Didn't go to The Decemberists? Huge Mistake.
If you did not go to the Decemberists concert on the night of October 7, then you made a huge mistake. I have been to many concerts in my day (including sitting within feet of Doc Watson, an old, blind, bluegrass guitarist), but this show has to rank as possibly the best show I have ever witnessed, even higher than the greatness of an old, blind, bluegrass guitarist. I shall now share with you the wonders that occurred that magical evening.
Let us begin at the logical starting point: the beginning. The opening act, Laura Viers, was a pleasant surprise; her lilting folk and mellow stylings served as the perfect precursor to what would soon come. Ms. Viers’ only problem was an inability to grab the audience’s attention. This was likely due to the common problems opening acts face (general disinterest, impatience for the headliner, etc.) coupled with a lack of compelling rhythm (only a handful of songs featured any sort of percussion). But with a set that barely lasted a half hour, there was not enough time for these problems to gestate into anything worse than minor inconveniences.
Then the Decemberists took the stage. With no more than seven people performing at any one time, the band skillfully played their 2009 rock opera, The Hazards of Love, in its entirety with power and glory verging on a religious experience. The entire set was stupendous, but the highlight was, by far the bombastic rendition of “The Rake’s Song” featuring five members of the band serving as drummers at once. After completing this saga, the band vacated the stage to the sound of thunderous applause.
Yet, the night was far from over. The band again mounted the stage to continue the show with a second set pulling material from their other albums. Beginning with an extended monologue to the audience presented by lead singer Colin Meloy, they blasted through many crowd favorites “The Crane Wife #1&2,” “O Valencia” and “Shankill Butchers.” The peak of the second set was the unexpected crowd surfing by four of the five members of the band during a vamp on “The Chimbley Sweep.” It’s not every day you get the opportunity to hold the life of one of your favorite bands in your hands, but this was definitely one of those nights. After an astounding accordion solo and group sing-along to the refrain of “Sons and Daughters,” the band left for good and the stage lights came up. The audience flowed out into the street and returned to their homes, taking with them the memories of a wonderful performance.
In a final note, I would like to sincerely apologize to the girl from over whose head I snatched a set list following the show. Also, it was probably on the rude side to yell, “Run!” and scamper away following this incident. Seriously, though, I kindly asked that roadie and he and I made eye contact. I have been able to rationalize it with this simple idiom: all is fair in rock and roll. I hope this works for you. I mean, I held my friend’s legs as he dove over the railing to grab his own memorabilia. I don’t joke when it comes to these matters.
