Crib Notes

UNDER THE WEATHER: The Decemberists

(photo by Autumn de Wilde)

It’s time for some speculation.

Portland, Ore., indie-pop band the Decemberists, favorite among hipsters the world over (and me), have canceled their “Long and Short of It” Tour after just two nights.

This is the message they sent to their devoted mailing-list subscribers. It is also posted to their website.

With much regret The Decemberists have cancelled the remainder of “The Long and Short of It” tour.

One of our band members has been ill for a while but we thought all would be well in time for these tour dates. After a couple shows, though, it has become clear that the illness is much worse than we had initially realized. We need to return home so our friend can mend.

It saddens us to disappoint our fans. We hope everybody understands it is only because of an extreme situation that we had to cancel a tour we’ve all been excited about doing since the idea was originally hatched.

Our deepest apologies but at this time no plans are being made to reschedule the dates. Ticket holders should seek refunds at point of purchase.

Last month they canceled the end of their European tour for the same vague reason. Something big is going on.

Here, I think, are the most likely causes:

— Carpal tunnel syndrome (playing the pedal steel is torture on your joints)
— Seasonal affective disorder (worsened by the quick approach of their namesake month)
— Legionnaires’ disease (or polio, whichever is more romantic)
— Black lung (from sweeping too many “chimbleys”)
— Consumption (when MRSA just isn’t enough)
— Overconsumption
— Bowler hat too tight

We must find the problem and treat it. Until then, Decemberists fans will be stuck at home, reading the dictionary and weeping because the word “fecundity” is not as beautiful without the frame of frontman Colin Meloy’s lips.

I wish ______ a speedy recovery from ______. Three Atlanta shows in one year were just not enough for me.

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There are some things in this world that were simply made for each other. Peanut butter and jelly. Sonny and Cher (umm …). Optimus Prime and the Autobots. Celebrities and the paparazzi. Optimus Prime and the paparazzi. The Decemberists and the ASO.

Last Saturday night, amid the cries of a gradually filling Chastain Park Amphitheater, two of these great forces met head-to-head and fulfilled that natural bond. Indie-pop sensation the Decemberists and the classical sensation that is the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra joined forces, drawing together the two unique though complementary genres to create something exceptional.

The band appeared on stage promptly at 8 p.m., situating itself in front of the orchestra. And while I despised myself for being a cheap-ass and not opting for tickets where I might actually see something, the music began and all the self-deprecating inner dialogue dispersed.

The evening spanned the band’s entire musical repertoire — from Castaways and Cutouts to The Crane Wife — each selection endowed with a fierce and vibrant energy, revealing aspects of the music that don’t quite become noticeable until you hear the Decemberists play with a nationally renowned symphony.

And while every song played throughout the course of the evening was certainly memorable, the band’s rendition of The Tain — a nearly 20-minute beautiful monster of an EP from 2005 — featured Jenny Conlee hacking down the keys of the organ and wailing with her dulcimer vocals while Colin Meloy retired to the drum set. And the orchestra behind, simply in vibrations with energy, lights ablaze and heads spinning, was nothing short of breathtaking.

Just on a personal note, I’m going to say that if you weren’t there you might want to castrate yourself.

Music aside, the showmanship of Meloy made the show all the better. From his feelings on snack crackers (“Wheat Thins can solve a lot of problems. … so many flavors”), to his wishing a 94-year-old man a happy birthday, Meloy created an atmosphere that welcomed everyone — regardless of their social class, style of dress or music preference.

This show offered fans the inner workings of the more classical aspects of the Decemberists’ music, showing off the genius behind the orchestration. And it was brilliant.

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