Pitchfork

"If you don't love me, let me go," The Decemberists' Colin Meloy sings on "Engine Driver", originally from Picaresque (Pitchfork's #26 album of 2005). On the right days, it's my favorite lyric in the catalog of a guy who often seems to get more acclaim for his nautical epics, Victorian imagery, or occasional 10-dollar words. This version from Meloy's forthcoming live solo album sees Meloy laying the song bare, just voice and acoustic guitar, plus some lovely audience participation. The song's talk of county linemen always puts me in mind of Glen Campbell; the opening, slightly dissonant guitar chords put me in mind of something else. But whether live or in-studio, solo or full-band, Meloy's plaintive, writerly plea remains very much his own, and it's one of his finest pop songs.

Stream:> Colin Meloy: "Engine Driver" (Live)
[from Colin Meloy Sings Live!; due 04/08/08 on Kill Rock Stars]