Band:	The Decemberists
Album:	The Hazards of Love

Portland, Oregon’s The Decemberists are a band with a fairly rabid following. This is owing, not only, to their long history and 5 full length albums, but also their long-standing onscreen feud with Stephen Colbert of “The Colbert Report” fame. The feud coincided with the release of “The Crane Wife”, The Decemberists’ break through album. Although a critical success, The Decemberists didn’t achieve much popular support. This changed when the band started playing gigs for President Elect Barack Obama.

Since the election, the band has toured and recorded a new album titled “The Hazards of Love”.  Its a concept album, as most Decemberists’ albums are, about a woman who has an affair with a shape-shifter and her journey to find said shape-shifter after she realizes that she’s pregnant. The story is played out by the character’s voices and emotions, with guest vocalists playing both female leads. The songs range from the atmospheric introduction of “Prelude”, to the epic seventies inspired rock of “Won’t Want For Love” and “The Wanting Comes in Waves”. The Decemberists’ usual tender side shines through on “The Hazards of Love 1-4″ (that’s four different songs, in case you were wondering). Much like the last few releases by the band, “Hazards” makes use of lush orchestration, wonderful songwriting and a compelling story that makes you want to learn more about both the characters and the band.

My only complaint for “Hazards” is that it has seventeen songs, and there are many repeated motifs. I understand that this is necessary for the type of storytelling that the band is trying to produce but it seems like overkill to have 4 reprises of one song. It makes for a lovely story, but does start to wear thin after repeated listens. This is a record that you will need to be in the mood for. It is not for the casual listener.

The Decemberists Official Site
The Decemberists on MySpace
The Decemberists - “The Hazards of Love” on Amazon

Release Date: March 24th, 2009

“The Hazards of Love” - Tracklist
(* recommended tracks)

1. Prelude
2. The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won’t Wrestle the Thistles Undone)*
3. A Bower Scene
4. Won’t Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga)*
5. The Hazards of Love 2 (Wager All)*
6. The Queen’s Approach
7. Isn’t It a Lovely Night
8. The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid*
9. An Interlude
10. The Rake’s Song*
11. The Abduction of Margaret
12. The Queen’s Rebuke/The Crossing
13. Annan Water
14. Margaret in Captivity
15. The Hazards of Love 3 (Revenge!)*
16. The Wanting Comes in Waves (Reprise)*
17. The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned)*

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