The Decemberists [official site, allmusic bio] are a band that I’ve been interested for some time, but it wasn’t until they were recommended simultaneously by Wil Wheaton and Amoeba that I finally picked up one of their albums. Front-man Colin Meloy’s country-alternative background and Jenny Conlee’s accordion distinguish the Decembererists from other indie-pop artists. Despite several references to San Francisco landmarks on the album, interestingly Meloy is from Montana and the band was formed in Portland. C&C covers a fair amount of ground, from the lively “July, July!” to Melissa’s favorite, the folksy “Legionaire’s Lament.” Based on the strength of C&C, I’m almost certain to pick up 2003’s Her Majesty and this year’s Picaresque.