Decemberists - Picaresque CDs • Vinyl Records • LPs • Music Albums

Combined, they tell a bigger story -- of a society convulsed in greed and chaos yet still worth saving -- against frenzied walls of strum, strings and cabaret accordion. "We fall, but our souls are flying," Meloy sings -- a perfect description of resurrection.

Probably the Decembrists' most literate and imaginative release to date -- which is saying a lot if you're familiar with their dense storytelling. Musically, the group sounds tighter, fuller and more soulful than ever before. That said, it's Colin Meloy's lyrical explorations that hold the most interest.