Nope, I'm actually not talking about Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson - for once! I'm writing about my most recent obsession, "The Hazards Of Love", the fifth release by Portland-based superstars, The Decemberists. This album is incredible - I haven't stopped listening to it since this new music made it's way into my iTunes. Hazards might be a bit much to swallow for anyone not familiar with the band - this CD is seventeen songs long, without much of a break, since the tunes all intertwine to tell one story. However, giving your ear a workout is worth the time (it's also worth it to enjoy the band's catalogue in it's entirety). Producer Tucker Martine (who worked with Death Cab For Cutie's Chris Walla on The Decemberist's previous release, The Crane Wife) has helped create a dramatic and lush production, worthy of much praise. I recently had the pleasure of seeing the band at SXSW, where they played this album from beginning to end for their NPR showcase at Stubb's BBQ. I remember thinking, though I wasn't familiar with the songs at the time, that I would be very glad I'd had the opportunity to experience the upcoming album in person. Turns out, I was right!
Take a chance on The Decemberists - you won't be disappointed!
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