The Decemberists Appreciation Thread

 

Haha! Four years ago I took two of my sons on the road to see 'Hazards of Love' in Kansas City followed by a cross-country trek to the Atlantic Ocean and back to the Midwest (we lived in South Dakota at the time).  Was one of the best times I've ever had and will always remember.

 

There was some pushback when I added them to the Archives several years ago but they're somewhat vindicated by the 600+ reviews and the generally high regard here for 'Hazards' and 'The Crane Wife'.  Those who pan the "country" shift on 'The King is Dead' and 'Long Live the King' miss the whole connection to the rock/country wave of the early 70s that the Byrds, Gram Parsons, Flying Burrito Brothers, Family, Elvis, Beach Boys, the Dead, Dylan, even the Rolling Stones dabbled in.  This is the roots revival phase of the band's progression; wouldn't surprise me a bit to have them crank out a disco album in a couple years followed by something grunge-flavored...