3 Mar 2015

What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World by The Decemberists

From RNZ Music, 7:35 pm on 3 March 2015

Nick Bollinger reviews an unusually concept-free set from The Decemberists.

The Decemberists What A Terrible WorldWith their reputation for extended song cycles like The Crane Wife and The Hazards Of Love, The Decemberists’ first album in four years surprises for its lack of an overarching storyline or consistent musical style. But after an 80s soul blast and a 60s pop pastiche, things settle into a familiar folk-rock mode for a bunch of concise personal songs like “12/17/12”, in which frontman Colin Meloy addresses the dilemma of bringing a new child into a violent and terrifying world, and funnier ones like ‘The Singer Addresses His Audience’ or the uncharacteristically lusty ‘Philomena’.

Songs Featured: The Singer Addresses His Audience, Cavalry Captain, Philomena, Make You Better, Carolina Low, Lake Song, A Beginning Song

Listen to more from The Sampler here

Get the RNZ app

for easy access to all your favourite programmes