Her Majesty The Decemberists

It opens with its most ambitious track, "Shanty for the Arethusa," (3/5) which is quite a whale of a song. It's a little lengthy and drags on, leaving the listener to wonder if the rest of the album will sound like this. It's not at all a bad song, but it's, dare I say, too much. It gets to be overwhelming. It's chorus gets you thinking it's about to pick up into something new but this song just, sort of, goes on... over my head. Definitely an interesting track and not one to skip, but it's just a little too ambitious and overwhelming. Next you hear the shout of "Billy Liar" (4/5) having his hands in his pockets staring over at the neighbors' knickers down. This is a much peppier song than the previous and changes the direction of the album for the better, it's not their best song, but "Billy Liar" is much friendlier to the listener and is much more enjoyable.
"Los Angeles, I'm Yours" (5/5)is one of the better songs on the album. Composed with the guitar, backed up by the Decemberists' string quartet and including a harmonica solo, this brilliantly written song that takes shots at my home town is one that will leave you asking for more.
"The Gymnast, High Above the Ground" (4/5) is another more ambitious song. Unlike "Shanty," "The Gymnast" builds up rather than go backwards. This is one of the more beautiful songs with a little bit more piano. The simple repetition of this song is infectious and it was very well done and thought out, but still not their best.
"The Bachelor and the Bride" (4/5) is another more listener friendly song that seems a little bit simpler; not their best, but is still very good. This song marks the star of where this album really hits its stride.
"Song for Myla Goldberg" (5/5) is another really good one. It's very unique and again, more listener friendly. Sounds good in all the right places. Very interesting lyrics.
"The Soldiering Life" (4/5) is, again, a very, very good song. Very well written and well done.
"Red Right Ankle" (5/5) is an absolutely amazing song. I'm still not sure what it is about but this simple acoustic-driven ballad(?) is one of the best songs on this album, absolutely incredible.
"The Chimbley Sweep" (4/5) is again, a very ambitious song. This song has an interesting sound and truly is unique. Messes with the stride built by the last 4 songs a little, but worth it.
"I was Meant for the Stage" (5/5), although a little long is incredible. Possibly the best of the bunch. Awesome.
"As I Rise" (5/5) is the perfect end for this album. Extremely good. Whimsical sounding, good fun.

This album may not be better than "Castaways and Cutouts," but it is very good. The Decemberists are one of the most original and ambitious bands to come out of Portland, or anywhere for that matter, in a long, long time. Not a single bad track. Can get a little trippy and overwhelming, but this album is very good and won't disappoint you. As much as comparisons to Bell and Sebastian and Neutral Milk Hotel are flattering, they forget how unique the Decemberists are. Listen to the album and you'll understand.