Colin Meloy Sings Live

A fourteen-song set documenting the Decemberists' lead singer/songwriter's 2006 solo tour. Meloy was heralded by Rolling Stones as a master of improbable juxtaposition; arcane, detailed fictions of star-crossed passion and avenging bloodshed dressed up in indie rock jangle, la-de-da choruses, and vintage prog-rock bombast in a review of the Decemberists' show in NY's Central Park last spring. By contrast, the live solo album presents him in a stripped down, acoustic setting. Of thirteen Meloy originals, two are previously unreleased compositions, Dracula's Daughter and Wonder. Along the way, he employs snippets of songs from the Smiths, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, and REM. The collection also captures ample between-song banter.