Decemberists fans already knew extrovert drummer
John Moen's talents, seeing him sing flawless backing vocals while gaily beating his kit, then handling other instruments (even piano) before hamming up "The Mariner's Revenge Song." And though this solo step-out (with help from cronies such as his old
Jicks leader,
Stephen Malkmus) can't compare with his main gig -- then again, what can? --
Perhapst is persistently pleasant. Would that
Moen had ten more songs as dazzling as "Blue Year," which is like one of those great
Boo Radleys songs that once haunted your days, with elements of
Fugu and
Loney, Dear. Its acoustic guitar and boppy drums anchor darting Mellotron-ish synth parts and fuzzed-out electrics. The rest is ear-catching, purposeful soft rock indie tune-ery, with affirmations of folk (like the
Pernice Brothers-ish, sweet "Cruel Whisk") and
Loose Salute-ish alt-country --
Moen's near-falsetto adding obliging neo-
Brian Wilson touches throughout. Nice.