The Decemberists treat high-concept nerd-dom like their one true calling. Writing story-songs about forest queens and evil rakes, naming one of their albums (2005's Picaresque) after an obscure form of fiction, and generally making liberal use of their liberal arts educations, the group were one of the most unique bands to surface in the 2000s. It helped that they infused their songs with a warm, woodsy tunefulness, which made the narratives go down easier and earned them loyal listeners.

The band formed in Portland, Oregon at the turn of the millennium. Led by singer Colin Meloy, whose strong lyricism and vivid storytelling served as the backbone for the band, the Decemberists came together when Meloy left his native Montana and his former band Tarkio for the musically emerging Portland scene, eventually teaming with bassist Nate Query and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Conlin. The addition of guitarist Chris Funk soon followed.