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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 DayCarson 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: MusicThe 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, FeaturesThe 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, NewsThe Decemberists: The Hazards of Love
Three editors create three haiku for the Portland band's latest... read more
Found in: Music, ReviewsPsycho Killers: The Decemberists Death Count
Colin Meloy has some blood on his hands. Throughout the 76 songs that comprise his band's primary catalog, The Decemberists frontman and songwriter has killed upwards of 70 characters... read more
Found in: Music, Features
The 20 Best Gadgets of the Decade…
The 17 Best Romantic Comedies This Decade
The 50 Best Albums of the Decade…
The 25 Best Movie Performances of the…
Blind Pilot - The Story I Heard
Kim Taylor - Days Like this
Gregory Alan Isakov - The Moon Song
Patrick Watson - Man Like You
Punch Brothers - Punch Brothers at CMJ
Elvis Perkins in Dearland - Stay Zombie…
Anya Marina - Whatever You Like
David Bazan - Hard To Be
