“As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again” The Decemberists
Indie folk rock with that distinctive Decemberists sound and wordplay, fronted by vocalist Colin Meloy. 9th album from the Portland band that’s been around for more than two decades. Blends acoustic guitar, piano and other keys with a surprising helping of brass — backing Meloy’s storytelling vocals. Embraces numerous genres including Americana, alt country, chamber pop and even theatrical Brit pop. Plus, there’s a 19-minute epic closer that wanders into prog rock territory never previously explored by the Decemberists. Some true standouts in this collection. RIYL: Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens, R.E.M. and Iron & Wine.
— Francis

Highly recommended: 1, 8, 13, 12, 2, 4. FCC on Track 10.

1. (4:05) Burial Ground — Prototypical Decemberists with perhaps a dash of the Beach Boys. Melodic, jangly, clever and captivating. Builds to solid choruses with a bit of brass and a strong backbeat. ****
2. (5:05) Oh No! — Bass-led with a bossa nova vibe. Storytelling style with the lyrics unspooling the various elements. Lots of brass trappings. ***
3. (4:41) The Reapers — Progressive baroque folk pop with a syncopated rhythm. Throwback to the late 60s. Prominent flute. Gets theatrical in places.
4. (3:49) Long White Veil — Wistful, rustic Americana-flavored folk rock. Fiddles and pedal steel guitar. Sad lyrics about marrying and then having to bury a bride on the same day. ***
5. (3:36) William Fitzwilliam — Halting and full of harmonized vocals. Strummed acoustic guitar. More of a stark, rolling alt country feeling to this one about an English soldier and courtier.
6. (3:58) Don’t Go To The Woods — Earnest and understated folk. Haunting and a bit eerie, with piano and strummed guitar.
7. (3:51) The Black Maria — Another dark ballad. Funereal pace. Harmonized vocals, backed by somber brass. (Note — ‘Maria’ is pronounced as ‘Mariah’ in Meloy’s vocals.)
8. (2:39) All I Want Is You — Uplifting, emotionally heartrending love song. Simple and soft with fingerpicked guitar and subdued horns. Beautiful. ****
9. (3:25) Born To The Morning — Sauntering folk rock, with some synth swirls added.
10. (5:21) America Made Me — FCC: shit — Buoyant and bouncy, almost like Brit pop from the 60s. Could have been composed by the Beatles, only with Meloy’s trademark vocals. Lots of horns.
11. (3:58) Tell Me What’s On Your Mind — Easy, whimsical folk rock with organ, brass and an interesting bass line — plus swaying vocals.
12. (4:01) Never Satisfied — Sad and sentimental, but quite satisfying. Harmonies that soar. Grand and almost church-like. ***
13. (19:21) Joan In The Garden — Cinematic, jangly anthem inspired by Joan of Arc’s visitation by angels, as depicted in a famous 19th century painting. Unprecedented length for the band. Starts as choral pop and builds dramatically before easing into atmospheric sounds, effects and mumbled voices at 9 1/2 minutes — finally closing with a rollicking 3 1/2-minute finish. ****