Possibly my favorite thing about the Decemberists is how you can listen to one of their songs once and think, "Huh, that's really nice," and then listen to that same song a few more times and think, "Huh, that's incredibly sad."
I discovered the Decemberists by inheriting an ipod from a young friend of mine who died from cancer, so they started out being a sad thing for me. We share the feelings.
Rest in power. Music will be one thing we all can share forever, the memory of them will never die so long as the sound waves can bend and be shaped into an artform such as this.
I want you, thin fingers I wanted you, thin fingernails And when you bend backwards I wanted you, I needed you, ohh To make me better I'll love you in springtime I lost you when summer came And when you pulled backwards I wanted to, I needed to, ohh To make me better Ohh, to make me better But we're not so starry-eyed anymore Like the perfect paramour you were in your letters And won't it all just come around to make you Let it all un-break you to the day you met her But it'd make you better It'd make you better I sung you your twinges I suffered you your tattle-tales And when you broke sideways I wanted you, I needed you, ohh To make me better Ohh, to make me better But we're not so starry-eyed anymore Like the perfect paramour you were in your letters And won't it all just come around to make you Let it all un-break you to the day that you met her And it'd make you better Did it make you better And all I wanted was a sliver to call mine And all I wanted was a shimmer of your shine To make me bright Cause we're not so starry-eyed anymore Like the perfect paramour you were in your letters And won't it all just come around to make you Let it all un-break you to the day you met her But it'd make you better It'd make you better
I think in your second verse where it says "I wanted to, I needed to," it is still "I wanted you, I needed you," again. but might just be the way I'm hearing it! absolutely in love with this single. I wavered on The King is Dead, but loved Hazards of Love. I'm sure some of the other tracks will have the narrative elements people are missing.
It really feels like they're going back and reinventing their earlier sound with the experiences and lessons learned from the prog rock of Hazards of Love and The King is Dead. And I mean that in a good way. This sounds fresh and crisp and perfectly crafted. It makes me excited for the rest of the album. I'd forgotten how much I missed the sound of Colin with Jenny's voice backing him. Love it!
Actually it is not Jenny singing in the background. Rachel Flotard from Visqueen is the back ground singer on this and many of the tracks off the album.
My daughter and I saw the Hazards of Love at a brand-new outdoor concert arena that even Colin said it seemed not quite finished. That was the best part, cause we could see but not dance (we have anti-dance problems) Anyhow the night was perfect; cool but not yet not cold. Anyway hearing The Hazards of Love at night outside was life-change. The unfinished venue, sitting on the very bottom the hill that was later razed; using too many words here to describe sound. The preview clip promises that magic again. I think there really is some magick in Colin Meloy. Wonder if his parents were Wiccan, or if the magick simply emerges from within Colin Himself. I woke up feeling anxious having a panic attack, which was cured by this clip. Thank you, the Decemberists. If you released a song like this ever morning, I might not think I needed a therapist. Hope Jenny (and the rest of the band) are well.
HOLY SHITE!..something about this song just grabs me and doesn't let go, rattling my very core during the final chorus. This is SO fucking beautiful! Seriously, I sing along and can barely make it to he end without choking up. I can't wait to hear more!
There is some good writing here. "I loved you in spring time, I lost you when Summer came...". That there is Decemberists' writing tried and true - right there folks. Grow with them or bolt. More for me. "We're not so starry-eyed anymore..."
Pfft stop your moaning, folks. This song's beautiful. They're doing a new tour at the start of next year. Go get tickets and support them, you know, like ACTUAL fans!
I echo most everyone's sentiments here. Im 57 and have a real arrogant set of Rock & Roll only 1960s and 70s driven standards. Its late so sufficed to say that these history conscious Decemberists have provided me with a very rare relatively new (O.K., im always the last to find out.) band to follow. Need to catchem live here in the NY City / NY State / North Jersey area soon !!!!
The best dog I've ever known just died too young, we had to have him put down on the first of the year. This song just came on my spotify and here I am at the office trying not to bawl my eyes out like a freaking baby.
This song was an incredible discovery (thanks American Dad... What?). And I couldn't decipher the reaction to it when I played it. People didn't seem to get it. I don't really expect everybody to get it but, I was so moved.... In the end I would just like to meet people frail like me. And just acknowledge the delicate nature of happiness, the fragile state of serenity that occurs sometimes. I just want to love you all.
I love this new sound. I love how people want bands to make the same-sounding music every album - or else they're turning pop or they're selling out lol. If the evolution of their music doesn't fit their personal tastes - SELL OUT!
I don't understand how anyone could hate this song .... perhaps more simple, but at the same time also one of the purest most honest set of lyrics I've heard about what it really means to want someone to love you. The idea of wanting to make someone better and wanting someone to make you better is so very much the rawness in the human experience of love.
Please announce that you are headlining the Newport Folk Festival in 2015! or at the very least come back to the FOX in Oakland, CA so that we may shower you with our adoration!
I am so psyched that there is a new Decemberists album coming out! I was "late to the party", only getting turned on when "The King is Dead" came out. Of course I immediately acquired their entire catalog. Then I was devastated when Colin announced they were going on an "indefinite hiatus"! Part of me knew he loves making music too much to sequester himself writing young-adult novels. As we say in my family, "My tail is wagging!" Just a darn shame it won't be released in time to be an awesome Christmas present! I can't wait!!!!!!!!
As someone who's mainly listened to the "the King is Dead" album and not a lot of their newer stuff, this sounds very Decemberists to me. Still loving the tunes, keep it up guys.
Scott Strong. Please tell us what you have done that is as consistently amazing, innovative, and enjoyable as The Decemberists have been able to produce from the beginning to now. Thank you.
Even my lesser favorite Decemberists songs are great. That's one of the signs of a truly great band, that they put out a lot of songs and you love almost all of them. My favorite part of the song begins at 3:28
JFC, this song… Like, WTF? Everything about this song is so excellent. It never gets old. I always hear something new, a new detail I never noticed. So much going on, but nothing is overdone, it’s not too busy. Lyrics are fantastic. One of the best songs ever and I will fight to my death over that.
It's great that some of you think that your love of Colin Meloy's story-like songs entitles you to have some grand justice over what is and isn't good music. His story writing is not only excellent, it translates well into song, I agree. But you don't see things from his eyes. Sometimes, being a songwriter, you just want to write a song about having a broken fucking heart. this song kicks butt.
As if it's somehow selling out to have catchy rhythms AND excellent lyrics. Think most of Top 40 modern pop would have songs this interesting? Not a chance.
Absolutely - I would also add that songwriters change. They are living lives just like you, and they aren't the same people they were a year ago. The music changes - that's just how it goes. Life is change. Embrace it, or just listen to the old stuff :)
Still one of the saddest songs I've ever heard. I can't explain it, really. The lyrics are heartbreaking as is but the ebbing and flowing sound to the melody is just as wrenching
Heard them for the first time on the FilmSpotting podcast and the resemblance to REM stood out like a beacon dressed in neon. Great sound and beats home the message again about how the best bands may not always enjoy good airplay. Wikipedia tells me the band has been around for several years. This song, however came out only in November 2014.
+sudhindra srinivas They've had excellent releases that predate the millennium! Explore all of it and you wont be disappointed. The mainstream music business wants nothing to do with quality or inventiveness or heart, only what will appeal to the most money spending masses sadly. Luckily, the advent of the internet (one of its few good aspects) levels the playing field of exposure and voice amplification for the independent underdogs in the industry!
People complaining that the new album is going to be "generic" because of this song are pretty out of touch with how releasing an album works. If you're trying to actually sell units, you release your most radio-friendly singles before the album drops to build up some excitement for it within the general public. They're not going to release their most inaccessible song that only a small number of people will enjoy, because that means only a small number of people will buy their album.
What a fine feeling to know a new Decemberists album is coming...and this song, the perfect appetizer. Just tell me when we can get our tickets to the Dallas show?!?!
I've been a fan since Castaways and Cutouts released, and every single time I've heard a song from a forthcoming album, I am always blown away. This song is no exception. As always, Colin and his mates never disappoint. I cannot wait for January twentieth to get here!
Although some people are saying it sounds to generic ... I think it's a great teaser for the forthcoming album .... bought my tickets for the London show and couldn't be more excited than if it was on the Moon! :)
I couldn't be more excited for this. The music of The Decemberists has meant so much to me for so long, and I'm so happy to see that they are still being creative and producing beautiful music. I can't wait for this album to come out and for the possible tour to follow. Keep up the fantastic work!
I always have to hear a song more than once to know if I like it. I find myself humming this during the day, and singing along when I hear it. I like it, and while thematically it may differ, musically, it's classic Decemberist.
I adore this song! How did I not know of this before?! It kinda reminds me of Death Cab meets the National in my opinion but I can definitely see the R.E.M. Comparisons
Love the song. And since I'm a terrible person I already have the album and can say there isn't a single song I dislike. Now to wait for the release so I can actually buy it.
Super happy to have them back! This somehow makes up for enduring weeks of awful negative political ads infecting my airwaves. Can't wait for the rest. Now to go hold my nose and vote.
a promising start for the long awaited new album; I am keen to see if there is a thematic element to the album, especially given the rather grandiloquent title
Alex Padilla No, they were making albums alongside Death Cab. Certainly some stylistic characteristics that they both share but these guys are much more folksy.
Possibly my favorite thing about the Decemberists is how you can listen to one of their songs once and think, "Huh, that's really nice," and then listen to that same song a few more times and think, "Huh, that's incredibly sad."
Perfect.
It's both.
@@comradehermit9320 i thought id relpy to your comment and give you an excuse to listen to it :) youre welcome, lol.
Same.
@@jessicahughes206 you are really pretty
I discovered the Decemberists by inheriting an ipod from a young friend of mine who died from cancer, so they started out being a sad thing for me. We share the feelings.
Rest in power. Music will be one thing we all can share forever, the memory of them will never die so long as the sound waves can bend and be shaped into an artform such as this.
I want you, thin fingers
I wanted you, thin fingernails
And when you bend backwards
I wanted you, I needed you, ohh
To make me better
I'll love you in springtime
I lost you when summer came
And when you pulled backwards
I wanted to, I needed to, ohh
To make me better
Ohh, to make me better
But we're not so starry-eyed anymore
Like the perfect paramour you were in your letters
And won't it all just come around to make you
Let it all un-break you to the day you met her
But it'd make you better
It'd make you better
I sung you your twinges
I suffered you your tattle-tales
And when you broke sideways
I wanted you, I needed you, ohh
To make me better
Ohh, to make me better
But we're not so starry-eyed anymore
Like the perfect paramour you were in your letters
And won't it all just come around to make you
Let it all un-break you to the day that you met her
And it'd make you better
Did it make you better
And all I wanted was a sliver to call mine
And all I wanted was a shimmer of your shine
To make me bright
Cause we're not so starry-eyed anymore
Like the perfect paramour you were in your letters
And won't it all just come around to make you
Let it all un-break you to the day you met her
But it'd make you better
It'd make you better
Thank you for the lyrics. Once again Colin has blown me away!
I think in your second verse where it says "I wanted to, I needed to," it is still "I wanted you, I needed you," again. but might just be the way I'm hearing it!
absolutely in love with this single. I wavered on The King is Dead, but loved Hazards of Love. I'm sure some of the other tracks will have the narrative elements people are missing.
TheCrazedGazelle You're correct. Some of the lyrics she posted are wrong but she was on the right track.
A perfect song about love
Uncle Ryan j curious wtf kinda question is that? And why does it matter? Seriously j curious
This brings tears to my eyes. I miss my dog so much
When Colin Meloy opens his mouth, the whole Universe embraces us...
STFU
I don't care that this isn't like the old Decemberists. I love this!
All of their stuff is so good!
+Lila Blue It actually reminds me a lot of their old stuff, but with a lot of new thrown in. And I like that a lot.
They have only failed in one thing. They failed to make a song less than incredible.
It really feels like they're going back and reinventing their earlier sound with the experiences and lessons learned from the prog rock of Hazards of Love and The King is Dead. And I mean that in a good way. This sounds fresh and crisp and perfectly crafted. It makes me excited for the rest of the album. I'd forgotten how much I missed the sound of Colin with Jenny's voice backing him. Love it!
Actually it is not Jenny singing in the background. Rachel Flotard from Visqueen is the back ground singer on this and many of the tracks off the album.
Phillip Atkison I went back and listened to some earlier albums and yeah, I can hear the difference now. Thanks for the heads up!
My daughter and I saw the Hazards of Love at a brand-new outdoor concert arena that even Colin said it seemed not quite finished. That was the best part, cause we could see but not dance (we have anti-dance problems) Anyhow the night was perfect; cool but not yet not cold. Anyway hearing The Hazards of Love at night outside was life-change. The unfinished venue, sitting on the very bottom the hill that was later razed; using too many words here to describe sound.
The preview clip promises that magic again.
I think there really is some magick in Colin Meloy. Wonder if his parents were Wiccan, or if the magick simply emerges from within Colin Himself.
I woke up feeling anxious having a panic attack, which was cured by this clip.
Thank you, the Decemberists. If you released a song like this ever morning, I might not think I needed a therapist.
Hope Jenny (and the rest of the band) are well.
Young ladys backing vocals are beautiful,
The harmonizing gives me chills. perfect.
I am convinced that, at this period of history, Colin Meloy is the world's greatest songwriter.
HOLY SHITE!..something about this song just grabs me and doesn't let go, rattling my very core during the final chorus.
This is SO fucking beautiful!
Seriously, I sing along and can barely make it to he end without choking up.
I can't wait to hear more!
There is some good writing here.
"I loved you in spring time, I lost you when Summer came...". That there is Decemberists' writing tried and true - right there folks. Grow with them or bolt. More for me. "We're not so starry-eyed anymore..."
Pfft stop your moaning, folks. This song's beautiful. They're doing a new tour at the start of next year. Go get tickets and support them, you know, like ACTUAL fans!
I echo most everyone's sentiments here. Im 57 and have a real arrogant set of Rock & Roll only 1960s and 70s driven standards. Its late so sufficed to say that these history conscious Decemberists have provided me with a very rare relatively new (O.K., im always the last to find out.) band to follow. Need to catchem live here in the NY City / NY State / North Jersey area soon !!!!
I love the intro with the guitar. I've been having this song on repeat now going on 10 plus times. Can't help I love it so much!
Reminds me of so much haha
Great song. Has a twinge of REM and The Successful Failures.
The best dog I've ever known just died too young, we had to have him put down on the first of the year. This song just came on my spotify and here I am at the office trying not to bawl my eyes out like a freaking baby.
This song was an incredible discovery (thanks American Dad... What?). And I couldn't decipher the reaction to it when I played it. People didn't seem to get it. I don't really expect everybody to get it but, I was so moved.... In the end I would just like to meet people frail like me. And just acknowledge the delicate nature of happiness, the fragile state of serenity that occurs sometimes. I just want to love you all.
I love this new sound. I love how people want bands to make the same-sounding music every album - or else they're turning pop or they're selling out lol. If the evolution of their music doesn't fit their personal tastes - SELL OUT!
A "generic pop" band would never release a visualizer as awesome as this one, don't be jerks.
Annnnnd repeat.
This song still never gets old - it's so wonderfully executed. One listen is never enough, there's so much to enjoy.
I love this song. It drives up to an epic chorus, and it gives me crazy chills even after hearing it dozens of times.
Top notch vocalizations and arrangement. When they hit the final chorus in three parts, it's spine shaking time.
I don't understand how anyone could hate this song .... perhaps more simple, but at the same time also one of the purest most honest set of lyrics I've heard about what it really means to want someone to love you. The idea of wanting to make someone better and wanting someone to make you better is so very much the rawness in the human experience of love.
Does anyone actually hate this song? It's beautiful.
Please announce that you are headlining the Newport Folk Festival in 2015! or at the very least come back to the FOX in Oakland, CA so that we may shower you with our adoration!
still reminds me of my dad. every day I come to a closer understanding of why he took his life. fuck.
Sorry for your loss man.
Thank you man
I've had two best friends take their own lives its something that can never be answered
I am so psyched that there is a new Decemberists album coming out!
I was "late to the party", only getting turned on when "The King is Dead" came out.
Of course I immediately acquired their entire catalog.
Then I was devastated when Colin announced they were going on an "indefinite hiatus"!
Part of me knew he loves making music too much to sequester himself writing young-adult novels. As we say in my family, "My tail is wagging!"
Just a darn shame it won't be released in time to be an awesome Christmas present!
I can't wait!!!!!!!!
I think I first heard of this band from a video game; the first watch dogs game may have had this song or another one of their songs in it
As someone who's mainly listened to the "the King is Dead" album and not a lot of their newer stuff, this sounds very Decemberists to me. Still loving the tunes, keep it up guys.
Scott Strong. Please tell us what you have done that is as consistently amazing, innovative, and enjoyable as The Decemberists have been able to produce from the beginning to now. Thank you.
Even my lesser favorite Decemberists songs are great. That's one of the signs of a truly great band, that they put out a lot of songs and you love almost all of them.
My favorite part of the song begins at 3:28
JFC, this song… Like, WTF? Everything about this song is so excellent. It never gets old. I always hear something new, a new detail I never noticed. So much going on, but nothing is overdone, it’s not too busy. Lyrics are fantastic. One of the best songs ever and I will fight to my death over that.
It's great that some of you think that your love of Colin Meloy's story-like songs entitles you to have some grand justice over what is and isn't good music. His story writing is not only excellent, it translates well into song, I agree. But you don't see things from his eyes. Sometimes, being a songwriter, you just want to write a song about having a broken fucking heart.
this song kicks butt.
As if it's somehow selling out to have catchy rhythms AND excellent lyrics. Think most of Top 40 modern pop would have songs this interesting? Not a chance.
Absolutely - I would also add that songwriters change. They are living lives just like you, and they aren't the same people they were a year ago. The music changes - that's just how it goes. Life is change. Embrace it, or just listen to the old stuff :)
not selling out
Donk McLean
Hey I dig your passion Donk ? But Miss American Pie not withstanding, why dont you tell us what you really feel?
***** Gawwww! You just don't get it, Sharon!
Still one of the saddest songs I've ever heard. I can't explain it, really. The lyrics are heartbreaking as is but the ebbing and flowing sound to the melody is just as wrenching
Guess what's going to be put on repeat for this week?
Heard them for the first time on the FilmSpotting podcast and the resemblance to REM stood out like a beacon dressed in neon. Great sound and beats home the message again about how the best bands may not always enjoy good airplay. Wikipedia tells me the band has been around for several years. This song, however came out only in November 2014.
+sudhindra srinivas They've had excellent releases that predate the millennium! Explore all of it and you wont be disappointed. The mainstream music business wants nothing to do with quality or inventiveness or heart, only what will appeal to the most money spending masses sadly. Luckily, the advent of the internet (one of its few good aspects) levels the playing field of exposure and voice amplification for the independent underdogs in the industry!
+AllOneVoice Thanks, couldn't agree more.
People complaining that the new album is going to be "generic" because of this song are pretty out of touch with how releasing an album works. If you're trying to actually sell units, you release your most radio-friendly singles before the album drops to build up some excitement for it within the general public. They're not going to release their most inaccessible song that only a small number of people will enjoy, because that means only a small number of people will buy their album.
What a fine feeling to know a new Decemberists album is coming...and this song, the perfect appetizer. Just tell me when we can get our tickets to the Dallas show?!?!
Dallas?
Sallad.
I've been a fan since Castaways and Cutouts released, and every single time I've heard a song from a forthcoming album, I am always blown away.
This song is no exception.
As always, Colin and his mates never disappoint.
I cannot wait for January twentieth to get here!
Thank you CBC for introducing such great music
Although some people are saying it sounds to generic ... I think it's a great teaser for the forthcoming album .... bought my tickets for the London show and couldn't be more excited than if it was on the Moon! :)
This song has so many memories for me . Just wow
"Let it all unbreak you to the day you met her." what a line. 💫💫💎
Love the song. But am I the only one who thinks the bridge is the most gorgeous part?
The song is so beautiful. Probably one of my favorite songs ever.
Sounds like REM. In a good way. Living for this song.
+John Mullins They aren't ashamed of their REM influences. Peter Buck played on The King Is Dead.
Never said they were, and I knew that :D
I couldn't be more excited for this. The music of The Decemberists has meant so much to me for so long, and I'm so happy to see that they are still being creative and producing beautiful music. I can't wait for this album to come out and for the possible tour to follow. Keep up the fantastic work!
very cool
This ranks among the best folk-rock songs. Cheering vocals to rival the '60's folkies.
I always have to hear a song more than once to know if I like it. I find myself humming this during the day, and singing along when I hear it. I like it, and while thematically it may differ, musically, it's classic Decemberist.
I couldn't be happier of hearing from them again. I'm gonna order the deluxe box today! Hope they come to Spain.
Best damn harmonized kiss-off song in the history of recorded music
I adore this song! How did I not know of this before?! It kinda reminds me of Death Cab meets the National in my opinion but I can definitely see the R.E.M. Comparisons
This and a U.K. tour at last such wonderful news,
Been waiting too long for this!! It makes me so happy.
has a similar feeling to dcfc , i love it !!
Wonderful song. Looking forward to January (probably first time I've ever said that in November).
I thought this was a Matthew Sweet song when I first heard it LOL love this song!
Like the groovy kaleidoscope effects. 😗😗😗
I'M SO HAPPY THIS IS HAPPENING
This song is incredible
all i wanted was a shimmer to your shine
Love the song. And since I'm a terrible person I already have the album and can say there isn't a single song I dislike. Now to wait for the release so I can actually buy it.
Well done, all. Had the first bit running through my head all day from the trailer. Nice to be able to hear the whole thing.
I come here when I'm sad or missing this song. 😋
Love this song .. roll on Vicar St. Feb. 11th to hear it and the rest of the album LIVE !!
"... to make me bright." 😭💔
I love this.. Colin never disappoints.. haters gotta hate
It is always exciting to see where you'll go with your sound each album; sounds good - I can't wait until January!
great guitars on this
Super happy to have them back! This somehow makes up for enduring weeks of awful negative political ads infecting my airwaves. Can't wait for the rest. Now to go hold my nose and vote.
im glad to see the comments mostly positive on their new-er songs ^^ hope they continue to make kick ass music.
this is incredible.. worth the wait is an understatement. thank you colin and everyone for the work you put into this album!
Thanks, I enjoyed this, nice harmonies. Looking forward to the album and gigs :)
These guys are mind blowing. In a subtle but powerful way!
This is gorgeous and will be on my next trip playlist XD
a promising start for the long awaited new album; I am keen to see if there is a thematic element to the album, especially given the rather grandiloquent title
Great song. The first backbeat reversal I've heard that made sense and fit perfectly, kudos to the drummer.
This is my story, She made me better. How did he get it so perfectly?! Love this song!
Awesome band, I love this song and these guys!
The quintessential Millennial anthem of 2016.
agreed.
More Meloy magic. Very impressive stuff.
So glad I found this band. Another amazing track!
First:D Been waiting for this for years. I have to study but fuck it, these next 5 minutes are going to be awesome.
ive.. been waiting so long
This band is a death cab cover band by the sounds of it.
Alex Padilla Not in the slightest.
Alex Padilla No, they were making albums alongside Death Cab. Certainly some stylistic characteristics that they both share but these guys are much more folksy.
Love this! This is going to be an amazing Album!!!!
One of the most powerful angry/sad break-up songs ever.
Seeing them tonight in Buffalo!
This sounds super great. Extremely excited to hear the whole album!
fantastic song, lovel the opening riff, can not stop listening
Dat chorus doe.
Beautiful 🌹
Holy Symmetry!
I Love everyone of youre songs.
HUGE
Yes.
Fantastic! I can't wait for a new album!
Very, very excited!!!