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The Decemberists

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Portland, Oregon, United States (2000 – present)

The Decemberists are a five-piece / band that formed in 2000 in Portland, Oregon, United States. The band currently consists of Colin Meloy (vocals, guitar), Chris Funk (guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, pedal steel), Jenny Conlee (organ, piano, accordion), Nate Query (electric/acoustic bass, cello) and John Moen (drums). Among the band’s most notable former members are Rachel Blumberg (drums, vocals) and Jesse Emerson (bass). The band’s most recent album, The Hazards of Love, was released on March 24, 2009

Named both in reference to the Russian Decembrist Revolt (they use the national anthem of the Soviet Union as an introduction at many concerts) and to the atmosphere associated with the month of December, the Decemberists write songs that range from upbeat pop to instrumentally lush ballads. They often employ instruments like the accordion, Hammond organ, Wurlitzer organ, and upright bass. In their lyrics, they eschew the angst and introspection common to modern rock, instead favoring a storytelling approach, as evidenced in songs such as “My Mother Was a Chinese Trapeze Artist” from the 5 Songs EP and “The Mariner’s Revenge Song” on Picaresque. Their songs convey tales ranging from whimsical (“Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect”) to epic (“The Tain”) to truly dark (“Odalisque”). They often invoke historical events and themes from around the world. Early in their career, The Decemberists’ musical and lyrical aesthetics frequently prompted critics to compare them to Neutral Milk Hotel.
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The Decemberists | News 4.1.10

1 Apr 2010 | from blog.myspace.com/thedecemberists

Points of Order • A Benefit for Jessica Schleif to take place in Astoria, OR on April 30 • Colin performs at Pop PDX benefit on April 29 • Sign up for the Black Prairie email list Adored Mailin...

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