The Crane Wife

The Decemberists: Colin Meloy (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bouzouki, percussion); Chris Funk (guitar, electric guitar, pedal steel guitar, banjo, bouzouki, hammer dulcimer, hurdy-gurdy, percussion, background vocals); Eyvind Kang (violin, viola); Nate Query (cello, upright bass, electric bass, percussion, background vocals); Jenny Conlee (accordion, Wurlitzer piano, Hammond b-3 organ, pump organ, Moog synthesizer, glockenspiel, percussion, background vocals); Christopher Walla (keyboard, background vocals); John Moen (drums, percussion, background vocals); Steve Drizos (drums); Ezra Holbrook (background vocals). In 2006, the Decemberists unveiled their Capitol Records debut, THE CRANE WIFE, after three albums for the indie label Kill Rock Stars. Happily, the revered Portland, Oregon-based crew, captained by singer/guitarist Colin Meloy, made the journey into major waters with their quirky, days-of-old sound firmly intact, as revealed on the wistful acoustic "The Crane Wife 3" and the more upbeat "O Valencia!" which stands out as one of the Decemberists' catchiest songs. The group also indulges in the more dramatic, narrative aspect of its aesthetic on two extended tracks that each pass the 10-minute mark, proving without a doubt that any potential corporate allegiance is far outweighed by the fascinating siren call of Meloy's own muse.

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