I can't even explain the beauty of this song, but each individual instrument was all so amazingly done. I could listen to this song in each instrument alone over and over. And altogether it's just a knock out. And they play so perfectly connected. It's something special.
I have been living now for 59 years and I can say with confidence there are perhaps a handful of other songs that can compare to this. This is a VERY BEAUTIFUL song! LOVE IT!
The ache of young love lost has ever been more beautifully portrayed. I'm just thankful that I am alive and able to hear this absolute masterpiece. One of the incredible pieces of music to exist.
Ahh, remembering my 17 year old self, writing poetry and just adorably naïve and dreamy. I thankfully lived to be this old (42). Growing up can seem awful, but is kinda amazing. How many of us survived and how many friends we lost along the way.
The diction taps along, underscoring the tempo and emotional rhythms so beautifully. He may have a grumpy resting face, that Colin Meloy, but he also has the most lyrical soul.
This is so, so good. I'm so damn excited. Everything about this is beautiful. The simple bass line, the funky jazz chords, and of course typical Colin lines/vocab words. Ugh. This is why I love this band.
They have a sound that can silence an arena full of people or captivate a coffee shop with a few folks in line. That's what I love about their music, it's so versatile, and just outright good as hell.
It a pears as the decemberists are here in the world to make more and more beautiful (rather than "terrible") with every single song they release. I'm so exited about the new album; can´t wait.
***** Had to borrow? How about collaboration between musicians who live in the same fucking town? Yes, maybe a few of their songs sound a little like REM, they have always acknowledged an influence...so what? Most of their stuff sounds NOTHING like REM.
Nostalgic Torch Song gives all the feelings. Beautifully written introspection of an adult still quietly mourning an early, unrequited love, and wallowing in the familiar ache of those memories. Shoutout to Nate Query, whose countermelodic double bass adds a whole other layer of perfect melancholy.
To be completely honest, when this record came out I didn't give it a fair shake. I listened to a couple tracks, thought they were a bit silly, and moved on. A few years ago I was out on a walk, and was in the habit of revisiting records I hadn't given a fair shake to (lord knows this isn't the only one, it's in good company). I put it on as I went for the walk at night in the woods, and the experience was magical. I remember when Lake Song came on, and the chorus hit and I very vividly remembering that moment as being the turning point in my head. I said to myself "I was wrong. There's something really special here". Since then, I've listened to it a few more times, and I always love it. Picaresque and Hazards will probably always remain my favorite Decemberists albums, but this one is creeping up there. Another album I didn't give a fair shake to, but decided to try again and fell in love - for anyone curious - is Nine Inch Nails' "Bad Witch". That album is something else, man...
Best song of 2015. Hands down. So beautiful -- the imagery, the feeling, the music, the tone. As a songwriter, I envy this song so much! Each note carefully crafted to match each word. Perfect.
This album should be a must buy for 2015. I don't hear that much music which sounds so genuine. The other one is Hozier. We need such good quality music.
Be sure to listen to their older stuff too--those are much better yet. I get the feeling that this is an experimental album, and that is why each song sounds so different.
At the age of 55 you know a million songs. And you think that nothing can touch you anymore. But then there is this one song, that makes you feel like you are listening to music for the very first time in your life...
The words are so intense and probably have hidden meanings! Some of the words I'll have to look up! But I like the words! They are so poetic! And beautiful!
wasn't super stoked from Make You Better, but now I'm getting pretty excited for the new album. Good song man. Glad to see this old light is still ambling along at a good clip.
This is hands down the most beautiful thing I have heard for quite some time now....I adore the ambiguous lyrics as well....I wish to find the suitable images to compile an alternative video for this gem...
Yes! Thank you. I was trying to think which other song of theirs this sounded like but couldn't place it. You nailed it. Love that one and now this one too. :)
Just added this to my all time favorite list... can't enjoy it fully unless I'm watching this video. From Canada but flew down to Portland a few years ago to see them - yes, was disappointed they didn't play this, but it was awesome seeing them live. Colin - "how many Canadians are there out there - I see your beady little eyes" 🙂
Honestly, their last album and (by the looks of it) this one sound like Tarkio; Colin's band before the Decemberists. So they're not really out of place to me. Just a revisit far back into the past. They still carry the spirit of the Decemberists to me, in the end. Heck, when I introduce new people to the Decemberists, they always enjoy the King is Dead the most. So take that as you will. My personal favorite is Hazards of Love though. Hope they play the Rake's Song when I see them in Pittsburgh.
One of the things I like most about their concerts is that its not the same show every night. They will obviously play most or all of the songs from teh most recent album, but, other than that, they pick from whatever of their older stuff. So, who knows what they'll play. Enjoy the show!
Yes! I've been saying that for so long and now finally someone agrees. They totally sound like a more mature version of Tarkio. I don't think Colin has changed as much as he has tried to improve something he did a long long time ago.
Dylan Neslo Hey Dylan, I thought you had said that they copied REM...to the extent they had to "borrow" Peter Buck to complete the King is Dead. Which is it...do they sound too much like REM, or Tarkio? You don't make a lot of sense dude.
To Mike. Neither of us were young. Forget about 17 (even though it felt like it). We were both in our 30's. Unhappy in our relationships. But we found each other. I hope this reminds you of the River. Not a Lake. it was mid summer. And it was special. It was important. I would have waited for you. It was what it was, I guess. But this song reminds me of that summer. It meant a lot to me.
The debt to Nick Drake is fully paid in this marvelous song. While others have pointed out its links to "Pink Moon" I hear it coming out of an earlier album, Bryter Later, which is more fully-orchestrated. Listen to ND's Hazy Jane or Northern Sky, a song that captures the same beautiful sadness but with shorter words.
Outstanding lyrics as always. I hope there are some heavier songs on this album... Not Iron Maiden or anything, just something that puts the rock into folk-rock like their first four albums. I wouldn't be averse to another Shara Worden collaboration, either. Looking forward to see the currently released songs in context of the full album.
My mind is instantly calm when I listen to this. Bugger the psychotherapy I'll stick to The Decemberists. You guys have about thirty places on my bucket list. Please come to Australia.
Awesome guys, I'm came late in on your catalog, have made you part of my day ever since. I will be driving to Atlanta in April to see you guys, unless you decide to stop in the big easy, I can make a big tasty pot of gumbo and or jambalaya. Peace and love.
![The Shins - New Slang [OFFICIAL VIDEO]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zYwCmcB0XMw/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Shins - New Slang [OFFICIAL VIDEO]](/img/tr.png)
I can't even explain the beauty of this song, but each individual instrument was all so amazingly done. I could listen to this song in each instrument alone over and over. And altogether it's just a knock out. And they play so perfectly connected. It's something special.
I couldnt describe it better
It's gorgeous . You don't need to explain
I have been living now for 59 years and I can say with confidence there are perhaps a handful of other songs that can compare to this. This is a VERY BEAUTIFUL song! LOVE IT!
True!
One of my friends told me recently that this song brings back memories of his times down by the lake
This band sends me to my dictionary and expands my vocabulary.
So true!
Bob Albin: Absolutely!!! Me too!!!
@@elizabethschurwan5146 Listen to Jamison Faulkner - Way Back When‼️‼️
That's no prevericate😊
The ache of young love lost has ever been more beautifully portrayed. I'm just thankful that I am alive and able to hear this absolute masterpiece. One of the incredible pieces of music to exist.
The sublimity of John Moen's drumming on this song is a perfect complement to Colin Meloy's masterful word play.
Ahh, remembering my 17 year old self, writing poetry and just adorably naïve and dreamy. I thankfully lived to be this old (42). Growing up can seem awful, but is kinda amazing. How many of us survived and how many friends we lost along the way.
The diction taps along, underscoring the tempo and emotional rhythms so beautifully. He may have a grumpy resting face, that Colin Meloy, but he also has the most lyrical soul.
I think this is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in my entire life...
I agree.
Corrine Dawn Jennings listen to Nick Drake's "Pink Moon" and you'll hear it recorded last century with better vocals
Corrine Dawn Jennings day
His songs are always written using complex wording. But, that's why i love them so much. Master wordsmiths they are.
My dad used to play this song, and I honestly loved it. Brings back good memories of my childhood. ❤️✨
This is so, so good. I'm so damn excited. Everything about this is beautiful. The simple bass line, the funky jazz chords, and of course typical Colin lines/vocab words. Ugh. This is why I love this band.
Yep!!
They have a sound that can silence an arena full of people or captivate a coffee shop with a few folks in line. That's what I love about their music, it's so versatile, and just outright good as hell.
I don't think I've ever heard a more beautively descriptive line than "You were full and sweet as honeydew...
How does Colin continually write the more poignant and beautiful songs? And what a voice, its like warm silk.
Idea for the next lyric video: annotation boxes over uncommon words to dictionary entries.
:'(
If only we could now...
but annotations are gone
well we can just search ourselves but damn I still think it was a bad move to remove them
It a pears as the decemberists are here in the world to make more and more beautiful (rather than "terrible") with every single song they release. I'm so exited about the new album; can´t wait.
Smacks of Pink Moon by Nick Drake with that undulating guitar riff. Another lovely song by Colin.
I thought the same thing! The piano sounds just like it at 1:42
Olfway Ditto. Good job he's no longer around to sue. It is so close.
At least it's not as bad as the time they made an album that was so REM-inspired, they actually had to borrow a member of REM to make the album.
Agreed! It's that first hit at 0:11 that gives it away.
***** Had to borrow? How about collaboration between musicians who live in the same fucking town? Yes, maybe a few of their songs sound a little like REM, they have always acknowledged an influence...so what? Most of their stuff sounds NOTHING like REM.
I turn 17 today and this song definitely popped into my head earlier. Always absolutely beautiful whenever I hear it.
Nostalgic Torch Song gives all the feelings. Beautifully written introspection of an adult still quietly mourning an early, unrequited love, and wallowing in the familiar ache of those memories.
Shoutout to Nate Query, whose countermelodic double bass adds a whole other layer of perfect melancholy.
This much I can say:
I would’ve waited till the oceans fell away and all the sunken cities would reveal themselves to you.
:-(
Finally, they are back! Waited 4 long years.... Will see them soon in concert.
A band like no other!
Wow Mary Robinson. I can see that these 15 hour days are sooo hard on u
To be completely honest, when this record came out I didn't give it a fair shake. I listened to a couple tracks, thought they were a bit silly, and moved on. A few years ago I was out on a walk, and was in the habit of revisiting records I hadn't given a fair shake to (lord knows this isn't the only one, it's in good company). I put it on as I went for the walk at night in the woods, and the experience was magical. I remember when Lake Song came on, and the chorus hit and I very vividly remembering that moment as being the turning point in my head. I said to myself "I was wrong. There's something really special here". Since then, I've listened to it a few more times, and I always love it. Picaresque and Hazards will probably always remain my favorite Decemberists albums, but this one is creeping up there.
Another album I didn't give a fair shake to, but decided to try again and fell in love - for anyone curious - is Nine Inch Nails' "Bad Witch". That album is something else, man...
Best song of 2015. Hands down. So beautiful -- the imagery, the feeling, the music, the tone. As a songwriter, I envy this song so much! Each note carefully crafted to match each word. Perfect.
"Now we arise, to curse those young suburban villains and their ill begotten children from the lawn" that line right there man.
i don't know how this doesn't have more views. it's beautiful and genius. people are missing out :(
I'm always just amazed at the magic this band puts out.
So beautiful. Just the decemberists in general.
Okay, I need to correct myself. This is the most beautiful song I've ever had the pleasure to listen to!
This one makes me cry. I don't identify with the person singing, but I love his story.
This album should be a must buy for 2015. I don't hear that much music which sounds so genuine. The other one is Hozier.
We need such good quality music.
I am new to this band & I think how the hell did I miss these guys god they are brilliant, the new album is fantastic, cannot stop listening !!!!!
Be sure to listen to their older stuff too--those are much better yet. I get the feeling that this is an experimental album, and that is why each song sounds so different.
Cool I have heard some of their earlier stuff like good
This is right up there with my fave Decemberists songs. Love the sound of it- and the lyrics make me wonderfully nostalgic.
This, on the otherhand, is far from generic. And that room sounds incredible. Kudos to the engineer and producer on this.
An absolutely unique, beautifully bittersweet, surreal song about a girl I once loved who disappeared into the moonlight one night.
What a beautiful song...lyrics, voice, instruments.
Simply brilliant songwriting ...
I just can't take how amazingly beautiful this song is......the music takes my breath away and I get lost in it
Such a great tune. Always think this tune is Don MacLean meets The Smiths. Great lyrics. Great everything.
Colin Meloy's voice is an elixir.
At the age of 55 you know a million songs. And you think that nothing can touch you anymore.
But then there is this one song, that makes you feel like you are listening to music for the very first time in your life...
The words are so intense and probably have hidden meanings! Some of the words I'll have to look up! But I like the words! They are so poetic! And beautiful!
And you do not prevericate.....
wasn't super stoked from Make You Better, but now I'm getting pretty excited for the new album. Good song man. Glad to see this old light is still ambling along at a good clip.
So beautiful 🌹
This is hands down the most beautiful thing I have heard for quite some time now....I adore the ambiguous lyrics as well....I wish to find the suitable images to compile an alternative video for this gem...
Parts of this sound like The Bus Mall. Hopefully this album is a return to form. Excited
I thought the same thing. Considering that is my favourite Decemberists song they've ever made, I am not complaining. Can't wait for the record!
Yes! Thank you. I was trying to think which other song of theirs this sounded like but couldn't place it. You nailed it. Love that one and now this one too. :)
Kristin Wright да и просто
I'll see them soon and hope so much they'll play this wonderful song
If anybody cares: They did!
Just added this to my all time favorite list... can't enjoy it fully unless I'm watching this video. From Canada but flew down to Portland a few years ago to see them - yes, was disappointed they didn't play this, but it was awesome seeing them live. Colin - "how many Canadians are there out there - I see your beady little eyes" 🙂
Beautiful- all heart and soul speaking in your music - love it - thank you for your words and music!
What a beautiful song.... What a beautiful band....
Beautiful song. Amazing band.
So grateful for this beautiful music. Thanks deeply.
no other band made me reach for the thesaurus! Learning is fun! sibylline?
The thesaurus is my favorite book...haha
Honestly, their last album and (by the looks of it) this one sound like Tarkio; Colin's band before the Decemberists. So they're not really out of place to me. Just a revisit far back into the past. They still carry the spirit of the Decemberists to me, in the end. Heck, when I introduce new people to the Decemberists, they always enjoy the King is Dead the most. So take that as you will. My personal favorite is Hazards of Love though. Hope they play the Rake's Song when I see them in Pittsburgh.
3 0
One of the things I like most about their concerts is that its not the same show every night. They will obviously play most or all of the songs from teh most recent album, but, other than that, they pick from whatever of their older stuff. So, who knows what they'll play. Enjoy the show!
Yes! I've been saying that for so long and now finally someone agrees. They totally sound like a more mature version of Tarkio. I don't think Colin has changed as much as he has tried to improve something he did a long long time ago.
Dylan Neslo Hey Dylan, I thought you had said that they copied REM...to the extent they had to "borrow" Peter Buck to complete the King is Dead. Which is it...do they sound too much like REM, or Tarkio? You don't make a lot of sense dude.
Dean Jackson Never even listened to REM, wasn't me:P
I didn't know Nick Offerman played in a band ;)...but seriously his songwriting is on a whole nother level
Lyrical genius at work.
I feel like I saw them getting lost in the music and that is really what I enjoy the most. These guys are great. :)
what a hauntingly beautiful song. it makes me think of those long cloudy rainy winters in the PNW.
I have to agree. All good and the stand up bass is lovely ... another great Decemberists track. I must get the new album soon ...
Unbelievably beautiful as usual. Love the jazzy/ Nick Drake feel. No one writes lyrics like Coddle (a favourite Irish dish).
These lyrics are always so well written, Colin is fantastic another amazing song
questa canzona e' bellissima
So beautiful. Thanks guys, you make life that much more bearable.
Just a brilliant song in every way.
To Mike. Neither of us were young. Forget about 17 (even though it felt like it). We were both in our 30's. Unhappy in our relationships. But we found each other. I hope this reminds you of the River. Not a Lake. it was mid summer. And it was special. It was important. I would have waited for you. It was what it was, I guess. But this song reminds me of that summer. It meant a lot to me.
The debt to Nick Drake is fully paid in this marvelous song. While others have pointed out its links to "Pink Moon" I hear it coming out of an earlier album, Bryter Later, which is more fully-orchestrated. Listen to ND's Hazy Jane or Northern Sky, a song that captures the same beautiful sadness but with shorter words.
Outstanding lyrics as always. I hope there are some heavier songs on this album... Not Iron Maiden or anything, just something that puts the rock into folk-rock like their first four albums. I wouldn't be averse to another Shara Worden collaboration, either. Looking forward to see the currently released songs in context of the full album.
This song breaks my heart cause I know I'll never be able to write lyrics this good.
Who could?
My mind is instantly calm when I listen to this. Bugger the psychotherapy I'll stick to The Decemberists. You guys have about thirty places on my bucket list. Please come to Australia.
A very 'Astral Weeks' vibe. I love this.
Love this!!! It's gonna take me a while to learn that piano part...
A great nod to Nick Drake's 'Pink Moon'. Well done.
Yeah bud. Between the Covers had their number. :)
I’m sitting here in a chair, listening to this song and I like it very much.
really looking forward to your up and coming UK tour, got my tickets, just waiting now.....................
This song evokes maybe Nick Drake's Bryter Later a bit. Beautiful Song.
This is one of the most moving songs I've seen all year. Incredible work!
I'm learning this song for my beautiful wife to surprise her on a date night. :)
The drummer is great
love this. thanks.
Chris Funk has such a wonderful tone on his guitar. I'm really, really jealous.
Such a beautiful song!
This is a cool Song i hear it frequently on the Radio 91.1 The Avenue
Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful Song
Good job congrats because of your doing this job maybe someone else is sayind your too old to sing but no this is perfect i love u
For some reason I'm reminded of whisper of the heart, the ghibli film.
Awesome guys, I'm came late in on your catalog, have made you part of my day ever since. I will be driving to Atlanta in April to see you guys, unless you decide to stop in the big easy, I can make a big tasty pot of gumbo and or jambalaya. Peace and love.
As always, thank you, Colin.
Wow. This is fantastic.
What a beautiful song....love the video.
These guys are mind blowing!
the music here so captures nick drake's "bryter layter" i hear echoes of danny thompson, robert kirby, paul harris, john cale
Russell Leisenheimer Yep, Nick Drake.
Beautiful song, incredible voice. Love this band I do :)
beautiful
Thank you, love it from first listen.
This song has a _Looking for Alaska_ feel to it.
omg you're right
First love...who can forget or get over it?
vocês são maravilhosos!
מפתיעים כל פעם מחדש
I think this is my favorite Decemberists song. Didn't play it at their show :(
I love this song so much.
What a beautiful song.
See you at Pemberton!! Woooo