THE HAZARDS OF LOVE

Oh the hazards of love! This must be a real labour of love from CM and the Decemberists. An hour long Opera comprising doomed love, abduction, infanticide, revenge and suicide (pretty typical Decembeists fare to be honest). I find this album darkly beautiful but flawed. It is a difficult listen but worthy of the time as it surely overshadows the great concept albums in terms of narrative and subject. Still, I can't say I understood every nuance of story but, perhaps it's for the lisener to decide using the music and their own interpretation. The use of a new brace of female vocalist adds real scope to the story. Becky Stark and My Brightest Diamond's Shara Worden are both exceptional talents and provide the dark and light to the peice. the main problem for me is that I don't have an hour to spare every time I wish to listen to fine music. There's only one track that stands alone and that's the final track The Drowned. However, the main problem is that, as far as I can see, you can only tour such an opus once so, see it live this year if it comes anywhere near you. I doubt you'll be disappointed but you may just see something truly great.