5 SONGS

Don't let my rating fool you, this is indeed a very good EP by The Decemberists, especially considering it was their first (though Colin was already very experienced in songwriting and producing by this time). It just lacks any progressive influence at all. The band shows this influence more and more later on in their career.

For any fans of The Decemberists, 5 Songs is a little gem of some of their lesser known tracks. Oceanside and especially Shiny are very well written songs. My Mother Was A Chinese Trapeze Artist is an adeptation of one of Colin's old band's (Tarkio) songs. The other songs are also good Decemberists tracks.

Highly recommended for any Decemberists fans looking for another fix. Prog fans may want to look at The Tain, as that EP is a much better musical achievement of theirs.