via//chicago

np: "Eva Luna" - Tarkio

Thanks to a friend of mine, I've been spending the evening listening to the recorded output of Tarkio, better know as Colin Meloy's college band before he formed The Decemberists. If you're already a fan of his work with the more well-known band, Omnibus won't entirely surprise you. Meloy's voice is unmistakable, as are the numerous literary references he packs into each song. What may throw you a little is the alt-country tinge that many of the tracks take on, resulting in a sound that isn't terribly far off from something you'd hear on an Uncle Tupelo album. To be honest, I half expected this to be something I'd listen to once and quickly file away (often the case when hearing early work of artists you really love), but I'm finding this stuff to be quite engaging much of the time. Meloy's skill as a songwriter and leader is clearly on display and its easy to see how The Decemberists emerged so fully fleshed out. A particular favorite of mine is one that sounds little like the others, a fairly rocking piece.