Musical Thesis: The Decemberists "What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World"

Reviews
Written By Nathan Box

At the center of every album is a musical thesis. The Decemberists “What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World” is an evolutionary display of a stranglehold on the English language. This band has never been one to dumb down their lyrics or patronize the listener. From album one to this latest installment, they have always seemed very interested in telling a complete story; all the while using colorful and descriptive language to guide us from beginning to end. This album is also about growth for the fans and the band. Depending on when you fell in love with this band, it may be difficult for you. If you are an early adopter, change may be challenging for you. If you fell in love somewhere in the middle of the catalog, discovery can feel like an affirmation. If this is your first Decemberists album, you are quite open to new experiences. This band had to change. They had to grow and their sound had to evolve for both themselves and their listeners. The same stories cannot be told in the same fashion forever. As they make this evolutionary shift, they open a new chapter. The Decemberists of the future may sound very different and that’s okay. This is about moving forward through this world.


Thanks for entering my world,

-Nathan​ 

Nathan Box
Hello! My name is Nathan. I've always believed I would meet that special someone in one of two places; either a record store or a book store. Maybe I need to amend? I moved to Seattle in February of 2011 from Oklahoma City (Try and not hold the Sonics/Thunder thing against me). I knew I wanted to work for a nonprofit and go to grad school. Within a couple of months, I was doing both. During the day, I work as a Fund Developer and Community Relations Manager for a nonprofit in Kent and at night I try to stay as busy as possible volunteering, trying new restaurants, finding hidden bars and exploring Seattle. The past few years has been both terrifying and exhilarating. I have done things on my own I didn’t think were within my capability. I love being outdoors. On any given weekend, I can be found hiking, on a road trip, volunteering, at a museum, seeing a movie (I see a lot of them). I am passionate about nonprofit work. I feel called to leave a mark on this world. Nothing against those who enjoy making tons of money, I just need to know I am making a difference.
natetheworld.squarespace.com
Previous

Captured

Next

A Reader: “The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown