This charming man goes live
Colin Meloy
Colin Meloy Sings Live! (Kill Rock Stars)
ESSENTIAL "Wonder"
Colin Meloy, the captain of the drama-kid-friendly pop band the Decemberists, takes a break from the day job with this live solo effort. Albums like this are tailor-made for devoted fans, but in this case, "Colin Meloy Sings Live!" gives you a glimpse of what makes the Decemberists frontman tick. His set list includes everything from Decemberists B-sides (the absurd "Bandit Queen"); "Devil's Elbow," an oldie from Tarkio, Meloy's previous band; and snippets of covers from Fleetwood Mac to the Smiths. Recorded at shows ranging from Boston to Seattle, the record spans Meloy's career and retains some of the immediacy of a show. Hearing Meloy share his "worst song ever," "Dracula's Daughter," can grate, but new versions of standbys like "The Gymnast High Above the Ground" reveal the skeletons behind his melodies, inventive guitar playing, and playful storybook lyrics that combine the mope and feeling of Morrissey with the macabre vision of Edward Gorey. [Elisabeth Donnelly]
Colin Meloy plays at the Somerville Theatre tonight at 7:30. 