Bethany Tomkins: Literary rockers
Some of pop culture's most notable people have come from Helena, Montana - legendary actors Gary Cooper and Myrna Loy, theologian and celebrity-funded profiteer L. Ron Hubbard, and country music man Charlie Pride. Portland, Oregon is well-known for its proliferation of influential musicians, the likes of which include Elliott Smith, The Shins, and Everclear. So when one of Helena's prodigal sons, Colin Meloy, was introduced to fellow musicmakers Jenny Conlee and Nate Query in Portland, they conspired to form one of the best. bands. ever. With the addition of Chris Funk and John Moen, The Decemberists were born.
Their latest CD release, 2006's "The Crane Wife," was inspired by a Japanese children's tale warning of greed surpassing love in one man's heart. The songs tell of ill-fated love, murderers in the night, and death by drowning... the stuff of the best folk tales and allegories on record. Meloy has a way of putting his words into the music on this album, rather than singing them over it. It's this combination of melody and lyrics that set The Decemberists apart from traditionally successful pop bands, and yet the video for "O Valencia!" is in near-constant rotation on MTV2.
The Decemberists have received numerous accolades and acknowledgments from the media: "The Crane Wife" was voted as NPR's Top Album of 2006; band guitarist Chris Funk challenged comedian Stephen Colbert to a "rock-off" last December on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report"; chosen as Sony Connect's "Next Artist of the Month"; and the list goes on. But the proof of this band's excellence is in listening to them.. if you enjoy the art of storytelling, punchy melody and heartfelt vocals, you're bound to be a fan of this band.
Check them out live when they make an appearance at The Tennessee Theatre on Wednesday, April 4 at 8pm. Opening will be Brooklyn, NY-based band My Brightest Diamond.
