Always the Bridesmaid, Volume III: Record Year for Rainfall
The Decemberists · 2008
6 min · 2 tracks · art rock
A whimsical blend of intricate melodies and lyrical storytelling wrapped in vibrant, folk-infused art rock textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Record Year for Rainfall — This track encapsulates the EP's thematic exploration of nostalgia and longing through lush instrumentation and vivid imagery.
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Raincoat Song — With its concise structure and poignant lyrics, this song highlights the band's knack for creating emotive storytelling within a limited timeframe.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks the depth of their full albums.
What we noticed
- The first track features a complex arrangement with multiple instrumental layers that build throughout its duration.
- The second track employs a more stripped-down approach, focusing on vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation.
- Both tracks utilize vivid storytelling in their lyrics, with a strong emphasis on imagery and narrative progression.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — An essential EP that reflects their evolving sound, not widely recognized as a standout.
- Themes
- nostalgic rainfall· vivid storytelling· whimsical imagery
- Career context
- By the release of Always the Bridesmaid, Volume III: Record Year for Rainfall, The Decemberists had established themselves as a prominent force in indie rock after their breakthrough album Picaresque in 2005. This EP followed their 2006 release, The Crane Wife, and continued to showcase their narrative-driven songwriting and eclectic musical style while expanding their fan base.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Fleet Foxes
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Record Year for Rainfall 4:34
- 2 Raincoat Song 2:22
What to play next
The Hazards of Love
2009
Continues the narrative style with rich storytelling and dynamic arrangements.
The Crane Wife
2006
Sets the stage with similar folk-infused art rock and intricate melodies.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Shares whimsical storytelling and lush arrangements with a focus on vivid imagery and nostalgia.
Armchair Apocrypha
Andrew Bird
Combines intricate melodies and lyrical depth, creating a rich, folk-infused art rock atmosphere.
Helplessness Blues
Fleet Foxes
Features evocative storytelling and harmonies, blending folk influences with a reflective, whimsical tone.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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