Inventive and genuinely touching. "Red Right Ankle," "I Was Meant For The Stage" and "Los Angeles I'm Yours" are amonst the best songs of the year. Top 20/2003.

They have their moments, but in the end the Decemberists are just too pretentious and annoying to bear. Someone should tell the singer he's not British. He's from Montana, but you'd never know it with the psuedo-accent and the references to trousers, knickers, etc. Give me a break.

Everyone out there, DO NOT LISTEN TO "President Bush" because all he does is say "crap" and doesn't even explain why he says so. I've been to a lot of his reviews and he embarrasses the website DO NOT LISTEN TO HIM

I could write an extremely long essay on how much the Decemberists mean to me and how obsessed I am with them. I won't get into it, but needless to say picking up this album from my local library one Fall day 3 years ago changed my life. I often have a difficult time choosing between this album and "Castaways and Cutouts", and my choice often changes, but right now it's this one. I would have to say personally that this was my favorite period of theirs musically, from 2002 (their 1st album) thru 2003 when they released this album and the 5-Song EP (which contains a few of their best songs). All the songs they made from this period are classic, with "Her Majesty..." being IMO, the best indie-pop album since "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea".… Expand

Very much worth the investment. The Decemberists are sure to become one of the most respected folk rock bands around, thanks to the steady lyrical content and inspired melodies.

Excellent sophomore effort from this unique, uber-literate Portland, OR-based five piece. More tuneful and upbeat than "Castaways" without abandoning the soulful, mournful, sea-washed roots of their 2002 album.

one of me favs!

I don't normally like winy pop indie music...or whatever you classify this under, but I think this album is amazing....everything... it has great orchastration and composition and the heartfelt vocals make this album worth owning to torture your tough skinned pretentious friends :)

Tthe best album I have ever purchased for the sake of one song - "The Soldiering Life."

Listen to their CDs or see them live, either way once you hear their music you'll be a dedicated fan!

just crap

Awesome

Colin Meloy is a genius! A great collection of songs that manages to be nearly as great as their first classic, "Castaways & Cutouts". Can't wait to see them in concert.

Lyrics are wonderfully crafted, deep and thougtful. The music itself is a work of art. God Bless you Decemberists.

Original and well crafted from beginning to end. The evocative lyrics and the amazing creativity may make this one the best of 2003.