Digging the Decemberists

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  Originally uploaded by Gusparaguss.

Saw the Decemberists tonight in concert, and they were fantastic! I suppose I'd be ecstatic about most bands playing, since it's been a while from my last show, but still.  I love a show that includes strong performances, good stage antics, and energetic crowd pleasers.  This one had them all.

The band played for almost two hours, cranking through oldies and newies, including bits from their country/western, gypsy, and sea-shanty genres.  They ended with my favorite D'sts song of all time, The Mariner's Revenge Song, where they actually had the whole crowd screaming and moaning as if they were being eaten by a whale while the guitarist ran around chomping us with giant fake whale jaws.  It was awesome.

It was also "Star Wars" night at the Fillmore, as the band had visited Skywalker ranch earlier that day. So out came the X-wing bedsheets, the dueling light sabers, and the solo violin rendition of the opening credits.  So much fun.

It's odd though.  Even though I love them, it's hard to describe the Decemberists.  They have such an enigmatic sound.  I guess I'd put them somewhere between Wilco and Bare Naked Ladies, with a little Mary's Danish thrown in.  They definitely have nailed their sound, though, and the sold-out crowd responded to everything they threw at us with more longing and lust.

It was also interesting to watch lead singer Colin Meloy do his thing.  He's awesome, of course -- extremely charismatic, smart, and sincere. But he's also very nerdy -- bookish looks, obscure cultural references, and heartfelt angst.  I grew up watching lead singers who were much more working class rockers instead of working class readers, so this was a fun departure. Anyway, having returned home exhausted, hoarse, and quite spent, I must say it was a very worthwhile time.

Comments

[bonnie]

I loved the Decemberists show on Monday in SF too! I thought it was cute how they showed off their geek love for Star Wars. Chewie would be proud.

[Red]

I am oh-so jealous you got to see The Decemberists! I wish they'd come to England!

[Cindy]

I saw the Decemberists last night in Asheville, NC, and they were amazing! I was standing in front of stage right, so I had a clear view of Petra and Jenny. Those two women are so talented. It was great to watch them interact with Colin. I love this band so much!