The Decemberists - Hazards of Love

johnny_ultimate

Gave this a first listen today and was very impressed - endlessly energetic album. Didn't have the chance to follow the 'story' (some kind of concept album about a woman being savaged by a demon - odd, yes) but musically its impressive - especially the epic centerpiece The Wanting Comes in Waves. Saw the band live a few years ago and really enjoyed it, although never ended up getting their albums for some reason, but hopefully this one will stand up to repeat listens.

flyswatter

First impressions are that its not as good as the last album but still decent. The Rake's song is probably my favourite tune on it.

Aridstarling

Dying to get this one, been steadily falling more in love with the band since last summer.

Jim

Gave it my second listen there. Seems very impressive. I wasn't totally in love with the last album, but this seems like it has more potential already. I loved their mini release The Tain awhile back, was awesome.

Would love to see them again live. Last time was in Wolverhampton but they had to quit after 5 songs because Colin was on his knees vomitting backstage. They cancelled the rest of their tour after that

Pacifico

I'm a massive Decemberists fan and I thought it was very weak tbh!

No songs stood out and there are too many!!

Jim

I'm sorry.

I have to disagree.

After many listens this is one of the most amazing albums I've ever heard.

Dawn was easy she was drown in the bath ALL RIGHT!

johnny_ultimate

Jim wrote: »

I'm sorry.

I have to disagree.

After many listens this is one of the most amazing albums I've ever heard.

Dawn was easy she was drown in the bath ALL RIGHT!

Definitely agree with this. It is an album that really needs to be listened to its entirety everytime, just to appreciate the pacing and variety. The Rake's Song, though, is a great stand alone single alright. Dark as hell lyrics, but blackly comic at the same time.

RAMAN

Haven't picked this up yet but I did read some good reviews, "Led Zeppelin meets Fleetwood Mac" ?:eek:

fillmore jive

Driver 8

Really liked the last three albums, finding it hard to get into this one though, to be honest.

mercuroman

I am loving this - didn't think I would after the first couple of listens because it was so different to their others but really, really enjoying it - very impressed

Mr E

Its really excellent. Musically its like other Decemberists albums, but as an experience its more like Radiohead's Kid A (i.e. you have to listen to the whole album from start to finish - you can't really play random tracks)

Basq

Whoa.. didn't realise they'd a new album out! :eek:

Just FYI, they'd a very good series of singles / EP out late last year called 'Always The Bridesmaid'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Always_the_Bridesmaid:_Volume_I
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Always_the_Bridesmaid:_Volume_II
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Always_the_Bridesmaid:_Volume_III

calex71

Big Decemberists fan but find it difficult to get into this after 4 or 5 listens, it's true this is great for what it is , a rock opera of sorts, and i guess it has to be listened to that way in order of track 1 -17.

It's not easy to dip in and out of like previous albums, as siad the rake song is probably the only track on it that works as a stand alone track, as the album is pretty much 1 long track i suppose. Unfotunately it's not exactly a 50 minute mariners revenge song / crain wife 1-3 is it?

In the end i don't think this one is for me, might change after a few months.

Love to see the band again, was gutted when they cancelled the last show here.


Edit: those 'always the bridesmaid' eps where pretty good, more like the decemberists i know and love, which might explain why i was maybe expecting something different from hazards.

Placid_Casual

Only listened to it 3 or 4 times yet and i'm hoping its going to be a grower. I do like it so far but I think it pales in comparison to The Crane Wife.
Only The Rake's Song and The Wanting Comes In Waves have really stood out. It lacks those really spine-tingling moments like The Shankill Butchers or The Crane Wife Pt 1 & 2.

RAMAN

Picked this up yesterday. Really enjoying it so far. Any word on them playing here this year?

BAZM8

i'm a big fan and think it's a grower. Hazards of Love part 4 and the rakes song my faves so far.

if you havent got it yet download the podcast of their gig at SXSW this year where they played it in full. it's on the excellent NPR all songs considered website

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101397853

cherryghost

i think its pretty weak compared to their last offerings

xOxSinéadxOx

^ me too

Xavi6

Given it a good listen and it's not a patch on 'The Crane Wife'