I was channel surfing one Saturday night and came across Austin City Limits featuring a band called The Decemberists. The band name intrigued me and just on a whim I tuned in. Little did I know that I was about to become obsessed. My first impression was that this was a group made up of every misfit/square peg at band camp. I tuned in just as they did "Yankee Bayonet" and when Colin Meloy opened his mouth, it was all over for me. Completely entranced, I watched the rest of the show and then went to Ebay to find this album. 100 listens later, I can honestly say that this is my favorite album ever. Deceptively simple, the music is like a flower that blooms a little more each time you listen to it. The more you listen the more you hear. The lyrics could stand alone as poetry if there was no music involved. Each song is so beautifully written that it is like watching a movie with your ears. The songs create landscapes and images in your mind. You can't quite put your finger on what kind of music this is, it is a culmination of so many genres. It's kind of folky, kind of Celtic, kind of reminiscent of the Civil War... but it all has a dark, edgy spin on it. The Decemberists can sing about murder and make it sound sunny. The Crane Wife 1 is achingly beautiful and to me is the high point of the album. If you are sick of what's out there in the way of music, if you are looking for something that can truly make you laugh and cry at the same time, if you are looking for a new addiction, I suggest trying The Decemberists. They make me wish I had gone to band camp.Read full review
i have actually had a copy of this cd that a friend gave me, but there were breaks in between each track which diminished the listening pleasure of this cd because it was originally released with no breaks in between several of the tracks. This is a great album and well worth buying
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is an excellent album!! It’s in perfect shape and I’m pleased with my shopping experience!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Every song on this CD is a gem, from the Crane Wife group down to Shankill Butchers and When the War Came. The Decemberists outdid themselves with elaborate folk rock style, the occasional pop culture reference like "Fraggle unfurled" and nerdy botanical names like "solanum." The motions are heavy but the fare is light, even when murder is contemplated like in Oh Valencia. A must have from 2006.
I bought The Crane Wife CD because I saw The Decemberists on Letterman singing O Valencia! and they were awesome. The reason they were awesome is because O Valencia! is a phenomenal song. Unfortunately, it's the only wonderful song on the The Crane Wife. Download O Valencia! from iTunes and sing/cry your heart out while saving your money. The seller is awesome, though!
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