The theme seems natural, considering Meloy's history in creative writing. From allusions to mythic figures like Sycorax and Patagon in "Come and See" to the cautionary bedtime story "Shankhill Butchers", the album heralds works from a myriad of cultures and time periods. Inspired by a Japanese folk tale, the three part title track is a rich retelling of a love lost, while the epic second track offers three thematic chapters, poetically recounting a senseless crime (fans familiar with "The Tain" will see a similarity). Part two of track two "The Landlord's Daughter" in particular brings to mind a morbid children's rhyme. An excitable rock organ accents the piece, illustrating the murderous fervor of the assailant as he sings "I produced my pistol, then my saber/ Said, ‘Make no whistle or thou will be murdered!"
To flavor the old world feel of the antiquated language and dated subject matter, acoustic instruments have been utilized most, fully immersing the listener in Meloy's winsome, boyish vocals. The guitar, accordion, and tambourine dominate, but the group brings some new sounds to the table with the addition of the Moog, the aforementioned rock organ, and the electric guitar and bass. Tracks like "When the War Came" are made more timelessly haunting when a pounding electric guitar groans over lyrics like "And the war came with a curse and a caterwaul/And the war came with all the poise of a cannonball." The romantically violent "The Perfect Crime #2" introduces a funky bass and soaring guitar riffs over the story of a planned kidnapping turned assassination.
More so than in previous albums, Crane has recurring tales of lovers torn apart by forces they cannot control. "The Crane Wife" itself takes on a man's point of view as he laments the loss of his wife, an act that results from his careless greed. The Civil War ballad "Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)" breaks the listener's heart as the song progresses into a call and answer between a the ghost of a dead soldier and his lonely, pregnant wife. Even the seemingly upbeat "O, Valencia!" tells the Romeo and Juliet-esque tale of two lovers brought down by their feuding families. Thank goodness for the final track "Sons and Daughters", where the album finishes with a vision of harmony and a world free of sadness and conflict.
By broadening its musical horizons, The Decemberists has added more texture to a collection that is lyrically ripe with character. With The Crane Wife, the group has refined its earlier, more patchwork style of music making storytelling. The product is a literary jaunt through time backed by a diverse and eclectic soundtrack of seamlessly arranged instruments.
by Amanda Waltz