Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Decemberists create a unique blend of folkish-indie music and British pop rock on their fifth studio album, The Hazards of Love, but fail to accomplish much musically or lyrically.
The concept album tells the story of a fair maiden named Margaret who is haunted by an evil demon. If it sounds a little over the top, it is. Though the album has some definite high points, its overall dreary tone and repetitive song-structure make for a lame experience.
The Decemberists are known for their excellent storytelling and smooth melodies. Both are lacking on The Hazards of Love. The medieval fairy tale story is difficult to follow and a little too intense to take seriously. The album definitely has some great melodies, but overall the reoccurring medieval-esque sounds The Decemberists try to produce don’t have the fundamental musical qualities their earlier work does.
“Isn’t It a Lovely Night?” is a slow-moving medieval folk tune that sounds as if it could be from The Legend of Zelda games with its ancient organ work and simple rhythm.
“The Hazards of Love 1” is a decent song that incorporates an eerie acoustic guitar melody with some expressive lyrics.
However, the album is truly at its best when it digresses from the majority of the music and takes a creative turn. The album does this on “The Rake’s Song” when The Decemberists get away from the folky story telling and head for the poppy electric sounds and smooth melodies they have the ability to produce.
The Hazards of Love is a creative idea, no doubt. The actual music, however, falls short of the original concept and listeners are left with an over-the-top, illegitimate attempt to sound original.
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Comments
Music review: The Decemberists, 'The Hazard of Love'
Really Kansan Staff, really? The Hazard of Love gets 1.5 stars and Chris Cornell's abomination featuring Timbaland gets 3.
Hazard wasn't intended to be a pop album. It flows well, as it should. If Zelda had music more like the Decemberists I would have played it more when I was a kid. The album is well crafted and that in and of itself deserves more than 1.5 stars.
Music review: The Decemberists, 'The Hazard of Love'
""Isn’t It a Lovely Night?” is a slow-moving medieval folk tune that sounds as if it could be from The Legend of Zelda games with its ancient organ work and simple rhythm."
Wow, just wow.... You don't understand music whatsoever, do you? Perhaps, the rhythm is simple to show the simple, sweet nature of true love. a "lovely" night... not a complex night. Its called "setting a mood".
and "pop"? seriously, you think this album pop???? when is the last time brittany spears put out a song on infantcide? just wondering.... i'm sure the mainstream market is SO down with that.
please. PLEASE! get a better understanding for music and half a brain before you write another review. thank you.
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