Traditional Techniques is new phase folk music for new phase folks, with Stephen Malkmus as attuned as ever to the rhythms of the ever-evolving lingual slipstream
It's rare to come across such specific and purposeful prose in modern pop. But, alongside Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst and the Decemberists' Colin Meloy, John Darnielle is helping bring fine lyric writing back to life - NY Daily News.
The Decemberists know that the psychology of a culture at war is complex; that historical archetypes can inform the masses on current events far better than the evening news; and that life is ultimately a spectacular and colorful pageant.
Big Smile is at once a return to form and a monumental step forward, tracing the sound of a band exorcising their demons and learning to trust themselves.