THE DECEMBERISTS- The Hazards of Love
THE DODOS- Time To Die
I was anticipating the release of both of these albums this past year. The Decemberists dropped their album back in March but is still so very prominently ringing in my ears. The Dodos just released their album at the end of August and although the 2 artists have different sounds, I felt they were a good fit together for a rambling review from yours truly. I am not gonna get all high and mighty with my critique, because after all I am just one music fan amongst many. Just another enthusiast with the controls of the internet at the tips of their fingers. I just thought I would share my thoughts with those maybe unfamiliar with these fine artists.
To preface this paragraph I must state that I am a big Decemberists fan coming in to this review. They have probably entertained my ears the most over the past few years. So needless to say, I was highly anticipating the release of "The Hazards of Love." The first listen through I was a little disappointed, I guess because I was eagerly expecting more of the quirky verbrato I've come so accustomed to hearing, wail from singer Colin Meloy's lungs. Just as I have so many times before, I was now going to have to adjust my expectations and try to be much more open to an album that clearly packed a whopping punch, but one that I was clearly not expecting. On the second listen, I was much more clear headed and stripped of most of my anticipatory notions. That's when it hit me and immediately entered my bloodstream, as only the great music does. The Decemberists delivered their trademark storytelling melodies with the accompaniment of more female voices and a tour de force of sounds. They have always been amazing at capturing the essence of their music not just from an audible standpoint, but because of the storytelling approach you experience a visual landscape in your head as well. This is quite evident on this album and they seemed to link the entire album into a "play-like" script. Impressive on all fronts and one of the better albums in years! While there are standout songs on the album, it is best to embrace the entire album to really get it... because it will get you.
I only started listening to the Dodos about a year ago, but I was immediately drawn in to their "woodsy" sound and very percussion dominant songs. They have a unique and captivating sound that takes you to places far away from home. Whether you are in your car, cubicle or at home you will be transported to lofty destinations atop tree canopies and overlooking sweet oceans. "Time To Die" is a good album and I don't want to downplay their talent, but I can't help but compare it to their earlier work. The latest album seems to take a more mainstream route with the overall sound. The vocals are still captivating and they kept some of their unique instrumental sounds, but as a whole it is lacking their trademark sound. Again, the album is quite good, but I would definitely recommend listeners to check out their older albums "Visiter" & "Beware of the Maniac" for a true spectrum of this band. I promise you shant be disappointed.
