Large Fierce Mammal

The Decemberists, in a photo respectfully lifted from their Facebook page.

The Decemberists are a recent discovery of mine from one of those moments best described as, “Where the hell have you been all my life?”. Led by songwriter and frontman Colin Meloy, their Facebook info says ” … his crafty compositions marry an infallible melodic knack with a venturesome lyrical palette equally suitable for painting fantastical songs full of sea captains, legionnaires, chimney sweeps and seekers of all kinds.” No shit. The Decemberists define dark sentiment, so today’s is all about the music they’ve made that proves my point.

Before you listen though, you might want to familiarize yourself with currently listed members of the band – Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, the apparently overcommitted John Moen, and Nate Query. Clicking on each name will cause enlightenment. For my own part, doing that introduced the term “body weird” into my vocabulary.

All things must end, but in the history of music there have been bands, the dissolution of which is deserving of a global day of mourning. The Decemberists will be such.

No study of dark sentiments is complete without this mob, so pour yourself a stiff hooker of your favourite poison and soak this up. To The Decemberists. Long may they wave.

First off, born of a seafaring town as I am, is my personal favourite – The Mariner’s Revenge Song.

Now let’s roll around in The Rake’s Song.

I charge you, good reader. to explore The Decemberists further on your own, and close with Eli, the Barrow Boy. When you’re done, go and spend some of your money to support their efforts.