9:30 club: The Decemberists

I just caught The Decemberists at the 9:30 Club. I've now seen them there three times, the first with Kassie last year was probably the best. They had props and put on a whole production. Tonight they just played their instruments and generally rocked out.

The crowd's unfamiliarity with the new Decemberists album was apparent from the start. Enthusiasm waned during the new songs, with the crowd perking up when they played songs off of Picaresque. Lead singer Colin Meloy's efforts to get the crowd to participate were mixed, successful with 16 Military Wives, not as much on Sons and Daughters.

Musically, the band continues to be superior. Meloy's voice and a panoply of instruments filled the club with melodies wistful and sweet. Playing for two hours, this was probably the longest set I've seen at 9:30.

And with a well-lit stage throughout the show, I think I may have taken my best concert picture ever.