wind in our sails - A JJ2 Post -

I yearn for the sea!  Welcome to a wacky music wednesday that transports us across the ocean via boat. I don't know what kind of boat, but I assume it's necessary to have sails. Wind in our faces, nothing but the waves crashing in the distance... Let's gtfo of here shall we?

"The Mariner's Revenge Song" - The Decemberists. 

God I love this song, it's equal parts a tragically beautiful story with a folksy backing of lesser used instruments: Recorder, accordion, harp, ukulele, and mandolin - all in the same song.

 

The story is simple, there's no hidden metaphor, no deeper meaning to what is being told, just a tale of a guy who wants his revenge on another guy for wronging his family. I won't say anymore than that, let the song tell the story 

 Musically, they hit the theme and atmosphere perfectly. It really feels like you're listening to a guy in a tavern rant about how much this other guy sucks; mwah its perfect! The intense moments of the song aren't forgotten though, and all instruments are used to their fullest to create a cacophony at the climax. 

And oh my god, the no-lyrics reprise at 7:26 has you singing the mother's words along with an incredible example of musical prosody!! Truly an impressive song for it's seemingly simple presentation.

I really, really love this song, and really any song that is ocean/sailing themed, if you have any, please send them my way, I'm always looking for new ones! 

 

(Others I like and very highly recommend if I haven't already: