Picaresque
by The Decemberists
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 127 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 115 out of 127
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 127
  3. Negative: 9 out of 127

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  1. DavidM
    Sep 2, 2005
    9
    It's sad to see this drop out of the metacritic top 30, because to my ears, this is one of the ten best records of the year. Yes, the lead singer is a campy ham, but there's a true believers commitment to the traditionally styled folk numbers, and some of the pop numbers, especially the shattering, beautifully detailed AT THE BUS MALL and the truly boyant protest song 16 It's sad to see this drop out of the metacritic top 30, because to my ears, this is one of the ten best records of the year. Yes, the lead singer is a campy ham, but there's a true believers commitment to the traditionally styled folk numbers, and some of the pop numbers, especially the shattering, beautifully detailed AT THE BUS MALL and the truly boyant protest song 16 MILITARY WIVES, are amongst the very best songs of this year. It's fallen way down in rankings, but easily the superior of higher rated efforts by MIA, ANDREW BIRD, EELS, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, GO BETWEENS, RY COODER, BRIGHT EYES, STARS any many others. And it's a lot of fun.… Expand
  2. Frank
    Apr 23, 2005
    10
    Quirky, funky and catchy - just perfect music for a leg of a daily commute or time to enjoy on a weekend. Never heard of them before "16 Military Wives" got serious airplay on local KNRK, and had to get the cd, the song stuck in my brain too well, deep lyrics and a catchy rhythm. Even better is that they are local to my adopted city, so hopefully I can catch a show someday.
  3. BobC
    May 6, 2005
    9
    Creative lyrics, unusual combination of instruments produces music which keep bringing me back for more.
  4. ChadS
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    The most underrated band of the nineties was A House. I think The Decemberists might be hip to "I Am the Greatest". "The Engine Driver" sounds like the best song David Couse never wrote. I am in love with this song. Colin Meloy even sounds a little like Couse. "Picaresque" is the sort of literate and melodic album I thought nobody was making anymore. "16 Military Wives" is the sort of The most underrated band of the nineties was A House. I think The Decemberists might be hip to "I Am the Greatest". "The Engine Driver" sounds like the best song David Couse never wrote. I am in love with this song. Colin Meloy even sounds a little like Couse. "Picaresque" is the sort of literate and melodic album I thought nobody was making anymore. "16 Military Wives" is the sort of song Dar Williams used to write when she was brilliant. But I'm not suggesting that Meloy's songs are purely imitative of these artists. "Picaresque" will no doubt attract attention from the major labels. "The Engine Driver" is almost "Wonderwall"-catchy.… Expand
  5. hibb
    May 26, 2006
    8
    Definitely an improvement from Her Majesty, but after listening to it many times, I still can't say I like it better than Castaways. True, it's memorable, but the whale of a track (Mariner's Revenge) had me questioning why I like this band so much. The Engine Driver is probably my favorite song of theirs to date, however, making up for some of the over the top theatrics in Definitely an improvement from Her Majesty, but after listening to it many times, I still can't say I like it better than Castaways. True, it's memorable, but the whale of a track (Mariner's Revenge) had me questioning why I like this band so much. The Engine Driver is probably my favorite song of theirs to date, however, making up for some of the over the top theatrics in the second to last track.… Expand
  6. VanessaV
    Mar 23, 2005
    10
    As a huge Decemberists fan, I cannot possibly be any more thrilled with this album. It is truly a masterpiece from start to finish.
  7. WillaimB
    Mar 26, 2005
    10
    One can only wonder where the muscial world would be without the advent of MTV or Rolling Stone Magazine. Why some of the greatest albums ever released get panned by the behemoths in favor of artless shells of musicians. This album will not be mentioned 3 years from now but at the time of it's inception you'd be hard pressed to top it. Insofar, this is the best album release of One can only wonder where the muscial world would be without the advent of MTV or Rolling Stone Magazine. Why some of the greatest albums ever released get panned by the behemoths in favor of artless shells of musicians. This album will not be mentioned 3 years from now but at the time of it's inception you'd be hard pressed to top it. Insofar, this is the best album release of the year.… Expand
  8. starwax
    Mar 28, 2005
    9
    another brilliant album from a brilliant band, i can listen to 'The mariner's revenge song' all day long...
  9. MikeP
    Mar 31, 2005
    10
    Their best album, top to bottom, and welcome reassurance that there is amazing, unique music out there--if you can find it.
  10. AdamC
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    Best Decemberists so far. Unbelievable CD... even better live!!
  11. MichaelA
    Apr 10, 2005
    9
    Despite many critical claims that this the latest Decemberists release frees them from the stagebound vignette-ish (read: somewhat one-dimensioinal) presence of past efforts, I would argue the contrary to some degree. The album takes the soul of Castaways and Cutouts, combined with the artful "glimpse into the life" storytelling of Her Majesty to form a solid, coherent, and convincing Despite many critical claims that this the latest Decemberists release frees them from the stagebound vignette-ish (read: somewhat one-dimensioinal) presence of past efforts, I would argue the contrary to some degree. The album takes the soul of Castaways and Cutouts, combined with the artful "glimpse into the life" storytelling of Her Majesty to form a solid, coherent, and convincing review of the staged lives and times of its invented characters. Thus, while Picaresque does dispel one-dimensionality, it does not cast off the frame of the vignette. It simply creates more realistic and believable characters. A few favorites: the The Infanta's crazed British reporter, who describes the (likely Indian) royal procession, yet despite his better judgment, is reeled in and captured by its Orientalist decadance and splendor; the disenchanted athlete, frozen by ambivalence, who can't quite measure up to the rigors of "The Sporting Life" (made all the more compelling by the upbeat, frenetic, and unrelenting tempo); and the typically (but hardly disappointingly) transparent Engine Driver, who offers us a glimpse into Meloy's psyche, as the two characters blend (remeniscent of Her Majesty's "I was Meant for the Stage."… Expand
  12. ConnorW
    Apr 1, 2005
    8
    Album is a whimsical, pleasant listen with occasionally energetic rockers such as "Infanta," "Sixteen Military Wives," and the epic "Mariner's Revenge" (though it pales in comparison to their 17 minute "The Tain"). Certainly worth buying, but pales next to the live show, where the music takes on an entirely new nature.
  13. Chloé
    Apr 20, 2005
    10
    Absolutely amazing CD: no weak tracks, catchiness, drama, fun. IMO best of 2005 so far and possibly untoppable.
  14. JustinF
    May 10, 2005
    10
    This is a great direction for The Decemberists; the cleaner sound has tied together the clever lyrics and unusual voice of Colin Meloy and the wonderfully crafted ensemble of the band.
  15. ToddV
    May 5, 2005
    10
    This album is very creative and Colin Meloy has a brillantly unique voice and singing style. This is true music...screw pop!
  16. jake
    Jun 23, 2005
    9
    this album is one of the best albums of this year. With Cris Walla prducing it, the decembrists have created a simple but complex album which is hearfelt.
  17. RichardL
    Aug 21, 2005
    9
    A logical continuation to the style being developed by the Decemberists. The songs retain the flavor of the previous albums, adding more and more elaborate and distinctive instrumentation.
  18. AlexS
    Jan 1, 2006
    10
    this is by far the greatest album of 2005. I have no idea how you can dislike this music. And stop comparing it to neutral milk hotel, they are completley diffrent. definite 10/10 it doesnt compare to castaways and cutouts, but C&C was one of the greatest cds ever.
  19. DanielK
    Jan 28, 2006
    10
    Spectacular!!!!
  20. stardust
    Jun 9, 2007
    10
    Beautiful music.
  21. DrGoob
    Nov 14, 2005
    8
    A very decent album overall. 'The Mariner's Revenge Song' is outstanding.
  22. DeboA
    Oct 23, 2005
    9
    A theatrical Wonder! 'Picaresque' comes to life with vivid language and humor. One of the best albums of the year! Simply Beautiful.
  23. Jack
    Mar 24, 2005
    8
    It's as strong as "Her Magjesty" I give the decemberists credit for being consistant and original. I hate when people make comparisons to Neutral Milk Hotel. I just don't see it.
  24. thiagozero
    Mar 27, 2005
    10
    this is a very good album, their best and no need to comment..
  25. markf
    Mar 29, 2005
    9
    8.5 is more accurate. It's not better than Beck. The musicianship and the lyrics (In a Broadway musical context) are worth a 9. The vocals and the winsomness would drop it to an 8. Still, some of it is damn fine, especially "The Infanta", "The Bagman's Gambit", "From My Own True Love (Lost at Sea)", and "The Mariner's Revenge Song". It's a solid album of folk rock 8.5 is more accurate. It's not better than Beck. The musicianship and the lyrics (In a Broadway musical context) are worth a 9. The vocals and the winsomness would drop it to an 8. Still, some of it is damn fine, especially "The Infanta", "The Bagman's Gambit", "From My Own True Love (Lost at Sea)", and "The Mariner's Revenge Song". It's a solid album of folk rock which isn't afraid to be true to its own Muse.… Expand
  26. RobertR
    Apr 1, 2005
    9
    It's impossible to finish The Sporting Life without a smile on your face.
  27. JimB
    Apr 13, 2005
    8
    It's great but my fav is still the 5 songep by these guys
  28. NeilG
    Apr 24, 2005
    9
    Colin Meloy's a singular talent,the Decemberists are a band the USA should cherish and treasure and this record is the zenith of their career so far.So yes I did like it !!!!
  29. SamF
    Apr 26, 2005
    10
    Best album in my entire collection and the band's best yet, surpassing even Castaways 'The Infanta', 'We Both Go Down Together', 'The Sporting Life' and 'The Mariner's Revenge Song' are trully brilliant. 'The Bagman's Gambit' is also high quality. In fact this whole album is of exceptionally high quality.
  30. AndyW
    Apr 28, 2005
    9
    This is the first Decemberists album I've purchased so I heard very little before this one. To me they have a refreshing sound in an indie market that's been incredibly boring for a while now.
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Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best Album of 2005
58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2005
73
#73 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    [Meloy's] lyrics skip across history... and overflow with mellifluous rhymes. [25 Mar 2005, p.71]
  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    Picaresque is a triumph of theatrical imagination: the culmination of the Decemberists' steady march to greatness in four years of enriched storytelling and folk-rock invention.
    Read full review
  3. Alternative Press
    90
    The more realized updates of [Her Majesty] that crowd out the backed of Picaresque reveal a wit so bizarre and vaudevillian beauty so ultimately endearing that by the end, Meloy's sprawling form of theatrical folk has us all. [Apr 2005, p.116]
See all critic reviews »