I have been itching to write this post for quite awhile now, I’ve just been completely wrapped up in my Application for the Creative Writing Program. Well that was submitted this morning, and now I finally have some time to tell you about the most recent release of my favorite band EVER, The Decemberists.
In case you can’t make it out through all the sticks, it’s called The Hazards of Love, and it’s a ROCK OPERA! That’s right, a freakin rock opera, and it’s dark and twisted and oh so beautiful. There is no right way to listen to it except all the way through, track one to track seventeen. It sounds like one long and well composed song, as it tells the story of a girl named Margaret and her love, William, a shapeshifter that impregnates her. It is hard to get the entire story on the first play through, but with every listen you hear more and more and you come to realize how brilliantly this album was put together.
Max and I each have our favorite songs, I like the more harmonic ones, such as “Won’t Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga)” and “The Wanting Comes in Waves / Repaid” while Max prefers the harder rock songs, like “The Queen’s Rebuke / The Crossing.” I don’t know how familiar you are with the Decemberists, but if you had heard anything by them, keep in mind that this is a slightly different sound. They seemed to have reached an intense level of complexity and perfection when it comes to composition; the songs all flow into each other beautifully and the music helps you create the scenes in your mind. It certainly is a rock opera, and while it is different, it is also incredibly good. This album has made me love the Decemberists all the more.
I definitly recommend you check this record out if you like anything by the Decemberists. If you haven’t heard of the Decemberists before, check out their myspace and see if they are up your alley. If you like Death Cab for Cutie, Rilo Kiley, Feist, Neutral Milk Hotel, Damien Rice, or Bright Eyes, you should like the Decemberists.
That is all.
One reply on “The Taiga Shifted Strange”
See, the thing is, I’ve heard of them, but never actually went off and listened to their music – BUT A ROCK OPERA? NOW THIS INTRIGUES ME. I must go and check this out now :D