CONNECT SETS

This nifty item is a promotional EP of sorts, supporting the release of the masterpiece The Crane Wife. Three of the songs from that album are presented here with more or less variation, and as a minor bonus, there is a cover tune. Lovers of this gradually progressive folk band with definitely want to hear this one, especially if they are fond of the aforementioned album (and why wouldn't they be?). Surprisingly, the strongest offering on this shot of The Decemberists is most likely not the one the fans would expect. First, "O Valencia" is given a more acoustic treatment, bringing the accordion to the fore, but it is fairly unchanged. "The Perfect Crime #2" is often considered the weakest track from The Crane Wife, largely because of its disco-rock sensibilities, but my goodness- listen to this rendition and ask if it's even the same song! Well, it is, but the instrumentation is completely different. The funky bass is still there, but the implementation of accordion, mandolin, and other acoustic instruments afford this song a fresh brilliance. The fiddle taking over for the electric guitar is stunning. No, I don't think this is how they should have had it on the original, because the contrast of the original makes this version outstanding. "The Crane Wife 1 & 2" is an even more somber version, taking the hopeful upbeat first part and slowing it down a hair. Otherwise, there isn't much difference except that the accordion is substituted for the organ. Also, the transitional vocalizations are rather weak, as Colin Meloy is too overpowering (probably not intentionally, but still). The second part is very subdued, even more so than the studio version. The one cover is of the John Denver song, "Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)," and is pretty much what one might expect- a whiny country ditty with accordion and acoustic guitar. While not even a necessity for fans, this EP contains some delightful alternative takes of some amazing songs.