The Decemberists at Leeds Academy.

Like last Saturday evening, I spent this one at a venue I had never attended previously. The purpose of my visit to the Academy in Leeds was to see the Decemberists perform live, my first experience of such an event.

Whereas at the Independent in Sunderland last week I stood within touching distance of Hiss Golden Messenger among a crowd of about 100, there were a couple of thousand of us packed into the Academy and I soon realised that my height of 5 feet 8 inches is inadequate when stuck towards the back of such a large standing crowd. Consequently these written impressions are based upon the fact that I could only see about 50% of what was going on up on the stage.

Nevertheless the Decemberists cannot be faulted for their performance. Surely Colin Meloy must be one of the finest front men around at this time. From the first seconds as he wandered onto the stage alone and began 'The Singer Addresses His Audience' he held that audience captivated. Gradually the other band members joined him on stage and we were then treated to a selection of material from throughout their career. Highlights for me personally were 'Lake Song', 'Carolina Low' and 'Make You Better' from the most recent album plus 'The Rake's Song' and 'Calamity Song'. Despite it being St. Valentine's night there is little in the catalogue of Decemberists songs that really create a romantic mood. This was a fact that was humorously acknowledged by Meloy. 

Nevertheless the audience loved it and after an encore which included 'The Sporting Life' ending with a portion of the Smith's 'This Charming Man', the band returned to the stage for a final time to present a theatrical version of the 'The Mariner's Revenge Song' (from 2005). Cue much opportunity for audience participation. 

Clearly Colin Meloy and colleagues had the audience in the palms of their hands right to the very end.

The tour continues so catch them if you can.

The weekend also gave me the opportunity to spend time with my youngest son including a very pleasant Sunday morning stroll and a lunch in the nearby historic town of Beverley. Lovely!