HER MAJESTY

The Decemberists

Prog Folk

3.10 | 50 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

But if you listen, quiet, you can hear the footsteps on the cross-trees, the ghosts of sailors past, their spectral bodies clinging to the shrouds.

Say what you will about The Decemberists' inclusion here, but one thing is undeniable, these guys have an immense, charming appeal and they know how to use it. Each track on Her Majesty, the Decemberists is like another story told, in a very eloquent and precise fashion. The lyrical content of this album is stunning, singer Colin Meloy is able to portray stories of lives at sea, lives of ennui, lives in British histor-y. However, it is not over-bearing. This album, for the most part, has a light, breezy mood about it, certainly a mood-lifter. It's very easy to get lost in these hyper-literate stories, and Meloy's astoundingly expressive yet calming vocals and the liberal use of acoustic guitar, piano, and strings certainly assist in this quality of the album.

A lot of the strength of this album is found in its two epic tracks, The Gymnast, High Above the Ground and I Was Meant for the Stage. These two songs form a microcosm of why this album is so essential in one's collection. First, The Gymnast, which showcases the band's craftsmanship of their art. Acoustic guitars and distant drums are utilized in a compelling fashion, commanding the listener to focus on the beauty that surrounds this seven minute journey. The result is hauntingly beautiful and leaves an impression on whomever hears it, not to be missed. On the other hand lies I was Meant for the Stage. While Gymnast showcases the band's creativity in theme and mood, Stage works as the forefront of the band's musical and sonic experimentation. The beginning of solo vocals and acoustic guitar provides a contrast of what's to follow. It gradually builds from a typical-ish folk song in to a sonic burst of all sorts of brass instruments, creating a really powerful burst of energy to match its explosive, personal story line. This Crimson-esque freak out is a highlight of the album.

However, the short songs are not lacking in any way. As I said earlier, each track is a different story, expressed emotively and powerfully. That being said, Red Right Ankle is one of the most powerful performances of any song I've ever heard. I get teary-eyed thinking about it. The Decemberists are masters of evoking feelings, and this album is where they do it best. This album has so much to offer with its artistic nature, impressive musical performance, and intimacy. This is a perfect relaxation album, in fact it's near-perfect overall. Not every song is a prog epic, but every song is an intimate journey and every song is impressive and creative in its own right. For any fans of prog, folk, a combination of folk, or just someone looking for simply good songs, I whole heartedly recommend this album. It is a masterpiece of its kind, few albums give me more pleasure upon listening to it.

moreitsythanyou | 5/5 | 2008-2-17

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