Colin Meloy of the Decemberists first band- Tarkio

You might not recognize Tarkio but your probably familiar with lead singer Colin Meloy's current band The Decemberists. I was first turned onto Meloy when I heard a Tarkio song on a Wilco-based Pandora station.  Tarkio formed in the late 90's while the members attended the University of Montana.(Click here for more info) The music has a standard alt country back beat with lyrics that are seeds to Meloy's love for word play.

I have the bands double disk, Omnibus (pick it up on amazon). It plays like a greatest hits record minus the commercially successful radio singles. I posted a few highlights to the player at the top of page. Enjoy and let me know what you think. 

The track listing:

Weight of the World

Tristan and Iseult

Slow Down

Keeping Me Awake

Carolina Avenue

Neapolitan Bridesmaid

Lyrics to one of my favorite tunes, Tristan and Iseult

Would you like to go out tonight?
said Tristan to Iseult.
It's a lovely night
to go to the Odeon;
sit in the back row.
Sick of staying in.

So they threw on some clothes,
walked slowly down the street,
lit by lantern light,
through the market square,
studied the marquee,
bought two tickets and some popcorn.

And on the screen the hero stands,
the female lead, hand in hand,
and says,
God I love you,
but you trouble me.
She pushes him away.

And as the credits role,
Tristan turned to Iseult,
said, What did ya think?
It was okay, I guess.
That story's pretty old.
It's a bit cliched and hackneyed, I thought; I thought.

And back out on the street
they stopped for some ice cream.
Talking quietly,
there was nobody
in the room in which they sat,
as he reached across the table.

And just as their fingers caught,
timidly, he whispers to her
and says, God I love you, but you trouble me.
Said Tristan to Iseult.
Said Tristan to Iseult.
Said Tristan to Iseult.