ThePenguinEater

Colin! The Decemberists are my absolute favorite band, so it's incredibly exciting that you're doing this AMA.

1) Fan question: Hazards of Love is still my favorite Decemberists album, and a lot of that has to do with the contributions from Shara Worden. Do you ever plan to collaborate with her or Becky Stark again? When I saw you guys at Merriweather Pavilion for that tour, one of my favorite parts of the show was when Shara and Becky came back out in white jumpsuits and did "Crazy on You" by Heart.

2) Craft question: You are hands-down the best lyricist I know of. In my own song-writing, one of the big things I struggle with is including concrete, specific details in my lyrics - something you are brilliant at. What tips do you have for including more visual imagery in my lyric writing? I always start with music first, btw, so I'm wondering if your approach differs.

Thank you for doing this AMA and for continuing to produce amazing music. See you at your show in Philly in April!

Thank you for the response! I understand about the elusiveness of songwriting. Two nights ago I suddenly got struck with inspiration and ended up writing a song about a man going through a mid-life crisis who does mushrooms and goes on a drug-fueled romp through a TJ Maxx.

Now if I can only find some high-brow literary references to include it...

That's perfect, because I discovered Shara Worden through The Decemberists. After I heard Hazards of Love, and then saw her just own the stage when I saw them live, I knew I had to check out her music, so I listened to A Thousand Shark's Teeth and loved it.

Her voice on "The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid" is just earth-shattering.

You're welcome! Happy to not be a bundle of sticks.

Lol, let's see what else I remember. They did two completely separate sets: first they played through Hazards of Love in its entirety, and then they came back and did a more traditional set with all their other songs. I remember that in between those sets, and just before they launched into Mariner's Revenge, they came out into the middle of the audience and performed some sort of skit.

I don't remember exactly what the skit was about, but I do remember that it involved two of the guys in the band (I want to say it was Nate and John) having to kiss each other.

If there's anyone else out there who was in that show, please feel free to fill in the gaps in my memory.