The Decemberists@ Fox Theater in Oakland, CA 5/20/09

Last night at a sold out increadibly beautiful Fox Theater in downtown Oakland, The Decemberists proved once again that they are modern troubadours in every sense of the word.

The first set was performed as an entire piece, taking their recently released "Hazards of Love" and turning it up a notch.

For those who do not know, the 17 song expansive suite focuses on Margaret and her lover, William, shape shifting animals, forest queens, and a lascivious rake. There is treachery, heartache and violence. I consider the album somewhat of a masterpiece.

When the Decemberists are joined by "The Diamonds" - Shara Worden(My Brightest Diamond) and Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond)- they are a tour de force.

Shara Worden made my hair stand on end during her performance as the Forest Queen in "The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid"

Here it is from Tuesday's opening tour show in LA