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Sometimes the perils of superstardom are far too alluring for even the most bookish of Victorian-style storytelling gentlemen.
In the wake of cementing their first bona fide hit with the lush, straightforward The King is Dead, an indie album that reached the coveted number one spot on the Billboard chart, the band finds itself in a bit of a quandary. The album’s strict song structure coupled with lead singer Colin Meloy’s most consumable lyrics to date has gained The Decemberists a much-deserved level of uber-notoriety. However, the band seems to have lost something more meaningful in the process – the passion and gratitude toward the people who launched it into the celebrity stratosphere.
In what might be the oldest cliché in rock and roll, during last Saturday’s sold-out LC Pavilion performance Meloy was more about himself and less about his fans while The Decemberists automated their way through a set that seemed more forced than fun. Call it ironic resentment or an ego personified; Meloy’s self-absorbed stage banter left a disconcerting taste in the mouth of some fans. Conversely, more of the crowd devoured his introspective “life lessons” than rejected it. However, the veil of modesty has certainly been lifted from The Decemberists’ collective façade.
Yet, in amidst of all this, The Decemberists still sounded vividly precise and as amazing as they do in the studio. “January’s Hymn,” “Don’t Carry It All,” and “The Hazards of Love 4″ were charming as they highlighted Meloy’s unique vocal phrasing. An epic second-to-last sendoff, The Decemberists played “The Mariner’s Revenge Song” plump full of embellished theatrics and genius to an adoring audience.
The Decemberists closed the night with the sweet, soft “Dear Avery.” An apt finale, the song acted like a gentle breakup from an intense, passing infatuation. Apropos for the evening, the whimsical breakup song was dialed in to perfection as Meloy let his guard down for a brief, nonetheless brilliant moment.
Better late than never. Glass half full.
This review was written by Josh Fitzwater and brought to you by the Franklin University Plaza at the LC Pavilion. For more information about shows that Josh and the Franklin crew will be attending and for chances to win tickets to concerts all year long, visit us on Facebook. Photos by Autumn de Wilde.
The band closed with “June Hymn,” not “Dear Avery.
I also think something should be said about the constant chatter from those standing further away from the stage. This, I imagine, was a major reason for Meloy’s “condescension.” The design of the indoor LC pavilion is partially at fault due to its extended length with only one increase in height throughout.
jperz49,
Thanks for the song correction! I, for the life of me, cannot seem to keep those two songs straight. Definitely appreciate it.
I did enjoy when the lead singer jumped behind the drum kit and started doing some of the “drummer stretches” and things like that. For someone who really isn’t familair with their music at all, that was kinda funny to me.
The Decemberists have been awesome for some time now, and it will take more than this article to prove otherwise. While I didn’t go to this concert (I opted for Arcade Fire and The National in Chicago on 4/22 instead, a choice I’d make 1000x over), I will see them at Bonnaroo in a few weeks so I guess I’ll see. Their new album is amazing either way.
Love the Decembrists. I’ve got “The Hazards of Love” playing almost continuously in my car. Even with the somewhat negative review, I’m still sorry I couldn’t make it to this.
This is the most accurate review I have seen of the show. I am a huge fan of The Decemberists’ music and was really excited for the show, having never seen them live. I had tickets when they were scheduled to do 2 nights at the LC a few years back and canceled.
This show was totally underwhelming. No energy, boring setlist, and such a short show. No Crane Wife songs? One Picaresque song? They basically played the entire Hazards of Love and 3-4 other songs. How about mixing in more of your back catalog? Is that too much to ask?
Colin talked too much in between songs and came off resentful, bitter, and pompous. By the time he got to the speech about unions and “Why We Fight” I was over it. Get over yourself Colin you pompous douche. “If you don’t agree then I am not sure why you are here.” Could you be more close minded? No one gives a pint of piss what you think about Ohio politics. Shut up and play a few more songs, maybe act like you want to be there.
They seemed to be going through the motions. I thought the show was a C- at best – very disappointing. 16 Military Wives was the highlight.
I was disappointed that the tickets sold out weeks before the show. Having been to several Decemberists shows in the past, I had never seen venues sell out before the show date. Perhaps this is an indication of their rise to Billboard mega-stardom.
It’s sad to hear that Colin has let things go to his head; last time they were in town, he briefly ragged on Columbus’s parking lots and chain restaurants (sorry we’re not Portland).
Anyway, now I’m glad I didn’t go. Based on this review, I’d probably have second thoughts about seeing them again here; not just because of him, but from what I’m reading about the disrespectful audience as well! Better to cherish memories of the good shows before they sold out.
I enjoyed this concert but agreed that the connection with the audience didn’t feel the same as with other shows. Jenny’s health issues obviously had to be weighing on everyone on this tour. To me this explains a lot now. Wishing them all the best and a speedy recovery to Jenny Conlee.
http://www.music411blog.com/2011/05/decemberists-jenny-conlee-diagnosed.html
I would have to agree that the review is pretty accurate as well. I took my 12 1/2 year old daughter to the show as her first concert. Fortunately we were stage right enough that we could not really make out a lot of what Colin was saying. The kid none the less loved it, and actually came away stating that he was “the funniest lead singer ever”. She really enjoyed the parts where he would orchestrate clapping and such to the audience.
So sad to hear about Jenny. Wishing her a full recovery!