COLUMBIA, S.C. — It’s not enough that his sister is an acclaimed short story fiction writer or that he’s often referred to as leading one of America’s smartest bands. Indie rock’s favorite bookish storyteller has decided to go the solo route so he can release more music for the adoring public, and if you’re quick enough you may just get a specialized bookmark to boot.
Reading accessory or not, “Colin Meloy Sings Live!” is Meloy’s fourth installment of his “Sings…” series but first solo release that is available in stores. His other three recordings, EPs available only at tour stops, individually cover Morrissey, Shirley Collins and Sam Cooke.
“The Engine Driver,” “California One/The Youth and Beauty Brigade,” “A Cautionary Song” and “Here I Dreamt I Was An Architect” are some of the many Decemberists gems included on the live CD. Also included are partial songs from Fleetwood Mac, The Smiths, REM and Pink Floyd. Fans will also be delighted to know “Picaresque,” “Picaresqueties EP,” “Castaways and Cutouts” and “Her Majesty The Decemberists” are all represented, and there is a song from Meloy’s former band, Tarkio.
“Devil’s Elbow” is where the album starts, sounding exactly like a typical Decemberists song even though it’s from one of Meloy’s past Montana projects. “We Both Go Down Together” comes next, eliciting a quick, approving applause from the audience.
The crowd continues its interaction with the Portland, Ore., singer when he explains his solo shows are supposed to be like campfire sing-alongs and that the crowd should sing as much as possible. Comedy ensues when a guy yells “Kumbaya” and Meloy responds by telling the guy he would like to be at his campfire, before realizing the unintentional innuendo.
This timely stage banter runs throughout the release, presenting The Decemberists frontman as a playful entertainer and not just as a Colbert Report dueling guitarist. The crowd is then introduced to what he refers to as the worst song he has ever written.
“Dracula’s Daughter” starts with juvenile guitar strumming and repeated warnings that he does not know why he ever wrote such an awful song. The listener may think he’s being modest, but the lyrics “You think you’ve got it bad, / Try having Dracula for your dad, / See how it looks on you” end the pitiful song with Meloy reveling in how poor his creation is.
The other unreleased song on the album, “Wonder,” contrasts “Dracula’s Daughter” with an album-worthy tune about self-realization and loving the wonderful in the weird.
And wonderful and weird is exactly what Meloy is. Whether it’s driving down California’s coastal state Route 1 or holding the hand of a girl his parents will never consent to, he has proven to be a wordsmith and elaborate songwriter of the highest order.
In the end, though, whether his newest offering is either a boring, one-dimensional take on The Decemberists or a needed view into Meloy’s creative process depends on how big of a fan you are.