THE HAZARDS OF LOVE

"The Decemberists" were doing better and better. Releases through releases. At least I feel so. Some female vocals on some tracks do convey some sort of a "Mostly Autumn" feel to the music featured on this VERY elegant "Hazards Of Love".

Powerful vocal harmonies (more felt when the boss is taking over to tell the truth) like during both parts of the title track are the best of this album IMO. A lot has already been said about this album (not in terms of amount of reviews, but the band isn't the most popular on the archives), but in terms of raving reviews.

Some can say that I am not the most excited reviewer available on PA, which is true, but I ALWAYS tell my genuine feelings about an album. And this one is very good.

Some useless and very short moments (three of them) are combined with their so particular prog-folk music. So special?and fantastic like during the splendid "The Wanting Comes In Waves Repaid" which is one of my fave from this work. At times, their fantastic crescendo sound reminds me of the great "Talking Heads" (like the fresh and jumpy "Abduction Of Margaret"). One of my highlights for sure. Fabulous vocal harmonies are the key and frankly, if you don't succumb to these: you might well come from another world. But, I'm just human?

This album features plenty of very good songs: one of my fave is the passionate "Annan Water". These guys are really incredible! It is such a pleasure to listen to their clean, straight forward music. The wonderful "return" of "Wanting" is so typical, so personal of their style which is quite unique; but still: "Talking Heads" are not alien to some of these sounds?

Just some slight deception with the last two sections of the epic "Hazards Of Love" which was cut into four short pieces and randomly placed on the album.

Still, there are WONDERFUL moments to be experienced with this album. Four stars with no problem. I am dying to see them live over here, in the old Europe. Come on guys: get a plane and play over here!