Today I’ll be focusing on a band that I heard about via people from the Penny Arcade forums. Â They are a neat crew of people with very interesting musical tastes. Â If you’ve never been there, it’s probably wisest to wear a helmet.The Decemberists are one of the most intelligent bands I know of. Â Their lyrics are very, very complex and typically tell a story. Â Case in point, the Mariner’s Revenge Song.
Try not to actually watch the video. Â It’s pretty bad. Â The song itself, though is set in the belly of a whale. Â One seaman has finally found the object of his life’s quest for vengeance. Â The mother’s voice in particular is extremely creepy. Â It is one of the most intricate songs I’ve ever heard. Â There is a waltz in the middle for no apparent reason. Â Also some mandolin.
My favourite song of theirs is July, July. Â It’s a super upbeat song that I have no idea what it’s about.
It’s a lot of fun to sing and to play. Â It’s one of the few songs where I can do both at the same time.
The Infanta is another of theirs that I really enjoy. Â It has a terribly involved rhyme scheme (palanquin and elephant? yes, please!).
I had a different video there for a while that defined all the crazy words but this one had much better quality sound.
Their most recent album is only just out. Â I got a listen to it the other day. Â It’s a concept album about a shape-shifting alien and his folk singing girlfriend. Â Yeah, I’m not sure, either. Â I saw them on Austin City Limits a couple of years ago and I would go see them at a regular concert. Â Their current tour is just them playing the new album live which, while a neat idea, is not something I would go to see. Â The songs are too weird.
I will leave you today with the only professionally produced video that I found for them. Â Sixteen Military Wives: