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CONNECT SETSThe DecemberistsProg Folk3.05 | 3 ratings |
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Epignosis
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This nifty item is a promotional EP of sorts, supporting the release of the masterpiece The Crane
Wife. Three of the songs from that album are presented here with more or less variation, and as a
minor bonus, there is a cover tune. Lovers of this gradually progressive folk band with definitely
want to hear this one, especially if they are fond of the aforementioned album (and why wouldn't
they be?). Surprisingly, the strongest offering on this shot of The Decemberists is most likely not
the one the fans would expect. First, "O Valencia" is given a more acoustic treatment, bringing the
accordion to the fore, but it is fairly unchanged. "The Perfect Crime #2" is often considered the
weakest track from The Crane Wife, largely because of its disco-rock sensibilities, but my goodness-
listen to this rendition and ask if it's even the same song! Well, it is, but the instrumentation
is completely different. The funky bass is still there, but the implementation of accordion,
mandolin, and other acoustic instruments afford this song a fresh brilliance. The fiddle taking
over for the electric guitar is stunning. No, I don't think this is how they should have had it on
the original, because the contrast of the original makes this version outstanding. "The Crane Wife
1 & 2" is an even more somber version, taking the hopeful upbeat first part and slowing it down a
hair. Otherwise, there isn't much difference except that the accordion is substituted for the
organ. Also, the transitional vocalizations are rather weak, as Colin Meloy is too overpowering
(probably not intentionally, but still). The second part is very subdued, even more so than the
studio version. The one cover is of the John Denver song, "Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This
Christmas)," and is pretty much what one might expect- a whiny country ditty with accordion and
acoustic guitar. While not even a necessity for fans, this EP contains some delightful alternative
takes of some amazing songs.
Epignosis |
3/5 |
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