The Decemberists – “Valerie Plame”
The first in The Decemberists’ new singles series, “Valerie Plame” is an unrepentantly over the top, banjo and horn-laden ode to the infamously embattled CIA agent (told through the eyes of a lovestruck contact) that ends with a wild, “Hey Jude” rip-off but is (quite slyly and sarcastically) one of the best political songs of the decade.
Always the Bridesmaid: “Valerie Plame”’s b-side and the two other volumes of the band’s “Always the Bridesmaid” singles series constitute five brand new tracks, some hits and some minor misses: “O New England” is too typical to be interesting and “I’m Sticking With You” is a tired choice for a Velvet Underground cover, but “Days of Elaine” is great and “Record Year” and “Raincoat Song” are quite beautiful.
Grade: 4.5 / 5
Capitol/Y.A.B.B./Jealous Butcher
Volume I: October 14, 2008
Volume II: November 4, 2008
Volume III: December 2, 2008