Today's Music That Jason Knows Isn't For Everyone But Still Likes is The Decemberists' Castaways and Cutouts. This album was released in, maybe, 2001. Just a little background on the Decemberists: They sort of picked up where Neutral Milk Hotel left off, with a little more of a naval fetish. Their music doesn't suit everyone - I know Colin Meloy's voice grates on some nerves - but for the most part I enjoy it. I guess I'd describe their music as 'nerd-folk', though not quite 'geek-folk', in that it's literate but not about wizards and dragons and such. Most of their songs tell stories, about escaping from prison or being a sailor or things like that, very ribald turn-of-the-century blue-collar sort of escapades.
There's a good personal story that goes with Castaways and Cutouts - specifically the song "July, July!" - but I'm not going to take the time to type it here.
Castaways and Cutouts is a pretty good album. It gets a little melancholy towards the end but has a number of wonderful songs. Some are upbeat ("July, July!" or "A Cautionary Tale") though most tend to be darker ("Odalisque", "Leslie Anne Levine") or just very mellow ("California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade"). Still, it's a smart album with a good dynamic songlist. There aren't a ton of instruments here, including (I think) a well-placed accordion on a couple songs, but the simplicity works in the album's favor. I think The Decemberists work best as a group when they allow the lyrics and uncomplicated music to stand alone, rather than using elaborate, multi-layered song structure. I prefer this album to some of their other enjoyable work (namely Picaresque or Her Majesty) simply because the moods and tempos are more varied.
I do appreciate that The Decemberists aren't really concerned with being 'cool', but make their kind of music without being ironic. That is, if anything is truly unironic anymore, or at least not overly self-aware.
In other news:
I can't believe I went this long without a Decemberists blog. Shame on me.
I'm still a little sick but better today. This weekend wasn't much fun.
I'M GOING TO SEE THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS TOMORROW. HELL YES I'M EXCITED.
The Author
Well, not really.
About Me
- Bones of an Idol
- Professionally, I work in information technology for a school. I do a little of everything: support, training, database, website, purchasing, strategy. My job appeals to my love of challenges, solving problems, and helping people.
Outside of work, I enjoy exercise (I used to practice capoeira, but largely run and lift weights now), writing short fiction, and playing the guitar. I am a largely self-taught guitarist and generally do not rock very hard.
I am currently enrolled in the MBA program at Drake University. Focusing on my coursework has curtailed my 'hobbies' somewhat, but I plan to graduate in Fall of 2013.
I am partial to travel, cats, black licorice and peanut butter.