ALWAYS THE BRIDESMAID: VOL 3

Now, perversely enough, if you were only going to own one single from the Always the Bridesmaid conundrum, this would be it. For the first time in the series, the band actually sounds like, you know The Decemberists, putting out clever, downbeat, introspective indie folk.

The best song is (surprise, surprise) the A-side, “Record Year for Rainfall.” Catchy chorus framed with epic leaning lyrics, underpinned by a bitchin’ cello line. Yeah. This IS the Decemberists after all. But if the first number got you down, “The Raincoat Song” is a downbeat/upbeat ballad that carries a unique heartwarming charm all of its own. The short length (just over two minutes) and stripped down production (bouncy folk guitar) make this one sound perfect for the “afterthought” songs that usually end the band’s main albums.

As I said, this is the Decemberists single to own from the series, for fans of the band’s folksier side at least. It’s also the first time that I’ve enjoyed both sides of one of these things fully. But honestly, why all the hub-bub, bub? Why not just release an EP called “Decemberists: The Middle Years,” and stick on “Valerie Plame,” the longer “Days of Elaine,” and then both of these numbers? Without the repetitive “O New England” and ill suited cover “I’m sticking With You,” most of the fat would be drained out of the singles. Who knows? It might be as good as 5 Songs, on a good day.