The Decemberists — Prelude -> The Queen's Approach

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Length: 17:31
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Part I: Prelude [0:00]
(Instrumental)
--------------------------------
Part II: The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won't Wrestle the Thistles Undone) [3:05]
My true love went riding out in white and green and gray
Past the pale of Offa's wall where she was wont to stray
And there she came upon a white and wounded fawn
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
She, being full of charity, a credit to her sex
Sought to right the fawn's hind legs when here her plans were vexed
The taiga shifted strange, the beast began to change
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
You'll learn soon enough the prettiest whistles won't wrestle the thistles undone, undone
Fifteen lithesome maidens lay alone in their bower
Fourteen occupations paid to pass the idle hour
But Margaret heaves a sigh, her hands clasped to her thigh
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
You'll learn soon enough the prettiest whistles won't wrestle the thistles undone, undone
Undone, undone, undone
--------------------------------
Part III: A Bower Scene [7:24]
Thou inconsolable daughter
Said the sister
When wilt thou trouble the water
In the cistern
And what irascible black Bart
Is the father
And when young Margarete's waistline
Grew wider
The fruit of her amorous centaur
Inside her
And so our heroine withdraws
To the taiga
--------------------------------
Part IV: Won't Want for Love (Margaret In the Taiga) [9:33]
Gentle leaves, gentle leaves
Please array a path for me
The woods are blowing thick and fast around
Columbine, Columbine
Please alert this love of mine
Let him know his Margaret comes along
And all this stirring inside my belly
Won't quell my want for love
And I may swoon from all this swelling
But I won't want for love
Mistlethrush, Mistlethrush
Lay me down in the underbrush
My naked feet grow weary with the dusk
Willow boughs, Willow boughs
Make a bed to lay me down
Let your branches bow to cradle us
And all this stirring inside my belly
Won't quell my want for love
And I may swoon from all this swelling
But I won't want for love
--------------------------------
Part V: The Hazards of Love 2 (Wager All) [13:40]
And here I am softer than a shower
And here I am to garland you with flowers
To lay you down in clover bed
The stars, a roof above our heads
And all my life I never felt the tremor
And all my life that now disturbs my fingers
I'll lay you down in clover bed
The stars, a roof above our heads
And we'll lie 'til the corncrake crows
Bereft the weight of our summer clothes
And I'd wager all, the hazards of love, the hazards of love
And take my hand and cradle it in your hand
And take my hand to feel the pull, the quicksand
I'll lay you down in clover bed
The stars, a roof above our heads
And we'll lie till the corncrake crows
Bereft the weight of our summer clothes
And I'd wager all, the hazards of love, the hazards of love
The hazards of love, the hazards of love
--------------------------------
Part VI: The Queen's Approach [18:06]
(Instrumental)
(Instrumental)
--------------------------------
Part II: The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won't Wrestle the Thistles Undone) [3:05]
My true love went riding out in white and green and gray
Past the pale of Offa's wall where she was wont to stray
And there she came upon a white and wounded fawn
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
She, being full of charity, a credit to her sex
Sought to right the fawn's hind legs when here her plans were vexed
The taiga shifted strange, the beast began to change
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
You'll learn soon enough the prettiest whistles won't wrestle the thistles undone, undone
Fifteen lithesome maidens lay alone in their bower
Fourteen occupations paid to pass the idle hour
But Margaret heaves a sigh, her hands clasped to her thigh
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
Singing, "Oh, the hazards of love"
You'll learn soon enough the prettiest whistles won't wrestle the thistles undone, undone
Undone, undone, undone
--------------------------------
Part III: A Bower Scene [7:24]
Thou inconsolable daughter
Said the sister
When wilt thou trouble the water
In the cistern
And what irascible black Bart
Is the father
And when young Margarete's waistline
Grew wider
The fruit of her amorous centaur
Inside her
And so our heroine withdraws
To the taiga
--------------------------------
Part IV: Won't Want for Love (Margaret In the Taiga) [9:33]
Gentle leaves, gentle leaves
Please array a path for me
The woods are blowing thick and fast around
Columbine, Columbine
Please alert this love of mine
Let him know his Margaret comes along
And all this stirring inside my belly
Won't quell my want for love
And I may swoon from all this swelling
But I won't want for love
Mistlethrush, Mistlethrush
Lay me down in the underbrush
My naked feet grow weary with the dusk
Willow boughs, Willow boughs
Make a bed to lay me down
Let your branches bow to cradle us
And all this stirring inside my belly
Won't quell my want for love
And I may swoon from all this swelling
But I won't want for love
--------------------------------
Part V: The Hazards of Love 2 (Wager All) [13:40]
And here I am softer than a shower
And here I am to garland you with flowers
To lay you down in clover bed
The stars, a roof above our heads
And all my life I never felt the tremor
And all my life that now disturbs my fingers
I'll lay you down in clover bed
The stars, a roof above our heads
And we'll lie 'til the corncrake crows
Bereft the weight of our summer clothes
And I'd wager all, the hazards of love, the hazards of love
And take my hand and cradle it in your hand
And take my hand to feel the pull, the quicksand
I'll lay you down in clover bed
The stars, a roof above our heads
And we'll lie till the corncrake crows
Bereft the weight of our summer clothes
And I'd wager all, the hazards of love, the hazards of love
The hazards of love, the hazards of love
--------------------------------
Part VI: The Queen's Approach [18:06]
(Instrumental)
Comments (496)add comment
Saw the show in Vancouver, bought the CD at the show and left on a 2 week roadtrip in our Westy the next day. We must have listened to this a hundred times. Still gives me shivers.
god awful
Kajukenbo wrote:
Kelly Hogan did a bangin' job with the female roles when I saw them. Powerful and commanding...
... Anyway, during the show the "battle " between Becky Stark (of Lavender Diamond) and Shara Nova (of My Brightest Diamond) was the best singing I've ever heard live. ...
Kelly Hogan did a bangin' job with the female roles when I saw them. Powerful and commanding...
I bought this CD a day or so before seeing this concert and the nice lady at the CD store (shoutout to Deaf Ear Records in La Crosse, WI!) noticed the CD and said she was also going to the concert. I happened to run into her at the concert and right before the show started she gave me an excellent overview of the theme of the CD. At the concert The Decembrists played the whole album sequentially, in its entirety, and with many elaborations. Her explanation helped me understand the show which allowed me to truly enjoy the show. Without her explanation I think understanding the show would have been difficult. Granted, the show did need an explanation to truly enjoy it, which I understand is somewhat problematic. Anyway, during the show the "battle " between Becky Stark (of Lavender Diamond) and Shara Nova (of My Brightest Diamond) was the best singing I've ever heard live. It was amazing and the CD doesn't do quite do justice to the battle or the concert. I believe this concept album is the very height of the Decembrists talents and is a rare achievement among any bands. This is one to listen to the whole thing from start to finish with a good set of headphones of speakers! Enjoy.
If we're going to play a rock opera, at least make it Tommy or something that has some zip to it? I don't deny the songwriting prowess here, but it just becomes Meh after a while.
I appreciate that somebody has the guts to create a 'rock opera' ala The Who. And the talent to make it interesting.
I don't think this one will be made into a movie, but hey, it's not 1975.
c.
I don't think this one will be made into a movie, but hey, it's not 1975.
c.
9 > 10 today and it's on the Christmas list please 
Just enjoying this so much today - no idea why, but loving the feeling

Just enjoying this so much today - no idea why, but loving the feeling

It is just so cool, to hear this tune, in all it's parts, played consecutively.....this is an absolutely incomparable piece.
I'm not against the playing of long tracks, echoing the positive comments from others more eloquently stated here. I delight in "Shine On" when it gets an occasional airing and I once encountered the full version of Thick As A Brick here I am sure. Trouble is I left it on thinking "I hate this song but at least it will be over soon". 17 minutes later I'm thinking I've got a problem with the sync! All part of the fun of RP. Can we have all of "Grendel" one day?
Haven't heard this in quite a while. A welcome return.
Proclivities wrote:
Gilbert Gottfried has a unique and interesting voice as well. Meloy is a better lyricist though.
I'm always up for watching PBS' Cyberchase with my nephew or niece. The
voices of Gilbert Gottfried ("Digit") and Christopher Lloyd ("The Hacker")
always crack me up...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
Gilbert Gottfried has a unique and interesting voice as well. Meloy is a better lyricist though.
I'm always up for watching PBS' Cyberchase with my nephew or niece. The
voices of Gilbert Gottfried ("Digit") and Christopher Lloyd ("The Hacker")
always crack me up...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
snagle.1776 wrote:
In the composition, I "see" that. For me, that's not quite a plus. Horses for courses...
Has little bit of a "Yes" sound to it.
In the composition, I "see" that. For me, that's not quite a plus. Horses for courses...
Jamus wrote:
Dear septimuswarren, You appear to be unaware that the 4/5 minute duration of a song/performance is, relatively speaking, a very contemporary occurrence. Prior to the recording industry's move to truncate composition and inevitably attention span, composers were able to express emotions and ideas more like great painters instead of cartoonists.
Having a great love for musical creativity, I tend to split my listening between Radio Paradise (one of if not the best stations for the effort that Rebecca and Bill put into playlists) and WQXR, New York City's classical music station. Try to broaden your musical intelligence; hats off to RP for occasionally playing longer length classical and contemporary works. it is part of why this station is remarkable in the midst of common broadcasts. Best regards and hopes that you remain healthy during these trying times.
Great post except if I hear "In these trying times" or similar gist again I'm gonna scream.
...Guess I'll be screaming well into the decade.
Dear septimuswarren, You appear to be unaware that the 4/5 minute duration of a song/performance is, relatively speaking, a very contemporary occurrence. Prior to the recording industry's move to truncate composition and inevitably attention span, composers were able to express emotions and ideas more like great painters instead of cartoonists.
Having a great love for musical creativity, I tend to split my listening between Radio Paradise (one of if not the best stations for the effort that Rebecca and Bill put into playlists) and WQXR, New York City's classical music station. Try to broaden your musical intelligence; hats off to RP for occasionally playing longer length classical and contemporary works. it is part of why this station is remarkable in the midst of common broadcasts. Best regards and hopes that you remain healthy during these trying times.
Great post except if I hear "In these trying times" or similar gist again I'm gonna scream.
...Guess I'll be screaming well into the decade.
Wow. I didn't know they had it in them! 9, plus record download.
jacopo777 wrote:
Wrong wrong, oh so wrong... To these ears anyway!!
Gotta love RP for variety
Dreary dreary, oh so dreary.
Wrong wrong, oh so wrong... To these ears anyway!!
Gotta love RP for variety

vandal wrote:
Powerful, moving, magnificent...
I agree, wholeheartedly, to the opposition of most RP listeners...
Powerful, moving, magnificent...
Has little bit of a "Yes" sound to it.
Jamus wrote:
... I tend to split my listening between Radio Paradise (one of if not the best stations for the effort that Rebecca and Bill put into playlists) and WQXR, New York City's classical music station.
This is exactly what I have been doing for years! Long live RP and QXR. Supporting both. They support me.
... I tend to split my listening between Radio Paradise (one of if not the best stations for the effort that Rebecca and Bill put into playlists) and WQXR, New York City's classical music station.
This is exactly what I have been doing for years! Long live RP and QXR. Supporting both. They support me.
"The Hazards of Love tells the tale of a woman named Margaret; her shape-shifting lover, William; his fey forest queen mother; and a cold-blooded, lascivious rake, who recounts with spine-chilling ease how he came "to be living so easy and free" in "The Rake's Song". Lavender Diamond’s Becky Stark and My Brightest Diamond’s Shara Nova deliver the lead vocals for the female characters, while My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, Robyn Hitchcock and The Spinanes’ Rebecca Gates appear in supporting roles."
~Wikipedia
Powerful, moving, magnificent...
~Wikipedia
Powerful, moving, magnificent...
Lovely...even with a sneaky fawn. Today's hazards of love seem even more weighty.
Jamus wrote:
Dear septimuswarren, You appear to be unaware that the 4/5 minute duration of a song/performance is, relatively speaking, a very contemporary occurrence. Prior to the recording industry's move to truncate composition and inevitably attention span, composers were able to express emotions and ideas more like great painters instead of cartoonists.
Having a great love for musical creativity, I tend to split my listening between Radio Paradise (one of if not the best stations for the effort that Rebecca and Bill put into playlists) and WQXR, New York City's classical music station. Try to broaden your musical intelligence; hats off to RP for occasionally playing longer length classical and contemporary works. it is part of why this station is remarkable in the midst of common broadcasts. Best regards and hopes that you remain healthy during these trying times.
I'm guessing septimuswarren's not much of a Tull - Thick as a Brick fan.
Dear septimuswarren, You appear to be unaware that the 4/5 minute duration of a song/performance is, relatively speaking, a very contemporary occurrence. Prior to the recording industry's move to truncate composition and inevitably attention span, composers were able to express emotions and ideas more like great painters instead of cartoonists.
Having a great love for musical creativity, I tend to split my listening between Radio Paradise (one of if not the best stations for the effort that Rebecca and Bill put into playlists) and WQXR, New York City's classical music station. Try to broaden your musical intelligence; hats off to RP for occasionally playing longer length classical and contemporary works. it is part of why this station is remarkable in the midst of common broadcasts. Best regards and hopes that you remain healthy during these trying times.
I'm guessing septimuswarren's not much of a Tull - Thick as a Brick fan.
septimuswarren wrote:
Dear septimuswarren, You appear to be unaware that the 4/5 minute duration of a song/performance is, relatively speaking, a very contemporary occurrence. Prior to the recording industry's move to truncate composition and inevitably attention span, composers were able to express emotions and ideas more like great painters instead of cartoonists.
Having a great love for musical creativity, I tend to split my listening between Radio Paradise (one of if not the best stations for the effort that Rebecca and Bill put into playlists) and WQXR, New York City's classical music station. Try to broaden your musical intelligence; hats off to RP for occasionally playing longer length classical and contemporary works. it is part of why this station is remarkable in the midst of common broadcasts. Best regards and hopes that you remain healthy during these trying times.
Any band that thinks it can record a 17 minute song and that anyone will listen to it clearly thinks too much of itself. This is a dreadful song. I will make a sizable contribution to RP if it never plays this song again and an even larger contribution if never plays the Decemberists ever again. Sucko Barfo indeed!
Dear septimuswarren, You appear to be unaware that the 4/5 minute duration of a song/performance is, relatively speaking, a very contemporary occurrence. Prior to the recording industry's move to truncate composition and inevitably attention span, composers were able to express emotions and ideas more like great painters instead of cartoonists.
Having a great love for musical creativity, I tend to split my listening between Radio Paradise (one of if not the best stations for the effort that Rebecca and Bill put into playlists) and WQXR, New York City's classical music station. Try to broaden your musical intelligence; hats off to RP for occasionally playing longer length classical and contemporary works. it is part of why this station is remarkable in the midst of common broadcasts. Best regards and hopes that you remain healthy during these trying times.
septimuswarren wrote:
Any band that thinks it can record a 17 minute song and that anyone will listen to it clearly thinks too much of itself. This is a dreadful song. I will make a sizable contribution to RP if it never plays this song again and an even larger contribution if never plays the Decemberists ever again. Sucko Barfo indeed!
I listen to it. And I listen willingly and enjoy it. Others here do as well. If you never heard a 17 minute song before, you either never listened to music until recently, or were born recently.I love getting to hear the stitched together version of these somewhere other than my CD :)
Any band that thinks it can record a 17 minute song and that anyone will listen to it clearly thinks too much of itself. This is a dreadful song. I will make a sizable contribution to RP if it never plays this song again and an even larger contribution if never plays the Decemberists ever again. Sucko Barfo indeed!
mrtuba9 wrote:
Y'all think you're "updated" and in-the-know? Who's keeping your sources wet? Whet?
lizardking wrote:
Right? That's a big reason why I've stopped "watching" the news....not that I'm completely out of the loop; my wife keeps me updated on the orange headed monster all the time. And when she does, it sounds a lot like "blah blah blah" for 17.5 minutes!!
Thanks for the laugh, Proc...and hope all's well with you...and of course....Long Live RP!!
I have a great co-worker now who has a political science degree and actually knows politics and keeps me informed to the extent that I want to be. I stopped watching news long, long ago. I still listen to radio news, but I had to even take a break from NPR because it was sooooo depressing with talk of ol' orange hair!!!
Right? That's a big reason why I've stopped "watching" the news....not that I'm completely out of the loop; my wife keeps me updated on the orange headed monster all the time. And when she does, it sounds a lot like "blah blah blah" for 17.5 minutes!!
Thanks for the laugh, Proc...and hope all's well with you...and of course....Long Live RP!!
I have a great co-worker now who has a political science degree and actually knows politics and keeps me informed to the extent that I want to be. I stopped watching news long, long ago. I still listen to radio news, but I had to even take a break from NPR because it was sooooo depressing with talk of ol' orange hair!!!
Y'all think you're "updated" and in-the-know? Who's keeping your sources wet? Whet?
BillG wrote:
I had to import all 6 tracks into an audio editor & stitch them back together. I used to use a CD ripper that would let you adjust the start & end points of a track (that's how I acquired the extended Dark Side Of the Moon medley that we play here, for instance) but the program that I'm using these days doesn't have that feature.
On a related note, this is an instance where the per-track sales & distribution model really falls apart. Even if you buy the whole album via iTunes or Amazon, you're left with a grossly substandard listening experience, since the album can't flow together nicely like it's supposed to. Lame.
Did something similar with the Abbey Road medley. Unfortunately I can't play the track in spotify
I had to import all 6 tracks into an audio editor & stitch them back together. I used to use a CD ripper that would let you adjust the start & end points of a track (that's how I acquired the extended Dark Side Of the Moon medley that we play here, for instance) but the program that I'm using these days doesn't have that feature.
On a related note, this is an instance where the per-track sales & distribution model really falls apart. Even if you buy the whole album via iTunes or Amazon, you're left with a grossly substandard listening experience, since the album can't flow together nicely like it's supposed to. Lame.
Did something similar with the Abbey Road medley. Unfortunately I can't play the track in spotify
Played on Valentines.... Tongue firmly in cheek
Without knowing who is currently playing, I have found that I consistently and coincidentally prick up my ears whenever this band is being played. Good stuff.
I loved this song until I actually listened to the lyrics. Now I have
to go to "play something different" - the song is beautiful, but it
details so repulsive a crime that I cannot bear to hear about it.
to go to "play something different" - the song is beautiful, but it
details so repulsive a crime that I cannot bear to hear about it.
I don't know if I like any of their other stuff, but this album is pretty great, especially the parts with Shara Nova singing.
this has a bit of a moody blues flavor i hadn't noticed before
lizardking wrote:
Right? That's a big reason why I've stopped "watching" the news....not that I'm completely out of the loop; my wife keeps me updated on the orange headed monster all the time. And when she does, it sounds a lot like "blah blah blah" for 17.5 minutes!!
Thanks for the laugh, Proc...and hope all's well with you...and of course....Long Live RP!!
I have a great co-worker now who has a political science degree and actually knows politics and keeps me informed to the extent that I want to be. I stopped watching news long, long ago. I still listen to radio news, but I had to even take a break from NPR because it was sooooo depressing with talk of ol' orange hair!!!
Right? That's a big reason why I've stopped "watching" the news....not that I'm completely out of the loop; my wife keeps me updated on the orange headed monster all the time. And when she does, it sounds a lot like "blah blah blah" for 17.5 minutes!!
Thanks for the laugh, Proc...and hope all's well with you...and of course....Long Live RP!!
I have a great co-worker now who has a political science degree and actually knows politics and keeps me informed to the extent that I want to be. I stopped watching news long, long ago. I still listen to radio news, but I had to even take a break from NPR because it was sooooo depressing with talk of ol' orange hair!!!
Not heard this for too long. It's got just the right balance of rocking out, melodic sequences, great vocalists performing interesting lyrics and the mixdown is fantastic.
tres bonne musique rp long vie a vous excellente radio bravo
excellente rp tres bonne musique bravo
Proclivities wrote:
There are far too many people saying "blah, blah, blah" for much longer than 17.5 minutes all the time. Listen to a news cast; it's apparently easier than it would seem. At least this has some music behind it.
Right? That's a big reason why I've stopped "watching" the news....not that I'm completely out of the loop; my wife keeps me updated on the orange headed monster all the time. And when she does, it sounds a lot like "blah blah blah" for 17.5 minutes!!
Thanks for the laugh, Proc...and hope all's well with you...and of course....Long Live RP!!
There are far too many people saying "blah, blah, blah" for much longer than 17.5 minutes all the time. Listen to a news cast; it's apparently easier than it would seem. At least this has some music behind it.
Right? That's a big reason why I've stopped "watching" the news....not that I'm completely out of the loop; my wife keeps me updated on the orange headed monster all the time. And when she does, it sounds a lot like "blah blah blah" for 17.5 minutes!!
Thanks for the laugh, Proc...and hope all's well with you...and of course....Long Live RP!!
I wasn't paying attention....and about 2 mins ago I thought "WTF...another Decemberist tune"? I didn't realize they had a "supper's ready" in their playlist.
After catching 30 seconds of the MTV music awards....its nice to know someone is out there making music.
After catching 30 seconds of the MTV music awards....its nice to know someone is out there making music.
lizardking wrote:
can you say 'blah blah blah' for 17.5 minutes though?
There are far too many people saying "blah, blah, blah" for much longer than 17.5 minutes all the time. Listen to a news cast; it's apparently easier than it would seem. At least this has some music behind it.
can you say 'blah blah blah' for 17.5 minutes though?
There are far too many people saying "blah, blah, blah" for much longer than 17.5 minutes all the time. Listen to a news cast; it's apparently easier than it would seem. At least this has some music behind it.
Will The Decemberists be the new Porcupine Tree for Bill?
Will this ever stop? My ears are bleeding.

I knew reading the comments on this one would be entertaining. If you think the song is epic, you should listen to the whole album! And if you think the song sucks, you should also listen to the whole album, if only to hear Shara Worden belt it out as the Forest Queen. It really tells a great story.
Long live beautiful, intelligent, compelling concept albums. And thanks RP for bringing this one out of the memory banks for me. Haven't listened to in too long.
Long live beautiful, intelligent, compelling concept albums. And thanks RP for bringing this one out of the memory banks for me. Haven't listened to in too long.
Not everyone is an AOR (Album-Oriented Rock, for you youngsters) fan, but I love that this reminds me of the AOR of yore (Supper's Ready, Tommy, Lamb Lies Down on Broadway). I love a good story musically told.
Thankful we're finally past the FM radio 4-minute tunage (Allowing the minstrel to tell their tale)
The heavy use of Anglo-Saxonisms and alliteration in the lyrics brings to mind the work of Seamus Heaney or Tolkien. An homage to early medieval Germanic epic poetry perhaps? Great song BTW!
Dreary dreary, oh so dreary.
I keep hearing the melody in Massive Attack's Teardrop in Part 4
Queue wrote:
To see it performed uninterrupted in its entirety live at Bonnaroo in the same year was transcendental. '09 was a great year in music!
I just think it's cool that a band did a Rock Opera as recent as 2009.
To see it performed uninterrupted in its entirety live at Bonnaroo in the same year was transcendental. '09 was a great year in music!
Dang gotta like this!!!
time to yawn and hibernate
From one of the few actual albums I can remember of late, as opposed to a group of songs. V good. 8 for me. pxd
ltbluesoda wrote:
Agree 100%.
its about 12 minutes too long. I thought it was stuck on repeat
Agree 100%.
dsz wrote:
can you say 'blah blah blah' for 17.5 minutes though?
blah blah blah
can you say 'blah blah blah' for 17.5 minutes though?
This may be the only Decemberists song that I can listen to. yay.
blah blah blah
The antithesis of mindless synth pop
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I kinda like "neo prog rock" although Baroque pop kinda fits too. Esp. with a 17 1/2 min piece like this one. Long Live RP!!
I like this and I would define as being in a genre I have decided to call Neo Prog Rock.
I especially the change in tempo and song construction - almost like a few songs sliced together.
The theatrical element to the whole song appeals to me too so bumping it up from 8 > 9!
I especially the change in tempo and song construction - almost like a few songs sliced together.
The theatrical element to the whole song appeals to me too so bumping it up from 8 > 9!
I kinda like "neo prog rock" although Baroque pop kinda fits too. Esp. with a 17 1/2 min piece like this one. Long Live RP!!
Brilliance. Having now seen them live, it gets elevated status for me. I love this album.
its about 12 minutes too long. I thought it was stuck on repeat
I like any song that manages to use the word "irascible".
It's a rather daring composition.
However, on some days, like this one, it's burdensome noise.
And psd doesn't work to enable me to leave this one behind.
Time for the other psd. The stop button.
However, on some days, like this one, it's burdensome noise.
And psd doesn't work to enable me to leave this one behind.
Time for the other psd. The stop button.
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I'll go on the "8 to 9" journey with you! I also find the morbid lyrics to be part of the enjoyment of this one...not sure what that says about me...LONG LIVE RP!!
I like this and I would define as being in a genre I have decided to call Neo Prog Rock.
I especially the change in tempo and song construction - almost like a few songs sliced together.
The theatrical element to the whole song appeals to me too so bumping it up from 8 > 9!
I especially the change in tempo and song construction - almost like a few songs sliced together.
The theatrical element to the whole song appeals to me too so bumping it up from 8 > 9!
I'll go on the "8 to 9" journey with you! I also find the morbid lyrics to be part of the enjoyment of this one...not sure what that says about me...LONG LIVE RP!!
I like this and I would define as being in a genre I have decided to call Neo Prog Rock.
I especially the change in tempo and song construction - almost like a few songs sliced together.
The theatrical element to the whole song appeals to me too so bumping it up from 8 > 9!
I especially the change in tempo and song construction - almost like a few songs sliced together.
The theatrical element to the whole song appeals to me too so bumping it up from 8 > 9!
I just think it's cool that a band did a Rock Opera as recent as 2009.
There should be a word for when you think you are listening to the same song but in reality Bill slipped in a new song. Brilliant segue!
A unique perspective, but no.
cool stuff man, appreciate the tune
Godlike indeed.
What a great time for the PSD button NOT to be working.
PSD always seems to malfunction at the worst times
Like the band, hate this song
willmcnaught wrote:
Agreed, lol make it stop, iy is like fingernails on a chalkboard!
Cannot understand your point. Great song, maybe slightly too short.
Agreed, lol make it stop, iy is like fingernails on a chalkboard!
Cannot understand your point. Great song, maybe slightly too short.
Execrable infanticidal lyrics spoil the balance, for me, that is. Predates GOT too.
The last great prog song so far.
This is about 16 min. Tooo long
hayduke2 wrote:
Oh thou inconsolable listener!
ugh, hate their crap, and psd does not work on this noise so "blip" ... be back in an hour : (
Oh thou inconsolable listener!
ugh, hate their crap, and psd does not work on this noise so "blip" ... be back in an hour : (
I see that they're finally releasing some DVD's in 12" gatefold album covers, complete with lyrics etc. Why has it taken so long and why were CD's never available in such packaging? I for one would have loved to sit and browse the lyrics like I always used to whilst enjoying CD quality and a remote control. This album would be a prime candidate for a quality re-release. I'll buy it.
They played this at Rock the Garden in Minneapolis a few years ago when it first came out. It was awesome to be outside sitting on the hill and listening to this live in the sunshine and warmth. It was wonderful.
I remember the first time I heard this on RP back in 2009 and was blown away.
2017 - This song is still great.
2017 - This song is still great.
this reminds me of smoking big fat joints with my brother all those years ago. I thought he had some of the coolest music.
thanks steve, for these memories. those were good days even when they were bad.
man, that was just what I needed.
thanks steve, for these memories. those were good days even when they were bad.
man, that was just what I needed.
This was interesting. It did, however, remind me of Gandalf's line about every day taking as long as the life age of the earth..:)
willmcnaught wrote:
Agreed, lol make it stop, iy is like fingernails on a chalkboard!
Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
Agreed, lol make it stop, iy is like fingernails on a chalkboard!
Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

one of those whole album-side compositions. if you're not in the mood, step away for a while. But I enjoyed it.
This transports me. They performed at ACL Fest several years ago when there were heavy rains. We were soaked to the bone and decided to leave early. We got home, got warm and dry in our jammies, and tuned into the ACL Fest live stream and were able to see them perform this album in its entirety. Makes my heart fill my chest, reminds me of all the fairy tales I read and loved as a child. That sense of wonder endures.
Just brutal
phlattop wrote:
Agreed, lol make it stop, iy is like fingernails on a chalkboard!
PSD still not working! Demon song, go away!
phlattop wrote:
phlattop wrote:
God help me. The PSD is not working.
Agreed, lol make it stop, iy is like fingernails on a chalkboard!
phlattop wrote:
Demon song, please continue to torture the whiners.
PSD still not working! Demon song, go away!
phlattop wrote:
phlattop wrote:
God help me. The PSD is not working.
Demon song, please continue to torture the whiners.
PSD still not working! Demon song, go away!
phlattop wrote:
phlattop wrote:
God help me. The PSD is not working.
Lord, this does go on, doesn't it? 

one of the songs that grew on me...
I just wrote the same thing! psd doesn't stop this horrible mess, time to click off
God help me. The PSD is not working.
I don't know if that's a guy or a girl singing but whoever it is I think their pants are way too tight :^ /
top20 wrote:
Try Crane Wife (esp The Island). It's been called the best Jethro Tull album since Heavy Horses ;) That may or may not float your boat depending on how you feel about proggy stuff. I've always like The Tain (an EP) too - more long form.
I'm not as big a fan of the post-Hazards work - a bit more folky, too much of Colin's voice, and less of the rest of the band.
Enjoy!
Absolutely loved this track but when I went onto YouTube to see whether there was anything else I liked I drew a blank (there were OK tracks but nothing remotely as good as this). Can anyone recommend Decemberists albums I should be buying?
Try Crane Wife (esp The Island). It's been called the best Jethro Tull album since Heavy Horses ;) That may or may not float your boat depending on how you feel about proggy stuff. I've always like The Tain (an EP) too - more long form.
I'm not as big a fan of the post-Hazards work - a bit more folky, too much of Colin's voice, and less of the rest of the band.
Enjoy!
Absolutely loved this track but when I went onto YouTube to see whether there was anything else I liked I drew a blank (there were OK tracks but nothing remotely as good as this). Can anyone recommend Decemberists albums I should be buying?
Is this the whole album?
Randomax wrote:
I saw them play this entire album in 2009 (guessing since that's when it was released) in Raleigh NC. Awesome show - and Shara Worden toured as well and sang all the Queen's parts in fantastic costumes. Memorable to say the least.
After playing all of Hazards, they took a break and came back and played another hour plus of older stuff. Colin even took a stage dive :)
I have recently said "this is the ONE group I would TRAVEL to see"!!!!!!!
I saw them play this entire album in 2009 (guessing since that's when it was released) in Raleigh NC. Awesome show - and Shara Worden toured as well and sang all the Queen's parts in fantastic costumes. Memorable to say the least.
After playing all of Hazards, they took a break and came back and played another hour plus of older stuff. Colin even took a stage dive :)
i'm with hayduke2.
i wish they would just stop.
i wish they would just stop.
I've got to turn RP off during this (psd doesn't work on this one for some reason) hate this awful drone-ing fart noise
thewiseking wrote:
Wholeheartedly agree but this should be corrected to "these boys, and girl, take their jobs seriously".
these boys take their jobs seriously
Wholeheartedly agree but this should be corrected to "these boys, and girl, take their jobs seriously".
Amazing song(s), and a proper modern prog/concept album. I haven't liked their follow up work all the much, but this album stands out as phenomenal.
Steve Wilson would approve.
Steve Wilson would approve.
I particularly like the shouty guy during that one transition.
atlas wrote:
One of a handful of bands I would make an effort to see perform anytime or place. Wonderful show in 2015 in the rain at Red Rocks.
I have recently said "this is the ONE group I would TRAVEL to see"!!!!!!! ziggytrix wrote:
Seriously! Several of the songs in this sequence are made all that much better for being played in the context of the sequence. Same with some others played here (the mini-sets from Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon and Beatles Abbey Road come to mind).
Yepper, this is a great set. Definitely a bump: 7 > 8, and I so really like this that the tide may rise higher. This is another group that I only encountered through the mastery that is Radio Paradise!
Seriously! Several of the songs in this sequence are made all that much better for being played in the context of the sequence. Same with some others played here (the mini-sets from Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon and Beatles Abbey Road come to mind).
Yepper, this is a great set. Definitely a bump: 7 > 8, and I so really like this that the tide may rise higher. This is another group that I only encountered through the mastery that is Radio Paradise!
That did it. By you playing this extended sequence from The Decemberists' Hazards of Love, after a few months of being just a listener, I finally got off my duff and became a supporter. I put my money where my ears are, so to speak! RP has truly revived my faith in music. Many many thanks!
ench wrote:
Seriously! Several of the songs in this sequence are made all that much better for being played in the context of the sequence. Same with some others played here (the mini-sets from Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon and Beatles Abbey Road come to mind).
It's been said before, but thank you Bill and Rebecca for playing these song-sets as they were intended. Fantastic.
Seriously! Several of the songs in this sequence are made all that much better for being played in the context of the sequence. Same with some others played here (the mini-sets from Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon and Beatles Abbey Road come to mind).
RichardArthur wrote:
Yep.
It ain't everyone's cuppa, but I really dig it.
Nice to know there's still a few folks making 'concept' albums.
Too good. Almost hurts me to listen to it. The storyline of this album is so Grimm.
Yep.
It ain't everyone's cuppa, but I really dig it.
Nice to know there's still a few folks making 'concept' albums.
Too good. Almost hurts me to listen to it. The storyline of this album is so grim.
Terrific album. Thanks, RP, for playing the whole piece!
My love of this album/song will never wain. A 10!
One of a handful of bands I would make an effort to see perform anytime or place. Wonderful show in 2015 in the rain at Red Rocks.
these boys take their jobs seriously
dtm1256 wrote:
Gilbert Gottfried has a unique and interesting voice as well. Meloy is a better lyricist though.
Colin Meloy has one of the most unique and interesting voices in modern music!!!!
Gilbert Gottfried has a unique and interesting voice as well. Meloy is a better lyricist though.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Couldn't agree more. I gave it a 2, I think again because his voice is just unbearable. But it's an inspired piece of music.
How musical tastes ebb and flow like tides. I came to rate this an easy 7, only to find I'd previously given it a 1. How can that be? I must have been in a vile mood that day. I love this track now that I'm accustomed to his bizarre accent. I'm giving it an 8 to apologise for my rudeness.
Couldn't agree more. I gave it a 2, I think again because his voice is just unbearable. But it's an inspired piece of music.
How musical tastes ebb and flow like tides. I came to rate this an easy 7, only to find I'd previously given it a 1. How can that be? I must have been in a vile mood that day. I love this track now that I'm accustomed to his bizarre accent. I'm giving it an 8 to apologise for my rudeness.
I like the different music. But to me his voice is steel wool on a blackboard.
dtm1256 wrote:
ugh, no. too nasally. There seems to be a long running trend going back to the 90s of nasal singers. My guess is it goes back to Green Day. But Meloy adn the Death Cab singers voices just make their bands unlistenable. to each their own.
Colin Meloy has one of the most unique and interesting voices in modern music!!!!
ugh, no. too nasally. There seems to be a long running trend going back to the 90s of nasal singers. My guess is it goes back to Green Day. But Meloy adn the Death Cab singers voices just make their bands unlistenable. to each their own.
Requires a great deal of focus and attention. Most folks don't have it nowadays but I like the stimulation — and appreciate the Passion!
dtm1256 wrote:
Colin certainly seems to be enamored with it.
Colin Meloy has one of the most unique and interesting voices in modern music!!!!
Colin certainly seems to be enamored with it.
oldman wrote:
Her voice is stunning. I hadn't heard of her before this, but I'm in love. Second only to Neko.
Looks like the female singer is Shara Worden, interesting
Should use her talents more often
Should use her talents more often
Her voice is stunning. I hadn't heard of her before this, but I'm in love. Second only to Neko.