The Engine Driver by The Decemberists

Published 13 Nov 2021

Guess what I found out when reading about this album? It was produced by Chris Walla, who is the guitarist from Death Cab for Cutie 😂 So apparently, this is now just an accidental Death Cab fan page. But like…the Death Cab Expanded Universe. 🙃

Anyway, the Decemberists truly sound nothing like DCfC or honestly like any other band I’ve ever heard. Their vibe is really minor-key-yet-playful (they used a hurdy-gurdy on this album for heaven’s sake) and always sounds like it’s from another time. I really dig ‘em.

This cover is far from perfect, but I’m especially pleased with the bells under the money lender verse. It’s a critical part of the sound of this track, and I’m so grateful I saved my bell set from the 8th grade lo these 20 years

Cheers! -Timothy

Stuck In My Head Music 2016-2021