by The Decemberists
2003, Kill Rock Stars

the sound: “Castaways and Cutouts” opens with “Leslie Anne Levine,” a sorrowful ghost tale told by a girl who died at birth. “Fifteen years gone now / I still wander this parapet / And shake my rattle bone. / Fifteen years gone now / I still cling to the petticoats / Of the girl who died with me.” The album’s fastest and catchiest song, “July, July!” has lead singer Colin Meloy gleefully singing, “And I say your uncle was a crooked French Canadian / And he was gut-shot running gin / And how his guts were all suspended in his fingers / and how he held ’em / How he held ’em, held ’em in.” Accordionist Jenny Conlee’s best work is heard in “A Cautionary Song,” a creeping, venomous lullaby that warns children what their mother does when they’re asleep. “Legionnaire’s Lament” is a jaunty tune, possibly the first song to make use of the word Frigidaire: “I’m a legionnaire / Camel in disrepair / Hoping for a Frigidaire to come passing by. / I am on reprieve / Lacking my joie de vivre / Missing my gay Paris / In this desert dry.”

the background: Formed in Portland, Ore., in 2000, and named after an 1825 Russian revolt, The Decemberists’ first full-length album was “Castaways and Cutouts.” Sure, they’re a rock band. But more (and better) than that, their songs are Dickensian and 19th century-like, full of tales of illness, death and woe. In a good way. Meloy’s voice has a wonderful, nerdy timbre and the band makes masterful use of the accordion, giving the songs a real, old-fashioned feel, which takes talent, considering that they use electric guitars, too.

the significance: There are millions of musicians and types of music out there, but The Decemberists can safely claim the title of the world’s foremost literary rock band. With “Castaways and Cutouts” and subsequent releases, the band has managed to weave compelling stories of the past, combined with expert musical ability. Creaky old ships, tuberculosis and despair have never been so fun. The Decemberists are currently at work on a new album, “Hazards of Love,” due for release in March 2009. The band debuted several new songs this summer while on tour, including at a May rally for Barack Obama. While the majority of their songs take place in the past, check out their fabulous new ditty, “Valerie Plame,” at www.myspace.com/thedecemberists.