Gorgeous, singular, indie rock with a host of diverse influences. One could say that the Decemberists are what you would get if you crossed Neutral Milk Hotel with Belle and Sebastian, but that wouldn’t be doing justice to this unique and amazing band. This album picks up where their equally awesome debut left off, pushing their neo-traditionalist psychy folk-rock into ever more eclectic and musically inventive waters. This album is a tad less accessible, but ultimately captures even more grand, sweeping moments. The isn’t an un-wonderful track on here. It’s an incredible piece of work, and all tracks are strongly recommended, especially 1 and 3. Spin this baby till the cows get dizzy.

**1. Yarrr! A pirate shanty, complete with cymbals like waves, creaking timbers, bells, and windchimes. Lovely cacophonous bits, dark guitar, accordion. Amazing.
2. Nice, bouncy tune. Ever-so catchy!
**3. A touching tribute to Los Angeles. My other favorite on the album. Great violin. Sweet track.
*4. Begins slow and soft, then grabs you with the sweeping, majestic, piano-driven chorus. Beautiful denouement, with strings and flute.
5. Mid-tempo, melancholic. Listen to those vibes...wow.
*6. Jangly guitar and organ. Spritely!
7. A cheery little tune about trench warfare. Just what you always wanted!
*8. Soft, beautiful, acoustic-y number with some of the strangest lyrics.
9. Oompa bassline, accordion, tambourine. Like some kind of morbid polka.
*10. A slowly building, epic number. God, this is beautiful.
*11. Old-timey sounding, with lo-fi buzz and saloon piano. So very very tight.

-Natty