the Decemberists - the hazards of love 1 - (2 of 17)

[raithrover1976]

Love The Decemberists, but can't help playing "what REM song does this one sound like". Sweetness Follows from AFTP? Mind you, when the songs are this good, we can let them off with being a bit derivative.

[AsbjornOlling]

Anyone have any idea what he's screaming at the end?

(in probably the best transition between tracks I've heard this decade. (and that's saying a lot for being born in 97.))

[jdubjake1111]

@AsbjornOlling After listening to it time and time again all i heard was "My king, why don't you stay!?" im not sure how this would fit into anything. but its what i heard.



[AsbjornOlling]

@jdubjake1111 my king could fit.. but it doesn't sound like stay to me.. more like just.

But there's part for it on the next track too.. Sounds way better with the full transition too.

[sombrerosandponchos]

Thank you, brother for turning me on to them! Great band!

[elcrazyeye]

is it possible that this song isn't part of the album playlist?

[SuperEclare]

woow my favorite album from them !

[Athornia]

so full of awesome...

[ArtCrimeLog]

Wonderful album but this story is not invented by The Decemberists, just a bit altered. It is strange that no one seems to remember an old legend of Lady Margaret who goes into the woods and falls in love with an adoptive son of the Elf Queen. After she goes with child, the Elf Queen becomes jealous and attempts to take William away forever by changing him into non–human shapes (a lion, a stag, fire, etc.) to test Margaret's love, but she endures everything and holds and saves him.

[dreamincolor27]

@ArtCrimeLog it's also pretty much the story of an earthly knight by janet mcnaughton which i think is based on that same legend but combined with the ballad of tam lin.

[supermanben123]

@ArtCrimeLog thanks i was a little confused

[MsShambayla]

@ArtCrimeLog Where does that story come from,is there a book?

[TheMartha56]

how are they not more famous!? I got their The King is Dead cd, then got this thinking it wouldn't be as good but it's even better!

[nintend0fr33k]

@TheMartha56 They are kinda famous... xD

[Treldman]

I love rediscovering this song. I went over to Crane Wife for a while, but now I'm coming back to this album. Jesus Christ this is amazing.

[Subtraspect]

I would listen to this album in it's entirety whilst walking to school in the fresh early-morning of the Californian winter. It was the most beautiful thing, that is, until my iPod was recently stolen. The strange thing is, I was unscathed by the event; I was almost happy. I was happy because I knew that if they had the need to steal it from me, then they would have needed it more than I. I hope this music touches them.

[kogarocks12]

@Subtraspect why are you such a good person? :)

[Subtraspect]

@kogarocks12 No WAY!~ I actually didn't expect anyone to think anything of my comment, I just threw it out there. But you totes made my day!

[Converseclimber]

@Subtraspect actually theyre probably just an asshole who sold it in an alley but i admire your faith in humanity :)

[brierc14]

@Subtraspect If they respect good music they will. The Decemberists are truly something amazing.

[piratessfifi]

Does she ever have the baby? What happens to it?

[grancheater]

@piratessfifi I'm think she doesn't give birth, so it dies in The Hazards of Love 4.

[DarkElfMairead]

"Fifteen lithesome maidens lay

Alone in their bower

Fourteen occupations paid

To pass the idle hour"

Someone will have to explain this part :)

[blackbirdlore]

@DarkElfMairead A bower is a shack, but more likely it is used to refer to a woman's private room, or bedroom. Thus it could very well be 15... licentious women-folk. However only 14 are being paid for their "work," hinting that Margaret is being left to herself. The lines you've quoted are followed by "Margaret heaves a sigh, her hands clasped to her thigh, singing: oh, the hazards of love." This is likely referring to the very obvious sign that she is pregnant and thus no man wishes to bed her

[DarkElfMairead]

@blackbirdlore

So maybe she was a prostitute? Interesting

[blackbirdlore]

@DarkElfMairead That's my theory.

[Thatguitardude99]

the fact that this song is not very known just makes it much better !

[Weenybean]

LOVE HIS VOICE.

[hilltop530]

One of the best concept albums in my opinion.

[boomclapslap]

@frozenray0079 so be it haha. i only speak the truth. yeeeee.

[Treldman]

It's as if the whole universe just cummed in my ear.....

[bellandeddie]

i love how colin's voice isn't generically good- he wouldn't make it in american idol because of the overall difference in his voice- but it could be considered one of the best voices i've ever heard. he doesn't need to shout to make a point in his music- the words and inflection do it effortlessly.

it speaks to the mind like no generic, beautiful singer ever could.

[yonolanyo]

@bellandeddie Its the words. The lyrics show much intelligence. Imagine thinking up a story and telling it throughout 17 songs. Every song different from the other, yet completely relevant to the progression. This is day 2 for me listening to the decemberists. Still havent found a song i dont like. Thats timeless

[unseen370]

@bellandeddie well, his strength is that he sings clearly. he enunciates.

[pierstheoneandonly]

Going for a Pentangle-like sound here.

[EricAteEverybody7]

I could be wrong, I'm just throwing a suggestion, but, personally knowing a handful of artists, well, a lot of them just write something that sounds good. Some of it might have a meaning, some of it might just be getting through the song and sounding good. Music is music, poetry is poetry, they aren't the same.

[parkydave1]

So rare.. That beauty finds form + shape..

[DaniBIndustries]

If this is your first decemberists record, I feel sorry for/am jealous of you. They're amazing. July! July! and Crane Wife 3 will always be my favorites, though. Maybe 16 military wives sprinkled in.

[boomclapslap]

oh my goodness. his voice is like a better version of death cab's lead singer. double like.

[frozenray0079]

@boomclapslap haha this made me laugh...i like this guy's voice too but my girlfriend would straight-up slice somebody's throat if they heard your comment hahahaha good stuff.

[MrPointyarrow]

wow

[NeptuneMirror]

this is amazing. i've never heard anything like this before.

[nkwilczy024]

The thistles represent any number of the eventual difficulties that arise from romantic involvement, and especially those like separation, children, and jealousy (particularly in this album, the protagonist's relationship with his mother), Whistling is a basic skill associated with being able to woo girls, but as far as these problems are concerned, it does not matter how effectively you have cultivated those skills. The prettiest whistles cannot wrestle those thistles undone.

[Stinkerstien]

AMAZINGLY!!  OUTSTANDING!!!

[cuminmymouthplease]

ok guys the thistles being wrestled undone is a poetic way to say the spreading of seed. so, just because you have the "prettiest whistle" does not mean you will be the one to spread your seed. hence learning soon enough the hazards of love ;)

[xAbstractFilmsX]

Saw them at atlanta....one of the best concerts

[BubbleGum424]

At 0:49 to 0:54 I thought he said "A white and wounded fart" Lmao

[DKMusicAccount]

Nice.

[Oukow]

In my English class, each day we read a poem aloud and we started reading the lyrics to this album. x3 I'm so happy to be listening to it now.

[Paperclips182]

so glad i found this band.

[MrKookooforcocopuffs]

I just started listening to the Decemberists God damn they are good

[aarondhp20]

I think the Decemberists lyrics can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. They speak to too many people to have one meaning.

[mpaulworkman]

First off, amazing album and thnks 4 the upld. Does anyone else wonder about possible veiled drug references in this (brilliant) album? Like, "our heroine withdrawals to the Taiga"='heroin withdrawals;' "and the wanting comes in waves"=much like love, also addiction. I don't put much faith in this hypothesis but I wonder if anyone else has any thoughts about it?

[quibily]

I think you noticed something, all right. Since addiction to drugs and this love both lead to early demises, it can be said that drugs and love have a lot in common.

Often the attraction doesn't make sense. We can't think of the future ("there's tons of fish in the sea") only the "wanting [that] comes in waves." Such devotion to a single aspect in life can be dangerous, yet we humans cling to love (or drugs, or food, etc.)

[cottreau]

I have no idea why these guys aren't huge and all over the radio. They are simply excellent. Yet, I have barely ever heard of them. Weird.

[ndorlac]

The greatest musicians never get on the radio.

[Only1MJP]

I agree.

[dcrown7]

sweet great concept

[kaplanyorks]

The prettiest whistles will wrestle the thistles undone.  In Oswaldtwistle.

[nam12wen]

In other words, metronomeon, Thistles sting . . .

I guess that's what a doctorate in literature is worth . . . saying something in two words that it takes most people to say in 50.

[astrolegion]

One of my favorite bands, great song. 5*

[melliexo]

I absolutely love this song... I am excited to see them at BDO

[kelsallpeter]

good song, really nicely arranged- and I like the Danny Thompson-esque bass line!

[Bainoo139]

love it! :D x

[seanreillyireland]

Splendid.

[LethalRonin27]

i saw these guys for the first time at the philly folk fest about a month ago. been obsessed with them ever since

[scottyperey]

....uh, because I have self-esteem problems and feel better about myself when I tear other people down?

[bkelly331]

you sound like a guidance councelor.

[tehroflzcrisp]

dude... if you hate them so much why are you posting on youtube? why don't you go hate them somewhere else...

[Puppydragon1]

I'd like to see YOU do better.

[ebiljebus]

Internet trolling - If you haven't killed yourself yet, you'd best get to it.

[metronomeon]

To put in simple language for you lackssympathy, we'll have to assume that you know thistles come from certain flowers. It means someone picked a flower and got stuck with some thistles. The whistles are basically a form of distraction, a way to take this someone's mind off of things. But not even the prettiest whistles can make him forget what he has done. Basically it's a point of no return. The deed is done, there's no turning back now. Better now?

[usernamelame1]

@metronomeon i come back and read this now and then it makes me laugh so well explained nice one :)

[flickadee510]

@metronomeon I am pretty sure though that in this case, "thistles" is a metaphor for sexual penetration. The consequences of the sex act cannot be undone. Trivial things like pretty whistles cannot distract from the worry and shame about the unwanted/unintended pregnancy. From the perspective of folklore, there is a strong parallel between this story and "Tam Lin," in which a maiden picks a rose (also a flower with spikes/thorns) and becomes pregnant with Tam Lin's child.

[dudemcdudeson360]

I saw that concert at mcminins edgefield it was a great concert and I was impressed how they played the whole hazards of love album one song after another I just wish they'd play more of their old stuff they have somany great songs!

[MCRsTheBlackParade]

Best concert ive eva been to at the edgefield in oregon

[ginganinja96]

which song did they do when they were on the colbert report?

[bgb928]

o valencia

[ankoino333]

They've been on the Colbert Report twice, first they played O Valencia then the second time The Wanting Comes In Waves.

[cbraslow]

This should be done as a Broadway show. It's the most beautiful folk-rock-opera ever written. I cry every time I hear it.

[hihijesushi]

I thought the same thing.

[jakethequake91]

I picked this album up in Barnes and Noble today, scanned it, and listened...i'm officially hooked.

[Sunnygrrl99]

Yeah this concert was pretty damn epic. They need to make some music videos for this album! I'd love something animated that really went with the story. But I doubt that will happen :( I don't think live action could do it justice, especially since it probably wouldn't be a literal interpretation.

[doctorxsandwich]

So much better live. :'D

Best concert EVER.

[Sunnygrrl99]

So true.

[musicsoul100]

this is an AMAZING song. i have the album. It's AWESOME!

[boazclark]

WTF people say this song is bad? ITS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

[bloodynyphm]

I was told this was an amazing concept album. It's only 2 of 17, but I'm likin what I hear. So me thinks i'll keep tunin in

[DrSpankle]

This sounds like a rip-off of "Sweetness Follows."

[A97S70]

This sounds nothing like that.Plus this song is better.

[mikji]

this song is an anthem for furries everywhere

[Ginyustyle]

Decent opening hook, but I'd like these guys alot more if they could vary up the dynamics a bit...and find a better lyrcist. Whatever floats your boat I suppose.

[EstenRosavelt]

i can kinda feel yeah about the better lyrics and varying it up... except its meant to be the way it is. the entire album is piece of the same song... so it keeps the mood going that the songs sound similar.... and the lyrics are a little vague so you can paint your own picture while listening.... that way its different experience for everyone while listening

[doglover2234]

Best alblem EVER!

[patch5]

I keep thinking "Echo & the Bunnymen," particularly after the key change at about 2:14.

[Goodriddance848]

I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WarriorPoetARMA]

I've listened to this album a thousand times and it continues to pleasure my mind and earholes.

[brefunk908]

well put lol lol

[EstenRosavelt]

it pleasures mine too..... it even forgot to clean up after the last time, and left a little bit of jizz in my earholes

[KevArms111]

This song reminds me a bit of REM :P

[dcblyke]

REM's illegitimate child to led zeppelin

[milindacarito]

Frank Iero is a geniuos!

[panicwithmindfreak]

you came here from frank too? cool!, and frankie has great taste

[AdiaKatarina]

Where is Frank?

What does he have to do with this song?

Sorry, I know nothing about this.

[aiden1270]

they did the la de da thing at the atlanta concert which kicked ass

[Makotoichio]

I love this cd, *track 10* is the best lol disturbing lyrics with upbeat music!

[miashadows]

WOW I am just floored! Frank Iero (MCR) sent me here and Im LOVING IT! Why have I not heard of these guys before??? Im so putting this CD on my To-Get list!!

[RazzmatazzCrayon]

they were wonderful at the Riverside in milwaukee.

sadly, i was one of the balcony people and didn't get to go onstage. ):

BY THE WAY COLIN, THOSE AREN'T CANALS. THEY'RE RIVERS. RIVERS. NAVIGABLE WATERWAYS. (that's okay, i still love you. >: )

[bellelover101]

LOL. I love how he was like "Remember! Someone peed in the canal!" Haha. You balcony people! Always needing to be above something! That concerrt was one of the best I've seen. Good stuff.

[GZppln]

Just saw them yesterday in STL it was fantastic. Love this song so much. I didn't like the album that much at first, but I'm now obsessed I can't stop listening to it.

[eyextwo]

I saw them in St. Louis yesterday, too. They are amazing live. I was standing right where they decided to do the spirit of St. Louis flight.

[GZppln]

That was so cool. I laughed so hard when Colin was like, "And they fell passionately into each other's arms," and Chris and John fell into each others arms. Man I was busting up.

[Mermuh]

I just saw these guys this weekend in Chicago at Northwestern University for free. They played this whole album through without stopping, it was amazing!

[ThatReallyHyperKid]

I just saw them yesterday at Riverside Theater in Milwaukee... It was awesome! We got to go on stage and I TOUCHED COLIN MELOY!

[lmarshall50]

I was there too! They were wonderful. I'm so glad I got tickets.

[bellelover101]

ME TOO! I was one of the girls he helpd on stage =D. it was really funny when we had the La-De-Da contest XD. "You balcony people, you always have to be above something."

[nicholasgregg]

goin to see them on next monday!!!!

omg i cant wait!!!

:D

[mike98122]

Just saw them at the Sasquatch festival

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

[bobanddavid90]

Me too! (How'd you like the couple having sex on the hill, by the way?)

[sgiven1965]

HAHA that was so funny!!!. I love how the band was even playing it out to them.

[nerfnerf77]

so hilarious- they were great! (the band not the couple)

[mike98122]

I was on the hill too, where the hell was this all happening?

[bobanddavid90]

They were kind of behind a fence, but from down in the pit they were in perfect view/sillhouette.

[nerfnerf77]

wooo!

[ItalianJunkie]

This vocalist spreads his vowels weirdly... its kind of annoying

[flyDINOsoar]

I think it works :\

[Myriadis]

The song reminds me of Pentangle-the contrabass,the beautiful melody...just awsome.

I heard the first 6 songs and bought the CD immidately.Got it,and was slightly disappointed that the others aren't so melodius like these 6 ones.But then they got better and better every time I hear them.

Great album!

[Treldman]

NPR brought me here, and I bought the album. THANK YOU NPR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[samuraichikx]

I personally think it's great that the decemberists are getting the colbert bump, they're a great group

[GnardKore]

Listen to you 'preach' about The Decemberists. Lookin' all smart and stuff.

[andbruno]

For all you Colbert guys out there, I'd recommend a lot more accessible and fun Decemberists songs such as "The Sporting Life", "Billy Liar", and "Sixteen Military Wives". If you want an epic song, try out "The Tain" or "The Mariner's Revenge Song".

The Hazards of Love is a fairly deep concept album, and needs to be taken as a whole. The other songs are more accessible to new Decemberists listeners.

[jheftorium]

Speaking as one of the Colbert guys, I'm loving the awesomeness of this album just fine without a gentle introduction. You don't need to make excuses for something that rocks this much.

[GnardKore]

For all the fans out there, im about to do somthing.

Close your eyes...

Picture Dwight from The Office....

Everytime you hear Collin's voice, it will now be him.

wierd huh.

[gabrielurmen]

ASSHOLE!

[lithium2370]

LOL

[moonstarspell]

BAM! i loves it! Songs been in my head for like 3 days...and i'm not mad about XD Thats awesomeness ^^

[nonnelj]

Brilliant!

[WordsYouForget]

love this band and love the album but i personaly think there earlyer stuff such as 5 songs and her majesty were better albums

[monsieurangleterre]

LOVE this track, LOVE the album. This CD has just become my summer listening - am downloading Crane's Wife from iTunes right now. I saw them on the Colbert Report a couple of days ago - thanks FX UK!

[earthtoincubus]

same, thats where i first heard them just earlier today, they're great.

[kintarly]

Me too, thats what led me to find them :)

[ArnoldKristopher]

I have this album and I love it so much, I listen to it just about everyday. It's just... amazing.

[rtsownage]

Pretty easy song on audiosurf xD

[anguspage555]

this sounds like folk Led Zeppelin. the vocals are amzing. the guitars remind me of jimmy page in a way.

love this song!

[HurricaneSauce]

i would have to agree.

[1969AbbeyRoad]

the prettiest whistles wont wrestle the thistles undone

undone

undone

yar

[ibhaddad]

love it :)

[jimmystewart123]

I heard a snippit on NPR and fell in love instantly. Thanks for posting this!!

[Treldman]

Me 2!!!

[theherk]

Thumb up for good programming.

[dvarvaro]

Like Zeppelin.... that is a thought i had too... I think the reason for that is also one major reason this album's sound departs from their earlier stuff- there is a strong influence from the Brit-folk music of the 60s/70s: Jethro Tull, King Crimson, and Zeppelin; the baroque symmetry and refrain, and the extended narritive style make sense in this light. Though I think the Forest Queen could have used a stronger motif, this album as a whole is a sublime effort, with near-apotheotic climaxes.

[awesomeheadforthewin]

I agree completely. Couldn't have worded it better me self.

[Phantarch]

Such a great song off what I reckon is going to be the best album released this year!

[MaulDicker]

I'm intrigued by this Baroque thing. It's very noticeable and effective. Like Zeppelin.