Castaways and Cutouts is the debut full-length album by The Decemberists, originally released May 21, 2002 on Hush Records and reissued May 6, 2003 on Kill Rock Stars. The album’s title is taken from a line in the song “California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade”.

 

The album cover was made by Portland artist Carson Ellis, long-time girlfriend (and now wife) of Colin Meloy. She has created artwork for each of the band’s albums.

 

This is the only full-length release to feature Ezra Holbrook on drums. (He played drums on the 5 Songs EP and did backing vocals on The Crane Wife.)

 

As its title would suggest, Castaways and Cutouts is a record populated with an eclectic array of unlikely characters in various states of abandonment and revelry. While the likes of Spanish gypsies, infant specters, and Turkish prostitutes are not common elements to be found within modern pop music, these figures find ample footing within the song craft of Mr. Meloy, supported comfortably by the band’s lush and orchestral instrumentation. Recorded over a two month period in a warehouse in Portland, Oregon’s Industrial Southeast, the record swims gracefully between heart-rending, deftly arranged pop and scrappy off-the-cuff dirge

 

The Decemberists are an indie folk rock band from Portland, Oregon, United States, fronted by singer/songwriter Colin Meloy. The other members of the band are Chris Funk (guitar, multi-instrumentalist), Jenny Conlee (Hammond organ, accordion, melodica, piano, keyboards, harmonica), Nate Query (bass guitar, string bass), and John Moen (drums, backing vocals, melodica, guitar).

 

The band’s debut EP, 5 Songs, was self-released in 2001. Their sixth full-length album, The King Is Dead, was released on 14 January 2011, by Capitol Records. It was the band’s third record with the label.

 

In addition to their lyrics, which often focus on historical incidents and/or folklore, The Decemberists are also well known for their eclectic live shows. Audience participation is often a part of each performance, typically during encores. The band stages whimsical reenactments of sea battles and other centuries-old events, typically of regional interest, or acts out songs with members of the crowd. During their European tour in the winter of 2010, the band performed “The Mariner’s Revenge Song” at the conclusion of each date. The audience was encouraged to scream as if they were being consumed by a whale mentioned in the track’s narrative while the band pretended to die on stage.

 

The Players:

Jenny Conlee: Hammond organ, Rhodes piano, regular piano, accordion.

Colin Meloy: Voice, guitars, percussion.

Chris Funk: Pedal steel, guitars, theremin.

Ezra Holbrook: The drums, voice, percussion.

Nate Query: Upright bass.

 

Credits:

Produced by The Decemberists

Recorded at Are You Listening by Simon Widdowson. January-February 2002.

Mastered at Freq Studios by Ryan Foster.

Remastered for LP by John Golden.

 

Track List:

Side A:

1.    Leslie Anne Levine   [4:12]

2.    Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect   [4:31]

3.    July, July!   [2:51]

4.    A Cautionary Song   [3:08]

5.    Odalisque   [5:20]

6.    Cocoon   [6:48]

Side B:

7.    Grace Cathedral Hill   [4:28]

8.    The Legionnaire’s Lament   [4:44]

9.    Clementine   [4:07]

10.  California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade   [9:50]

 

LP (180 Gram Vinyl) by The Decemberists is factory-sealed new. It has never been played and has always been kept in its original packaging. The LP is not a promo or cutout. There are no marks or punches of any kind. All our CDs and vinyl are new! If you have any questions or want to see additional photos, just email us.

 

Same day shipping for payments received by 4:00 PM EST.

 

Payment must be received within 7 days. We accept and prefer PayPal. 

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