CD Review: The Hazards of Love (Decemberists)

Band: The Decemberists
Release: 2009

Comments: I start listening to this disc and hear nothing but a little noise -- a mixture between a microscopic earthquake (that might be a stretch...okay it is) and one of those pitch recordings unable to be heard by most of the adult population. But the noise is "Prelude," the first track and it's cool. That ends, though, and "The Hazards of Love 1" plays. It's a bit more epic than any other Decemberists track I've heard. A heavy-metal-esque electric guitar enters midway through "A Bower Scene," certainly raising my eyebrow. I dig the fast-pace flair of the song in general not just that weird heavy guitar. The next two songs are kind of meh. "The Queen's Approach" clocking in at 29 seconds is pointless. "Isn't It A Lovely Night?" is too country for my liking. It's chill, but not much more. "The Wanting Comes In Waves..." is good! It's a change-up from the mediocrity of the last few tracks. Reminds me of Cold War Kids and Radiohead. The "Interlude" is very nice as well. "The Queen's Rebuke" sucks. They are trying too hard to sound heavy/different. It worked a little in "A Bower Scene," but they tried way too hard here. "The Hazards of Love 3" is annoying. Not so sure why they put "The Wanting Comes In Waves" twice, but it's cool the second time (song #16). "The Hazards of Love 4" contrasts "The Hazards of Love 3" in that the former is actually good. A very impressionable finish to an album that will take a few more listens to get used to.

Lyrics/Meaning: 9 out of 10
Rhythm/Pace: 6.5 out of 10
Musicianship: 8.7 out of 10
Quality Songs: 7.5 out of 10

Final Grade: 7.9 - Above Éverage