Summersong

Album: The Crane Wife (2006)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Summersong" is a more mainstream sound for the indie-scene darling band The Decemberists. It was written by their frontman Colin Meloy. Some sharp observers have compared it to Eddie Brickell's "What I Am." There's certainly some similar instrumental and structural similarity between the two, but not really that close.
  • While the song itself has no charting record, the album The Crane Wife was voted Best Album of 2006 by National Public Radio listeners. It was also The Decemberists highest-charting album at the time, clocking in at #35 on the Billboard Album 200, which shows a steady progress towards their next two albums at #14 and then #1.

    Critic Jim DeRogatis in the Chicago Sun-Times called this album "the best Jethro Tull album since Heavy Horses." He clarifies that he means that as a compliment. DeRogatis cites an interview in which it is revealed that keyboard and accordion player Jenny Conlee is in fact a big Jethro Tull fan.
  • As you might expect, The Crane Wife is a concept album, one which revolves around a story based on a Japanese folk tale, and another inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest. Did somebody say "progressive rock"?

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.