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Fun Stuff => BAND => Topic started by: lolagentk on 01 Nov 2007, 16:30

Title: Decemberists
Post by: lolagentk on 01 Nov 2007, 16:30
Anyone else sad that the rest of the tour is canceled?  -_-
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: MusicScribbles on 01 Nov 2007, 16:38
Uhh...
Look, I know this is sad, but maybe we could make this thread more interesting/discussion worthy if we had something to really talk about. Is there a reason for the tour being cancelled? Or, should we turn this into an "I like the Decemberists" thread?

I like the Decemberists!
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Juxtaposition on 01 Nov 2007, 19:02
One of the band members (I have reason to believe it's Colin) is sick. They cancelled the European tour in September for the same reason, which is worrying. Still being sick after a month and a half of recuperation time sounds serious...

I've been sad about this all day since I heard over /orate.

I like the Decemberists, too!
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 01 Nov 2007, 19:31
I like them to although, i didn't like picaresque as an album. Pardoxically it has good songs yet for a Decemberist album it's well, kinda boring.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: mberan42 on 01 Nov 2007, 19:37
I went to Opening Night in Chicago, the Long of It.

I like the Decemberists!
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: monkandmovies13 on 01 Nov 2007, 19:46
I was standing on line at Terminal 5 when the guy who ran the venue came out and told us.

I am gutted and heartbroken and distraught, but mostly worried. Whatever's wrong with Colin sounds really serious. I hope he heals soon :(

They're my favorite band.

Oh well, cest la vie.

Next time. The last thing they need to feel right now is guilty.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: SleeperCylon on 01 Nov 2007, 20:32
I saw them in their last tour.  They played like 3 songs off Crane Wife and over half was pre-Picaresque.

Apparently the Decemberists are under the impression that their back catalog is as deep and epic as Bob Dylan's.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: ampersandwitch on 01 Nov 2007, 20:34
I saw them just a month ago, and they kicked ass.
I think their entire catalog is far more epic than Bob Dylan's, or at least more palatable.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: CamusCanDo on 01 Nov 2007, 20:59
Hey, hey guys.

I like The Decemberists
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: ampersandwitch on 01 Nov 2007, 21:02
I, too, like The Decemberists, soul brothers and sisters.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Inlander on 01 Nov 2007, 21:56
This thread better start going places in a hurry.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Joseph on 01 Nov 2007, 22:46
I saw them in their last tour.  They played like 3 songs off Crane Wife and over half was pre-Picaresque.

Apparently the Decemberists are under the impression that their back catalog is as deep and epic as Bob Dylan's.

I am really confused as to how a band playing much of their back catalogue suggests that they think it is comparable to Bob Dylan's?  And a lot of the songs off The Crane Wife were pretty lengthy, so three could take up a fair bit of the set.  Either way, I'd much rather see the Decemberists live these days than Bob Dylan.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 02 Nov 2007, 02:50
They played like 3 songs off Crane Wife and over half was pre-Picaresque.

Does that include Picaresque, i hope not. did they play any of the b-sides from crane wife?
Anyone know if they will come down to australia anytime in the future or did I miss them?
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Valrus on 02 Nov 2007, 05:56
I think the Decemberists have been my favorite band since slightly before the release of The Crane Wife. I hope the sick Decemberist recovers soon.

Here's a link to a thread on the D's message board with live recordings of the first (and only?) night of the Long and Short Of It Tour:

thread (http://orate.decemberists.com/viewtopic.php?t=10439&highlight=)

Excellent recordings and excellent shows. You'd never guess they were about to cancel the rest of the tour. Highlights:
Covering "Echoes" on Long Of It night: ZOM-fucking-G
Opening Short Of It night with the first five songs of Five Songs
The fact that the recordings are actually good enough quality to listen to twice
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Valrus on 02 Nov 2007, 05:59
Does that include Picaresque, i hope not.

Yes: Engine Driver and Eli on Short night and Mariner's Revenge on Long night. EDIT: Oh, and Bagman's Gambit on Long night too.

Quote
did they play any of the b-sides from crane wife?

Yes: Culling of the Fold and After the Bombs on Short night.

I didn't go to the shows, I'm just looking at the set lists.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Katherine on 02 Nov 2007, 06:33
I'm not really sad about it because The Decemberists were not coming close enough to me for me to go see them but I do hope a speedy recovery (and a newfound love for Upstate NY concert venues) is in their future.

Because I too like The Decemberists.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: valley_parade on 02 Nov 2007, 07:18
I like the episode of Austin City Limits with The Decemberists and Explosions in the Sky, but that's more because of EitS.

I wanted to see the Decemberists on their last tour when My Brightest Diamond was opening.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: SusurrusIgnoramus on 02 Nov 2007, 07:25
dammit... i'm glad i saw this thread, otherwise i would not have known the november 11 concert was canceled. way to let me know, tickets.com.  now how do i get my damn money back?
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: mberan42 on 02 Nov 2007, 08:04
I like the episode of Austin City Limits with The Decemberists and Explosions in the Sky, but that's more because of EitS.

Stupid PBS didn't broadcast it in Chicago on the night they said they were going to. I had the WTTW website linked; it showed every time they were going to broadcast it. Too bad they didn't show the show. I'm disappointed.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 02 Nov 2007, 15:42
Quote
did they play any of the b-sides from crane wife?

Yes: Culling of the Fold


Culling of the Fold is the kind of music you would get if the Scottish were conquered by the Spanish or vice versa. I actually really like it.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Bearer on 02 Nov 2007, 18:24
Decemberists are quite awesome.  I am deeply saddened by the news that the tour was cancled, this is most bogus.

I've been a fan since a bit of a while before crane wife, but they are still awesome.  I actually liked Picaresque too, why don't you guys?
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 02 Nov 2007, 22:12
I actually liked Picaresque too, why don't you guys?

Guys? As far i as i can tell no-one apart from me has stated they're dislike of picaresque.
I didn't like it as an album because most of songs are slow and pick up towards the middle of the song (except for the Mariner's Revenge Song) so you kinda lose interest for a little while until you hear a line like "I am a writer, a writer of fiction" and you're all like what came before that also i find it hard to sit through it all. "You must have a short attention span!" I hear you say but that is not the case for I was and I still am entirely enthralled by both the Tain and Castaways and Cutouts.

btw, if anyone has: "The Perfect Crime #1 + The Day I Knew You'd Not Come Back", "Hurdles Even Here" or "Picaresqueties" could you please post it on the sendspace thread and i will kindly post the b-sides from the Billy Liar EP as well as those from the O Valencia!CDS. 

How's that for direction Inlander!!!
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Johnny C on 03 Nov 2007, 00:14
I think their entire catalog is far more epic than Bob Dylan's, or at least more palatable.

GET IN THE GROUND
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Ishotdanieljohnston on 03 Nov 2007, 00:21
What the fuck was that guy on when he wrote that?
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Valrus on 04 Nov 2007, 14:06
Chris Funk posted this on the Decemberists message board:

Quote from: Chris Funk
Hi this is Chris from the band.

There will be refunds.

Everyone involved is trying to figure this out, and it will take a few days, offices are closed over weekends. If you don't get a refund from a promoter (which you will) or Music Today is not responding (which they will) feel free to send me a message directly on this board, or my direct email as it always has been, at my advise column on our main site. Please give it a few days before you fly off the handle.

Also please understand that the decision to do this was not an easy one and that we are dealing with a ton of fallout from it on many levels. We played what we thought were possibly 2 of the best shows of our lives in Chicago only to be met with flights home from New York city days later, our spirit crushed, a sick friend, and the music all gone, everything we planed to share with you gone.

I can assure you we are all at the lowest point possible as of today, not to mention a massive finical hit for us that surpasses the cost of 2 tickets and a hotel room (though we are completely empathetic to your loss as well). Point being, we all lost here, and we are not celebrating on a cruise ship in the Virgin Islands, counting our "Major Label" dollars that in truth never were.

Thanks to those who are understanding that life is a sometime fragile and unpredictable road.

Have a nice Fall. We'll give you all an update soon.

-Chris

Part of why I like this band is that they are clearly first class Gentlemen (and a Lady).
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 04 Nov 2007, 23:36
Part of why I like this band is that they are clearly first class Gentlemen (and a Lady).

well that and the music :-)
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Inlander on 05 Nov 2007, 01:26
That's what makes it "part of" why he likes the band.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: ampersandwitch on 05 Nov 2007, 02:15
What the fuck was that guy on when he wrote that?
Lady drugs.  To make me a lady.
Do I know you?
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: öde on 05 Nov 2007, 07:11
His name suggests that he is a dangerous criminal.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Katherine on 05 Nov 2007, 08:08
I am quite fond of Picaresque. I tend to be fondest of the first album I hear from an artist however, and Picaresque was the first album of theirs I purchased, so take it with a grain of salt.  But you can't beat Mariner's Revenge Song, srsly.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Ocarina654 on 05 Nov 2007, 15:39
Mariner's Revenge Song is amazing.

Picaresque WOULD be a good place to start, whether its Katherine's favorite or not.  8-)
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Inlander on 05 Nov 2007, 19:03
I disagree. Picaresque is their least cohesive album. Start with Castaways & Cutouts or Her Majesty, which is criminally under-rated.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: cupcakeonastick on 05 Nov 2007, 19:33
I first heard of them when Picaresque came out. The first time I listened through the album, I wasn't sold until The Mariner's Revenge. I only needed to hear that song once before buying the previous albums. And I think they soared above anything previous with The Crane Wife. They are epic. <3
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Valrus on 05 Nov 2007, 20:22
Picaresque might be their least cohesive album, but I'd argue that it's their most immediate, and thus perhaps a good starting point. It is, however, tied with Her Majesty as their worst (or perhaps I should say "least awesome") album, in my mind.

I might suggest Five Songs as an alternate first D's album.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Ocarina654 on 05 Nov 2007, 20:23
I disagree. Picaresque is their least cohesive album. Start with Castaways & Cutouts or Her Majesty, which is criminally under-rated.
So have them start with the best and have everything else feel shallow in comparison?
Not that you would start with the worst and turn someone off completely, but Picaresque is a good album.  Admittedly I don't have Her Majesty so I can't compare with that one, but Picaresque is an obvious progression from Castaways and Cutouts, and points in the direction that the band goes with The Crane Wife (which is, by the way, my favorite of their releases).
Picaresque is a good inbetween album, and gives a flavor of the previous releases and a flavor of what's to come.

I think it's a great place to start with the Decemberists.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: CamusCanDo on 05 Nov 2007, 22:33
For someone who has never listened to the Decemberists before, what would be a good place to start discography-wise?

Start from the start, Castaways and Cutouts. They've only got four albums and they're all pretty accessible.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Inlander on 05 Nov 2007, 23:59
So have them start with the best and have everything else feel shallow in comparison?

This assumes that somebody's going to listen to a weaker album, and then decide to plug on regardless. I'd have them start with something that's guaranteed to please them, in order to encourage them to further explore the band because of something rather than despite something.

Picaresque for me just doesn't flow very well, and it sounds rather stale. The Crane Wife, though, is magnificent (apart from two songs), and renewed my faith in the band when it seemed on Picaresque that they were starting to run out of ideas.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Valrus on 06 Nov 2007, 05:42
Start from the start, Castaways and Cutouts. They've only got four albums and they're all pretty accessible.

ahem FIVE SONGS. Or did you mean LPs.

Also The Tain, although I have no idea where to categorize that. I think it was the album that got me hooked on the D's, but then my first Radiohead album was Kid A.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Johnny C on 06 Nov 2007, 10:21
Picaresque for me just doesn't flow very well, and it sounds rather stale. The Crane Wife, though, is magnificent (apart from two songs), and renewed my faith in the band when it seemed on Picaresque that they were starting to run out of ideas.

"Everything's Backwards In Australia!"
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: amok on 06 Nov 2007, 10:45
I disagree. Picaresque is their least cohesive album. Start with Castaways & Cutouts or Her Majesty, which is criminally under-rated.

personally I under-rate it because it's quite awful compared to the others :( should definitely start with castaways though.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: debaser on 09 Nov 2007, 00:52
The Decemberists are one of the best active bands today. They've been one of my favorites for a few years now They put out consistent good music, are incredibly devoted and are probably the nicest/coolest people I have ever met. I'm bummed about the cancellation, I was stoked for the fan request night that was gonna happen in Portland. But alas, I wish who ever is sick a speedy recovery. I hope it's not serious.

That said, Castaways and Cutouts is my favorite by far
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: thehollow on 09 Nov 2007, 18:09
i never really liked any of their stuff up until the Crane Wife, which I thought was pretty cool.  I just got done watching an episode of Austin City Limits with them and Explosions in the sky, and I was floored by both shows. I was expecting EitS to kick ass, but was surprised by how much the Decemberists could rock out, especially on The Island/Come &See, which has always been my favorite track of theirs. Damn, that song rocked.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 09 Nov 2007, 18:17
Did the play all three parts or only just Come And See.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: thehollow on 09 Nov 2007, 18:21
they played the wholething, I just didn't feel like typing out the whole title  :-D

I can give you a link to the torrent for it if you'd like.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 09 Nov 2007, 22:23
Can't use it anyway i've already used up my 1GB of downloads  :-(
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: BrittanyMarie on 10 Nov 2007, 02:58
Roughly two years ago I saw the Decemberists when they all had colds. It wasn't very good, even if Chris Funk pretended to be a chompy whale. So unless the illness is even remotely serious, be glad you won't be disappointed.

Also! fuck you guys, Her Majesty is probably the best, and the Crane Wife is definately not the best.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: monkandmovies13 on 10 Nov 2007, 07:22
I don't have a favorite. I love them all equally. The hate I usually see is either about Her Majesty or The Crane Wife, but I think both are brilliant albums. I think that the only thing that keeps The Crane Wife from being my favorite is the song When The War Came, which is the only Decemberists song I really really don't like. Other than that, I don't really understand a lot of the negative feelings towards it. And Her Majesty has Red Right Ankle and The Soldiering Life and The Gymnast High Above The Ground! Of course it's amazing, you guys are insane.

And The Mariner's Revenge Song is overrated. It's fun, but skippable. Please proceed to throw rocks at me.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Juxtaposition on 10 Nov 2007, 13:55
Start from the real beggining. 5 songs. I've heard people say that 5 songs isn't as professional as the rest of their work, but I just see it as kind of... lighter, and sillier. And a lot of fun!
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: talon on 10 Nov 2007, 14:58
"the tain" is an epic journey of a song and the music video is funny and cool as well

i like the decemberists
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Valrus on 10 Nov 2007, 16:21
And The Mariner's Revenge Song is overrated. It's fun, but skippable. Please proceed to throw rocks at me.

It's not skippable the second through tenth times you hear it.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 10 Nov 2007, 21:20
60 listens alone these last 4 months and still not skipable.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: monkandmovies13 on 11 Nov 2007, 07:19
Yeah, it was super fun for me at first. I was in love with it and thought it was so neat and weird, but now I think it's just pretty cool. The novelty wore off eventually.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 12 Nov 2007, 00:20
:blows raspberry: I haz childish wonder and u iz all boring farts!!
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: chamberk on 12 Nov 2007, 06:12
Her Majesty's the best album, followed by Picaresque.   Crane Wife had a fantastic beginning and ending, but the middle sags when they try to do new things.  Still, I applaud them for trying.  Nothing worse than getting hung up on a gimmick.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: TheFuriousWombat on 13 Nov 2007, 10:39
I agree with you on 'The Crane Wife.' The entire middle of the album not only sags, it's easily skipable. I don't think 'Her Majesty' is their best, however. Sure, it has some good songs: 'The Soldiering Life' is fun and has that awesome chorus and 'Los Angeles, I'm Yours' is very good (lyrically it may be the best on the album), and 'The Chimbley Sweep' is also a quick, fun little song as well.
But the overall quality doesn't match that of 'Picaresque' with it's brilliant opener all the way to its epic climactic moment and its rather beautiful denouement. I'll admit 'Sixteen Military Wives' is a bit too 'single-y' in a radio-friendly sense but when you have songs as lyrically strong as 'The Bagman's Gamibt,' 'Eli the Barrow Boy,' 'The Engine Driver,' and 'The Bus Mall,' it's kinda hard, for me anyway, to see the quality comparable to 'Her Majesty's.
Of course, we can't forget 'Castaways and Cutouts.' It's the first Decemberists album I heard (I got it the week of its release) and I listened to it non-stop for weeks after. I sometimes think it's their best album with such brilliant/beautiful songs as 'Grace Cathedral Hill,' 'Odalisque,'Cocoon,' and 'Clementine' and songs with such terrific energy as 'Legionnaire's Lament' and 'July July.' It's a really excellent album.
Long story short, I couldn't really pick a favorite but I can narrow it down to Castaways... and Picaresque since The Crane Wife is too weak in the entire middle and Her Majesty has some decent songs but a lot of filler.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: amok on 13 Nov 2007, 10:45
Crane Wife's the best one in my book, with Castaways a close second. Actually so close that they're basically interchangeable.

Picaresque has some really strong moments but I always have to skip 'Military Wives' and 'The Sporting Life' which is a hassle. At least half of it if not more is great though.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 13 Nov 2007, 22:16
Crane Wife's the best one in my book...

Same here and I liked all of it.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: RobbieOC on 14 Nov 2007, 08:06
I love Castaways, but I've also fallen in love in Picaresqueties, especially the Joanna Newsome cover on there. Brilliant!

Also, you know you're doing good when you've found a lady who likes to make out while listening to the Decembersits.  :wink: I never pictured it as particularly mood setting or whatever, but I wasn't going to complain. You know?
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Bishop138 on 14 Nov 2007, 08:59
I like Mariner's Revenge, that's almost all I've been exposed to. That's all I have to say on the subject, fuck you beer loves me! You have no idea how long this took to write without mistakes.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Felix_ on 15 Nov 2007, 23:57
I like The Decemberists.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 16 Nov 2007, 00:19
I too like the Decemberists.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: carrotosaurus on 16 Nov 2007, 05:51
Who are these "Decemberists" you speak of? Also, why do you like them?
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: debaser on 16 Nov 2007, 17:10
Yeah, it was super fun for me at first. I was in love with it and thought it was so neat and weird, but now I think it's just pretty cool. The novelty wore off eventually.

hello fellow orator
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: monkandmovies13 on 17 Nov 2007, 04:44
Yeah, it was super fun for me at first. I was in love with it and thought it was so neat and weird, but now I think it's just pretty cool. The novelty wore off eventually.

hello fellow orator

There are quite a few of you here...I've found three so far besides myself.
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Tom on 17 Nov 2007, 12:03
Who are these "Decemberists" you speak of? Also, why do you like them?

They are the gods of Oregon and I like them because their music is, well, music to my ears!

They make music and love!
Title: Re: Decemberists
Post by: Sidonis on 18 Nov 2007, 22:37
I have to say, I've never seen another live band with such a huge variation in quality of performance.  Saw them twice in Seattle, once at a venue called "Zoo Tunes", which is effectively a big open lawn full of old people, and once at the Paramount, a venue that is, in my opinion, too large for the band.  They're very interactive, which is excellent, but when the venue doesn't properly support it, the show ends up being rather disappointing.  Also, Colin had a sore throat or something.

In closing, I sort of like the Decemberists but am unsold on the badassitude of their concerts as of yet.