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The Decemberists on The Decemberists: Seven Outtakes from Paste's May Cover Story
After Paste's not-really-in-the-woods cover shoot with The Decemberists in early February, the band and I walked from the photo studio to the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub a few blocks away for a really late lunch. Over BLTs, we talked about everything from the writing and recording process of their new album, The Hazards of Love, to whether or not the cannibalism in the longtime fan-favorite tune "16 Military Wives" was metaphorical or literal. (For the record, frontman Colin Meloy says, "I don't know if you could figuratively feed people to cannibals." I agree.) The band is a funny bunch, and... read more
Found in: Blogs, List of the DayBehind the Scenes at Paste's Decemberists Cover Shoot
The day that The Decemberists gathered at Portland's Newspace Studios to get all dolled up and shot for Paste's May cover by Chris Hornbecker and his crew, no one could believe the weather. After months of sporadic blizzarding and general wintertime malaise in the Rose City, the sun was shining, the mercury was inching up towards 55 and shirt-sleeves were getting gleefully rolled up all over the place. "It was snowing this time last week!" one dumbfounded PA exclaimed, standing out in the parkinglot, squinting up at the cloudless sky. ... read more
Found in: Blogs, Ctrl-VCarson Ellis on The Decemberists: "I really did get sick to my stomach when I heard that line"
Carson Ellis' work, if not her name, should be easily recognizable for anyone who's ever picked up a Decemberists album. From the shadowy bodies floating into a sickly, sepia-tinged sky on the cover of the band's 2002 debut, Castaways and Cutouts, to the wizened limbs gracing the front of their latest, The Hazards of Love, Ellis has illustrated each of the band's record covers in collaboration with frontman Colin Meloy, who she met while studying painting at the University of Montana. Then, Ellis made gig posters for Meloy's college band, Tarkio; years later, the couple is married and living in... read more
Found in: Music, FeaturesRobyn Hitchcock on The Decemberists: "Colin has magnificent roots"
Robyn Hitchcock does what he wants. Colin Meloy knew this when he gave the legendarily whimsical British singer/songwriter carte blanche to fiddle around on an instrumental track on The Decemberists' new album, The Hazards of Love. And I learned it myself when, while researching for Paste's May cover story, I emailed Hitchcock a few questions about his experience collaborating with the band. How and when did he first come across this relatively young Portland group? What was it like making music with the band, and especially Meloy, who'd so often cited Hitchcock as a major touchstone in his own artistic... read more
Found in: MusicLollapalooza 2009 line-up to feature Tool, Lou Reed, Beastie Boys, Jane's Addiction, Snoop Dogg, many more
After months of anticipation, Lollapalooza has finally announced its full 2009 line-up. Taking place Aug. 7-9 in Chicago's Grant Park, the event hosts the proverbial headliners (Tool, The Killers, Jane's Addiction, Beastie Boys, Lou Reed, Snoop Dog, Depeche Mode), the indie-rock staples (Vampire Weekend, TV On the Radio, The Decemberists, Ben Folds, Of Montreal) the slightly under-the-radar favorties (The Raveonettes, Bat For Lashes, Ra Ra Riot, Heartless Bastards) and the up-and-coming baby bands (Passion Pit, Hockey, The Low Anthem, The Virgins) one might expect, plus many more.... read more
Found in: Music, NewsThe Decemberists: Dorks of Hazard
Drowning is the second leading cause of death among subjects of Decemberists songs. Throughout the band’s catalog, six unsuspecting literary pawns—including three on the band’s new album... read more
Found in: Music, Features10 Musicians Worth Following on Twitter
Now that the Twitter universe has expanded to fans of The View and What Happens in Vegas, it's time to figure out whose 140-character tweets are worth reading. More than just concert announcements and what they had for breakfast—the miniature prose of these 10 musicians is almost as interesting as (or, in one case, more interesting than) their music. (And fake Tom Waits has been removed)...1. ?uestlove (The Roots) - questlove Best recent tweet: on behalf of big dudes everywhere: im TIRED of mofos thinking im not aware if i sit on a remote or keys or a samurai sword... read more
Found in: Blogs, List of the DayNew, old artists harmonize at Newport's Folk Festival 50
In the 50 years since the founding of the Newport Folk Festival, it's remarkable to realize just how much the term "folk" has expanded. Back in the old days, so much as plugging in a guitar was enough to brand a folk artist as a traitor of biblical proportions.... read more
Found in: Music, NewsThe Decemberists announce more tour dates, revisit Colbert
Nerd alert: The Decemberists have added 10 more U.S./Canada dates throughout July and August in what they call Phase Two of their "A Short Fazed Hovel" tour.... read more
Found in: Music, NewsSXSW 2009: Day One Photos ft. Decemberists, Echo and the Bunnymen, Vivian Girls, Avett Brothers and more
Photos taken by Mike White (Echo, Vivians, Stern, Lewis), Jonathan Jackson (Decemberists, Avetts), Amber Roussel (Vincent, Grates, Aqualung) and Eric Ryan Anderson (Manchester) at SXSW... read more
Found in: Blogs, 1000 Words
The 20 Best Gadgets of the Decade…
The 17 Best Romantic Comedies This Decade
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Kim Taylor - Days Like this
B.O.B. - Put Me On
Blind Pilot - The Story I Heard
Punch Brothers - Punch Brothers at CMJ
David Bazan - Hard To Be
Anya Marina - Whatever You Like
