This Oregon-based quintet, led by Colin Meloy, has enjoyed a steady, alternative
career since its debut album Castaways and Cutouts (2001). Named after an event
in Russian history (the Decabrists), The Decemberists' music ranges from
acoustic folk to noisy lyrical flights, and later synthetic sounds. The album
Picaresque (2005) and its successor, the magnum opus The Crane Wife (2006),
ranked #35 in the U.S., considerably expanded their notoriety and a very active
fan base. The latter also marked the beginning of their association with
producer Tucker Martine, who has since been a...