ALWAYS THE BRIDESMAID: VOL 1

For a mere taste of The Decemberists exhibiting their happy, indie-pop sensibilities, this EP is a good bet, but do not expect the progressive folk wonders of The Crane Wife or The Hazards of Love; better yet, do not expect progressive anything. This is fun music with clever arrangements and pleasant acoustic instrumentation. As usual, the melodies are excellent and the lyrics a bit of a focus hog. Using a foot-stomping beat and a catchy melody, the first of the pair, "Valerie Plame," is a delightful song with an exquisite bridge featuring vocal backings in the vein of what one would hear in many ELO songs. "O New England" begins with a simple acoustic guitar pattern and Colin Meloy's unmistakable voice and narrative lyrics. Initially it makes me think of Lindsay Buckingham-led Fleetwood Mac. It isn't one of the band's best, but isn't a bad little tune either. I think- and this is unusual for this particular band- that the backup vocals, even though sparsely used, are the highlight for both songs. All in all, this is a decent EP but nothing to write home to mom about. Properly speaking, it is for fans only, yet the songs themselves are good enough to warrant a slightly higher rating.