's list of releases today, I saw that The Decemberists' new album was out today. The band drew me into their fold with their last release, The Crane Wife, so I was curious to see how the two albums compared.

There are two streams of the album that I can find, on Entertainment Weekly (must sign up to listen) and on their Myspace (no login necessary).

What do you think of the band's latest material?

Are you excited for any new releases this week?

ChrisB — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:03:46 +0000

I was looking at the upcoming release calendar on Metacritic on Monday evening and found that quite a few records I had been looking forward to are finally being released this week. Overall, this looks like one of the best weeks for new releases in a long time.

The Decemberists are -- well, they're everywhere.

imaginary victoria — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:33:05 +0000

Listening parties and NPR and new shows, oh my!

We want to go on a date with the winners of the Decemberists poster contest

imaginary liz — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:24:21 +0000

The winner of the Decemberists' The Hazards of Love Poster Design Contest has been announced and I am overjoyed to say it's our very own Corianton Hale and imaginary friend Kathryn Rathke!

Decemberists: new song, NPR spot, and twitter

imaginary victoria — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:50:26 +0000

Download "The Rake's Song" and don't miss the Decemberists NPR spot today!

Photo Essay: Loch Lomond & Decemberists at the Moore

imaginary chona — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:21:49 +0000

30 Nov 2008

DSC_1479.jpg

I had only heard good things of Portland native band Loch Lomond from an aficionado folk fiend friend at Reed College. There were A LOT of people and instrument onstage at the Moore on this night. Saxophones, accordions- they had it all and they certainly knew how to use 'em!

I was blown away by this act that was virtually unknown to me. They were a very modest lot, repeatedly and emphatically thanking Decemberists for taking them on tour, with frontman Ritchie Young candidly explaining “We're just a little unknown band from Portland”. I can't imagine this will last very long with all the publicity they'll be getting from touring with a band as prolific as the Decemberists and having tunes as ambitious as theirs. Individually, it was clear to see that every single musician on stage was fully versed in the art of music.

Collectively, it almost hurt me how beautiful their sound was. I've since had the opportunity to sit down and listen to a couple tracks on headphones, but their live show just speaks volumes to the immensity of their craft.

I've witnessed the Decemberists live show so many times, but have yet to hear a rendition of
“California One Youth and Beauty”... but I won't hold grudges. Meloy, his snappingly witty and charming self per usual led the way through many many songs that have come to be classics for so many people of the zeitgeist. Included in their set were several tracks of their more recent “Crane Wife”, but they also got around to playing a beautiful rendition of “16 Military Wives” prefixed by an awesome impromptu solo by the talented and widely grinning accordionist/pianist/singer Jenny Conlee.

Antics of the night involve Meloy leaving a garbled song/message to a contact on an audience member's iphone, jostling the crowd into clapping and screaming at his command, and even humoring an audience member by having drummer John Moen record a song on his fancy schmancy video camera. Hopefully the photos well illustrate how bitingly hilarious this kind sentiment on his part was.

It was a beautiful night of gorgeous sounds in early December... ironically a month that the band has never released an album in! The audience, as far as I could tell (even up to the third balcony) were thrilled to be in the presence of such fine musicians and why shouldn't they be? Decemberists are quite possibly the best indie rock band of the 2000's.

(screaming into an iPhone)

{More amazing Chona Kasinger photos}

A gorgeous evening of epic, orchestral folk rock.

"A Smattering of Distant Applause Is Ringing in My Poor Ears" - Decemberists News

Imaginary Mimi — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:02:02 +0000

Please, oh please, Mr. Meloy, let this one sound less like Jethro Tull and more like the Decemberists...

From Crane Wife to Bridesmaid

Jon Harthun — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:11:02 +0000

On October 14, the Decemberists will begin releasing the first of their three-part single series entitled, Always the Bridesmaid, available in both digital and 12" options.

Was Colin Meloy drunk for the Decemberists shows this week?

ChrisB — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 05:09:55 +0000

I was at the Decemberists show on Thursday night and thought the band sounded better than any of the previous four times I had seen them.
But I need someone out here to confirm something about Wednesday's show.

Big sad show news: the Decemberists cancel Seattle, Portland shows

imaginary dana — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 22:22:23 +0000

Add this sadness to the ever-growing list of canceled shows...