This record’s pretty great. Despite Decemberists’ slightly nasal vocalist Colin Meloy, there isn’t much to say against the eleven tracks on the album “Her Majesty”. Meloy manages to weave words and images skillfully with all the careful craftsmanship of a talented songwriter in places like “Shany for Arethusa”, a paean to pirating and dreamy “I Was Meant for the Stage”, while still throwing in some good ol’ catchy pop-driven tunes like “Billy Liar” and “The Chimney Sweep”. There are even tidbits of urban utopia to be found on here; “Los Angeles, I’m Yours” will make even the lowliest country bumpkin want to go there and see what the fuss is about. Brilliant Meloy can even write and sing about love without getting soppy on his listeners, choosing to hail his woman’s greatness by focusing on something as truly bizarre as her “Red Right Ankle”.

“Her Majesty” crackles throughout with the warmth of roguish nostalgia. There are ghosts and kings and gypsies and ladies and bucaneers, the cast of a somewhat odd final product, which, as a result of its rather eclectic nature, also makes this a charming and well-constructed folk/pop tale filled with adventure, love and slices of life.

Year Released: 2003
Label: Kill Rock Stars
Related Link: Decemberists Official Site
Date Reviewed: 2003-12-22
Author: Andreas