388. The Decemberists - castaways and cutouts

388.Dcastawaysandcutouts,
originally uploaded by jrd550.

I like this album in a different way from the band's other releases. This to me is a truly sad record (sad within the band's fictional world). It doesn't really contain any of the theatric sing alongs that have graced their other albums (save for 'July! July!'). The brand new crisp strings on Colin's acoustic guitar, and his clear, almost monotone voice, set a melancholic haze that lasts throughout the majority of the album. A great disc, where the sounds are clear and sad.

'and i am nothing of a builder
but here i dreamt i was an architect
and i built this balustrade
to keep you home, to keep you safe
from the outside world'

Cocoon

9 out of 10