The Decemberists "Picaresque" Funko Pop! Moments and the veneration of a

and the veneration of a generation

Linkin Park) to bring a truly remarkable new album

" Chris Sutter explains

the five piece have undoubtedly over the years been able to balance a DIY ethos and dependability

This album boasts their finest ballads to date—"Major Leagues" and "Stranger"—but the days of fiery songs like "No Life for Ginger" may be over

The Decemberists "Picaresque" Funko Pop! Moments and the veneration of aThe Decemberists know that the psychology of a culture at war is complex; that historical archetypes can inform the masses on current events far better than the evening news; and, perhaps most importantly, that life is ultimately a spectacular and colorful pageant. They remind us that, on any given day, we might rub shoulders with rogue spies and runaway prostitutes, child monarchs and vengeful mariners, boy ghosts, couples contemplating suicide,