Great analysis of the new album, though personally for me, this is my favorite Decemberists album since Crane Wife! I haven't fully enjoyed an album of theirs this much since The King is Dead, but this one has now surpassed that one as well. There's a crazy revisit/relisten quality to this one - i just keep putting it on and enjoying more and more

I really enjoyed this album! I didn't really care for their last two albums and even wasn't sold too much on King is Dead, but this feels like such a fun album that mixes together the best elements from Her Majesty, King is Dead, and even Hazards.

I'm not as familiar with their earlier albums (just heard songs here and there), but I really liked this one. Although I'm also not as high on the more traditional folk trilogy in the middle of the album, the opening and closing sets of songs were great, and like you indicated, even though varied in style, had a somewhat consistent theme. I also agree that the closing epic is quite powerful, but that middle random sounds section goes on too long, could have been cut in half and then redeemed with the rousing closing section. Overall though, a really good album that fits in among the best albums of the year so far.

Funny side note - your style of describing music tracks on the album reminds me how people review whiskey/scotch releases haha

My first ever vinyl record purchase was Picaresque when I was a senior in high school (2006). Even if I haven't kept up with everything they hold a special place in my heart. (also its Leslie Anne Levine and We Both Go Down Together from Picaresque that are connected)

Have you heard Effloresce by Oceansize?? It's superb!

Hazards of Love is soooo good! This one was great. Best I've heard in a long time. Hard to outshine the best of their catalogue but still very solid and one of the best of this year.

Thanks for your honesty. I want to buy the album, but I will download this one...per your recommendation.

I was into them since castaways