THE HAZARDS OF LOVE

My daughter ("Starsdie" on this site) recommended this band to me a few years ago. I had some fun with her a few weeks ago, she didn't know that I had this cd, and I knew she didn't own it yet, so as we were all going out for dinner I turned the cd player on in the truck with this cd in it. Soon she's saying "Dad who's that playing ?", I didn't answer. "Dad that's THE DECEMBERISTS ! I know his voice anywhere". Haha. There aren't many cds these days where i'm rocking out to a song the first time I hear it, but this happened several times during my first listen to this record.The guy can write a melody, and the lyrics are such a blast. A concept album that I really like, now there's a novelty. This album was inspired by an EP called "The Hazards Of Love" (shocking I know) released in 1963 by British Folk singer Anne Briggs. I do really like Colin Meloy's vocals but also the three guest female singers are simply a pleasure to listen to. Amazing vocals on this recording. Some good variety and I like the way melodies are recalled throughout.17 songs that all blend together making it feel like we're listening to a story uninterupted.

"Prelude" opens with what sounds like a low hum, organ after 1 1/2 minutes and strings late. "The Hazards Of Love 1" opens with acoustic guitar as Colin comes in vocally followed by bass. Drums after 2 1/2 minutes. "A Bower Scene" has such a good rhythm to it. This sounds incredible. Male vocals join in as the guitar comes and goes. "Won't Want For Love" has a heavier beat as female vocals join in.This is great ! Male vocals 2 1/2 minutes in are brief then she returns. They slow it down for "The Hazards Of Love 2" with reserved male vocals. This is so uplifting and moving as light drums, acoustic guitar and organ help out. "The Queen's Approach" features some banjo. "Isn't It A Lovely Night ?" opens with acoustic guitar and accordion as female vocals come in. Male vocals follow then we get a duet. The steel pedal gives this a Country flavour. "The Wanting Comes In Waves / Repaid" opens with what sounds like harpsichord as male vocals arrive. It kicks in with drums a minute in. My God ! Love the female vocal melodies too. A change as this really good rhythm takes over with female vocals.Themes are repeated. Hell ya !

"An Interlude" is just that, an acoustic break. "The Rake's Song" is the funniest track ever. Male vocals and I like when he sings "Alright, alright, alright". Strummed guitar and drums lead the way here but it's the lyrics that steal the show (haha). "The Abduction Of Margaret" has such a good rhythm. Here we go ! Male vocals too. "The Queen's Rebuke / The Crossing" features female vocals and a heavy soundscape. Some nasty guitar 1 1/2 minutes in followed by some angular guitar ! Lots of organ late. "Annan Water" has some strummed guitar that eventually takes over as male vocals join in. Organ comes in when it settles then it kicks back in. Great, great track. "Margaret In Captivity" has acoustic guitar and male vocals early, female vocals come in when it becomes more powerful. Contrasts continue. Just a beautiful sound to end it. "The Hazards Of Love 3" is upbeat and uptempo with a children's choir. "Wanting Comes In Waves (Reprise) is just that. I like it a lot. "Hazards Of Love 4" opens with acoustic guitar and male vocals before drums join in. Some steel pedal 3 minutes in as well.

An excellent record that will be on many peoples best of lists for 2009.