While they didn't play enough from "The Crane Wife," the Decemberists systematically picked songs from each of their six albums last night, going back to two from the 2002 debut "Castaways and Cutouts." As stated in the full print review, the opener "California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade" dragged on -- although I did like how Colin Meloy playful dropped in R.E.M. and Replacements guitar bits mid-song -- but "July July!" was a fun one to hear again. All of the new material really came off beautifully, too, especially "This Is Why We Fight" and "June Hymn," both saved for stirring finales. The latter would be a real doozy if the band ever plays here outdoors on a gorgeous summer night again. Here's the full set list below.
How did you longtime fans like having Sara Watkins play such a prominent role in the band?
California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade / Down by the Water / The Calamity Song / Rise to Me / July, July! / Won't Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga) / The Crane Wife 3 / Los Angeles, I'm Yours / All Arise! / Rox in the Box / January Hymn / The Infanta / 16 Military Wives / This Is Why We Fight ENCORE 1: The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned) / The Rake's Song ENCORE 2: June Hymn
