The Decemberists — On the Bus Mall
Album: PicaresqueAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 243
Length: 5:56
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Oh god, so totally tired of the Decemberists. Will they go away in January?
This is one of the good songs by the Decemberists, who tend to write progressive music and release recordings based on a theme, the way Pink Floyd and QueenStryche did in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. These guys are a little hit-and-miss in terms of the likeability of their songs, but that's pretty typical of concept albums. I've seen them perform on Austin City Limits and they are a competent but somewhat pedestrian live band. If anyone has anything to add, I'm seeking to understand more about this band.
I have several friends who found themselves on the street as kids and hooked on drugs and prostitution. They all managed to pull themselves out of that living hell. One is now in middle management in GE and the others are also very successful.
This song reminds me that life can seriously suck and how important friends can be to help you get back on your feet.
This song reminds me that life can seriously suck and how important friends can be to help you get back on your feet.
bryan12294 wrote:
Bryan,
You joined six weeks ago, you have rated zero songs, and have one comment, listed above.
If I think they suck, then that is my opinion. It's not a slap in the face to all music, it's a slap in the face to no one or no thing. It is just my opinion. And I do agree with you that Colin's voice fits the music, lyrics and sound. He created it, fabricated and reproduced it. That doesn't mean I should like it, or if I disagree with your opinion, that I am somehow musically incompetent.
You're obviously taking my opinion personally. Which gives my pleasure to no end.
I'd also avoid slamming others that don't agree with you. If you do this for the remainder of your life, you will be filled with negativity and hate. Learn to respect others and their opinions. Free your mind, Byran, free the mind.
Peace, Horstman
"Well all you lovers of the Decemberists, my son is 14 years old now, this music does not give him nightmares anymore.
But he still thinks they suck.
As do I."
Your 14 year old son (and yourself) have a terrible taste in music if you can't appreciate the Decemberists. Going as far to say that they "suck" is a slap in the face to all music. I myself am 15, and I can see why their music wouldn't be appealing to people in my age group. It's something they call in their unintelligible jargon, "big words". Also, it requires you to listen to the lyrics, which can be sad, scary, appalling, or exciting. You are as shallow as it gets.
As for the nightmares, what song did you let him listen to? I can see Shankill Butchers, The Rake's Song, Hazards of Love 3, etc. giving a kid nightmares.
Colin's voice fits the music, the lyrics, and the sound. The argument stops there.
But he still thinks they suck.
As do I."
Your 14 year old son (and yourself) have a terrible taste in music if you can't appreciate the Decemberists. Going as far to say that they "suck" is a slap in the face to all music. I myself am 15, and I can see why their music wouldn't be appealing to people in my age group. It's something they call in their unintelligible jargon, "big words". Also, it requires you to listen to the lyrics, which can be sad, scary, appalling, or exciting. You are as shallow as it gets.
As for the nightmares, what song did you let him listen to? I can see Shankill Butchers, The Rake's Song, Hazards of Love 3, etc. giving a kid nightmares.
Colin's voice fits the music, the lyrics, and the sound. The argument stops there.
Bryan,
You joined six weeks ago, you have rated zero songs, and have one comment, listed above.
If I think they suck, then that is my opinion. It's not a slap in the face to all music, it's a slap in the face to no one or no thing. It is just my opinion. And I do agree with you that Colin's voice fits the music, lyrics and sound. He created it, fabricated and reproduced it. That doesn't mean I should like it, or if I disagree with your opinion, that I am somehow musically incompetent.
You're obviously taking my opinion personally. Which gives my pleasure to no end.
I'd also avoid slamming others that don't agree with you. If you do this for the remainder of your life, you will be filled with negativity and hate. Learn to respect others and their opinions. Free your mind, Byran, free the mind.
Peace, Horstman
There's something about the melodies that the singer picks that, as soon as I hear any song by the Decembrists (whether I've heard it before or not) I immediately think "that's really annoying I wonder who it is?". I check the playlist and oh yeah it's the Decembrists again.
"Well all you lovers of the Decemberists, my son is 14 years old now, this music does not give him nightmares anymore.
But he still thinks they suck.
As do I."
Your 14 year old son (and yourself) have a terrible taste in music if you can't appreciate the Decemberists. Going as far to say that they "suck" is a slap in the face to all music. I myself am 15, and I can see why their music wouldn't be appealing to people in my age group. It's something they call in their unintelligible jargon, "big words". Also, it requires you to listen to the lyrics, which can be sad, scary, appalling, or exciting. You are as shallow as it gets.
As for the nightmares, what song did you let him listen to? I can see Shankill Butchers, The Rake's Song, Hazards of Love 3, etc. giving a kid nightmares.
Colin's voice fits the music, the lyrics, and the sound. The argument stops there.
But he still thinks they suck.
As do I."
Your 14 year old son (and yourself) have a terrible taste in music if you can't appreciate the Decemberists. Going as far to say that they "suck" is a slap in the face to all music. I myself am 15, and I can see why their music wouldn't be appealing to people in my age group. It's something they call in their unintelligible jargon, "big words". Also, it requires you to listen to the lyrics, which can be sad, scary, appalling, or exciting. You are as shallow as it gets.
As for the nightmares, what song did you let him listen to? I can see Shankill Butchers, The Rake's Song, Hazards of Love 3, etc. giving a kid nightmares.
Colin's voice fits the music, the lyrics, and the sound. The argument stops there.
Well all you lovers of the Decemberists, my son is 14 years old now, this music does not give him nightmares anymore.
But he still thinks they suck.
As do I.
But he still thinks they suck.
As do I.
pescivendolo wrote:
That's the most ridiculous thing I've read all day. Class has absolutely nothing to do with the subconscious images of a 12 year old boy. Your logic is astounding.
Astounding as in "What idiot thought it would be a good idea to suggest a band whose catalog includes Shankill Butchers to a 12-year-old child?"
Great music, adult themes. No wonder the poor little guy had nightmares. I'd worry if he didn't.
That's the most ridiculous thing I've read all day. Class has absolutely nothing to do with the subconscious images of a 12 year old boy. Your logic is astounding.
Astounding as in "What idiot thought it would be a good idea to suggest a band whose catalog includes Shankill Butchers to a 12-year-old child?"
Great music, adult themes. No wonder the poor little guy had nightmares. I'd worry if he didn't.
andrewimft wrote:
This album give ME nightmares! Some of the songs are soooo creepy!!!!
But I do love The Crane Wife.
For your 12 year old, this band writes about disturbing subjects in a cinematic manner, I could see how it would give him nightmares. That doesn't make them a bad band, it makes them inappropriate for your son at this age. I can understand your not liking the music, but saying they aren't a class act is not an accurate way to describe things. I think the Smiths' first album with lyrics about molesters, child murderers and discovering homosexual love would be inappropriate as would some later Pink Floyd (the Wall isn't exactly great bedtime music). That doesn't make them bad bands; acquired tastes perhaps, but not bad artists. In comparison there are rap and heavy metal bands with lyrics that appear to celebrate exploiting or being violent to women, gang life, murder etc. that does make them not only bad for children but also discerning adults can tell its usually total crap.
This album give ME nightmares! Some of the songs are soooo creepy!!!!
But I do love The Crane Wife.
andrewimft wrote:
For your 12 year old, this band writes about disturbing subjects in a cinematic manner, I could see how it would give him nightmares.
That doesn't make them a bad band, it makes them inappropriate for your son at this age. I can understand your not liking the music, but saying they aren't a class act is not an accurate way to describe things.
I think the Smiths' first album with lyrics about molesters, child murderers and discovering homosexual love would be inappropriate as would some later Pink Floyd (the Wall isn't exactly great bedtime music). That doesn't make them bad bands; acquired tastes perhaps, but not bad artists. In comparison there are rap and heavy metal bands with lyrics that appear to celebrate exploiting or being violent to women, gang life, murder etc. that does make them not only bad for children but also discerning adults can tell its usually total crap.
Excellent rebuttal!!!!!!
The Decemberists Rule!!!!
horstman wrote:
I let my 12 year old son listen to this when he went to bed (music listening at bedtime is ritual for him). Needless to say, he had trouble sleeping that night not to mention pretty scary nightmares. Need I say more?
If he can listen to the Pogues, Clash, Clapton, Stones, Stone Roses, etc, etc and be a happy boy the next day (and the one after that) it pretty much sums up that the Decemberists are not a class act.
Oh, and they don't do anything for me either. Usually don't comment negatively about bands (don't like, don't listen) but this one struck me as worthy of my negative comment.
For your 12 year old, this band writes about disturbing subjects in a cinematic manner, I could see how it would give him nightmares.
That doesn't make them a bad band, it makes them inappropriate for your son at this age. I can understand your not liking the music, but saying they aren't a class act is not an accurate way to describe things.
I think the Smiths' first album with lyrics about molesters, child murderers and discovering homosexual love would be inappropriate as would some later Pink Floyd (the Wall isn't exactly great bedtime music). That doesn't make them bad bands; acquired tastes perhaps, but not bad artists. In comparison there are rap and heavy metal bands with lyrics that appear to celebrate exploiting or being violent to women, gang life, murder etc. that does make them not only bad for children but also discerning adults can tell its usually total crap.
littleRoom wrote:
I may be the few and fortunate, but i LOVE this guys voice, it is thrilling, and draws me in to every song. And that's before the lyrics blow me away. Amazing song.
You are not alone...his voice fits his lyrical tendencies perfectly. He sounds EXACTLY like a guy that would write the way he does. Does that make sense?
This band is starting to get on my nerves. I kind of liked them at first, but then it occurred to me that it's pretty much a rip off of neutral milk hotel...but not good.
creativebones wrote:
The Decemberists will be at the sascuatch Fest
in George, WA ... Also at the Bend Music Fest, In
Bend, OR
Kool, I'll make a note to avoid these places.
Roverfish wrote:
I'd put these guys at average live. ...
I've seen them live at the Middle East- fantastic show, beyond belief, the Paradise- also great, but I got drunk and that always improves things and soon, the Orpheum. Certain band are just are totally different in person. The Decemberists to a lesser extent than say, the Squirrel Nut Zippers (speaking of which I would LOVE to hear some Katharine Whalen on RP, her Dirty Little Secrets in one of my new favorite tunes), fall into this category. While their music on an album may be dark and reflective in concert the band came across as a lot of fun- the shows rock. How they'll do in the Orpheum, I'm not sure. Bands just aren't as good when you have to sit down and act passive.
That said I suspect the lead singer/writer is a PITA as I've noticed quite a bit of turnover in the band between shows.
obijuan wrote:
"Sucked our lips into our lungs..." Now that's love, baby.
Not really, in context. The song's about prostitution and teenage runaways:
"And here in the alleys
Your spirits were rallied
As you learned quick to make a fast buck.
In bathrooms and barrooms,
On dumpsters and heirlooms,
We bit our tongues.
Sucked our lips into our lungs
'til we were falling.
Such was our calling."
Not particularly romantic.
horstman wrote:
If he can listen to the Pogues, Clash, Clapton, Stones, Stone Roses, etc, etc and be a happy boy the next day (and the one after that) it pretty much sums up that the Decemberists are not a class act.
That's the most ridiculous thing I've read all day. Class has absolutely nothing to do with the subconscious images of a 12 year old boy. Your logic is astounding.
Perhaps it Kris Kristofferson's comment to Sinead OConner at her Bob Dylan tribute where they booed her
angrypanda wrote:
I'm not sure it is a reference ("don't let the bastards get you down" is a somewhat common turn of phrase), but the song you're thinking of is "Acrobat," and it is indeed from Achtung Baby. Good tune.
I will say this is pretty terrible to me, more tolerable if the guy could sing.
reedifus wrote:
"Never let the bastards get us down."
A reference to u2's ... can't place the title, but it's on Achtung Baby?
I'm not sure it is a reference ("don't let the bastards get you down" is a somewhat common turn of phrase), but the song you're thinking of is "Acrobat," and it is indeed from Achtung Baby. Good tune.
"Never let the bastards get us down."
A reference to u2's ... can't place the title, but it's on Achtung Baby?
meydele wrote:
I think it displays a verbal dexterity and pop sensibility that is sorely lacking from the works of, say, 50 Cent.
Now that's what I call damning with faint praise!
good grief, these guys are getting an incredible amount of air time! enough already, i get it.
StellarSwarm wrote:
I agree with calray...this is a very weird post. Rather than saying you don't like the Decemberists, you rationalize it by saying it gave your 12 year old son nightmares? Give me a break! Every other band you mentioned is classic rock. Had you said "My son and I don't like this because it's not classic rock." it would have at least been credible if still lacking some sense.
I am not rationalizing my feelings about the Decemberists through the actions of my son. He listened to it, he didn't like it, and it gave him nightmares. Plain and simple.
I have since listened to this album a few more times and its not half bad. First impression, though, was less favorable for me.
Yes, my son and I like classic rock. But he (and I)also listen to the shins, arctic monkeys, the vines, dandy warhols and countless other "modern" rock bands that he pulls from my collection (and his own). This station has been a revelation of new and old music for a lot of us.
If this doesn't make sense to you "Stellarswarm", I suggest a quick vasectomy to spare the earth more like you!
yeah more Decemberists. Add more more more!
How about The Mariner's Revenge?
Colin Meloy is one of the best songwriters out there. His imagery is amazing and although he can get quite weird, this song is one of his best. (The other two candidates would be "Here I Dreamt I Was An Architect" and "Billy Liar".) I think it displays a verbal dexterity and pop sensibility that is sorely lacking from the works of, say, 50 Cent. The music is beautiful and the lyrics sad. Awesome.
fuh2 wrote:
Is this hip-hop?
"No...it's Iowa!"
I may be the few and fortunate, but i LOVE this guys voice, it is thrilling, and draws me in to every song. And that's before the lyrics blow me away. Amazing song.
Sounds like a low rent Oasis, but I still like it.
Bocephus wrote:
I want to like them...maybe if they had a decent singer....
He's got Character....
I want to like them...maybe if they had a decent singer....
this is in my 25 most played list on my ipod....so nice.
Love these guys, More Decemberists!!!!!!"Sucked our lips into our lungs..." Now that's love, baby.
Is this hip-hop?
pffffffft 
horstman wrote:
(music listening at bedtime is ritual for him).
bravo that! music is equal to the sense of smell in memory and experience. you do a wonderful thing by encouraging this in your boy.
horstman wrote:
Needless to say, he had trouble sleeping that night not to mention pretty scary nightmares. Need I say more?
perhaps your choice of music (in this case) is not appropriate for a child his age. don't give up on the practice...nor this song, based on a 12 year old's experience.
That cover art is giving me nightmares and I'm not even sleeping.
Good Music
Wow,
Bill must love me today! Two of my uploads played in the same day!
I love this song. Sorry, the Decemberists are the most poetic band out there today. Just my opinion.
horstman wrote:
I let my 12 year old son listen to this when he went to bed (music listening at bedtime is ritual for him). Needless to say, he had trouble sleeping that night not to mention pretty scary nightmares. Need I say more?
If he can listen to the Pogues, Clash, Clapton, Stones, Stone Roses, etc, etc and be a happy boy the next day (and the one after that) it pretty much sums up that the Decemberists are not a class act.
Oh, and they don't do anything for me either. Usually don't comment negatively about bands (don't like, don't listen) but this one struck me as worthy of my negative comment.
I agree with calray...this is a very weird post. Rather than saying you don't like the Decemberists, you rationalize it by saying it gave your 12 year old son nightmares? Give me a break! Every other band you mentioned is classic rock. Had you said "My son and I don't like this because it's not classic rock." it would have at least been credible if still lacking some sense.
The video for "16 Military Wives" is great, very Rushmore-esque. However, "We Both Go Down Together" is retched.. I had no idea it was the same band. Bleck.
Brian Malko sings Tracy Chapman. Badly.
horstman wrote:
I let my 12 year old son listen to this when he went to bed (music listening at bedtime is ritual for him). Needless to say, he had trouble sleeping that night not to mention pretty scary nightmares. Need I say more?
If he can listen to the Pogues, Clash, Clapton, Stones, Stone Roses, etc, etc and be a happy boy the next day (and the one after that) it pretty much sums up that the Decemberists are not a class act.
Oh, and they don't do anything for me either. Usually don't comment negatively about bands (don't like, don't listen) but this one struck me as worthy of my negative comment.
ummm.... OK thats a weird post
I let my 12 year old son listen to this when he went to bed (music listening at bedtime is ritual for him). Needless to say, he had trouble sleeping that night not to mention pretty scary nightmares. Need I say more?
If he can listen to the Pogues, Clash, Clapton, Stones, Stone Roses, etc, etc and be a happy boy the next day (and the one after that) it pretty much sums up that the Decemberists are not a class act.
Oh, and they don't do anything for me either. Usually don't comment negatively about bands (don't like, don't listen) but this one struck me as worthy of my negative comment.
There are better songs on this disc.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I'd put these guys at average live. Saw them at ACL Music Fest last year...most people around me started chatting with each other after the 2nd song. Not the most dynamic or captivating band or sound. Every 5 or 6 songs they hit one really excellent one, but this tune's only a 6.
There's no reason to be shitty... especially after they worked to get the band in rotation.
creativebones wrote:
The Decemberists will be at the sascuatch Fest
in George, WA ... Also at the Bend Music Fest, In
Bend, OR
Thanks for the info. I'll make it a point to avoid those at all costs.
The Decemberists will be at the sascuatch Fest
in George, WA ... Also at the Bend Music Fest, In
Bend, OR