The Decemberists – What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World
The Decemberists used to have an edge of antique creepiness to them, like an old carnival sideshow or Victorian dead-baby pictures. They have become somewhat staid (the hilarious “Philomena” excepted) with recent releases, which are perfect for a feature on NPR, a grad-school study session at the free-trade coffeeshop, or introducing an aunt who wants to be trendy to “modern music.” That doesn’t mean I don’t like the album. I do. A lot. What I’m trying to say is that I’m an aunt who wants to be trendy.
The Institute of Idle Time 