The first set, as it has been nearly the entire tour, was the Hazards of Love rock opera, in its entirety, in order, without pause. Although I’ve listened to this album through many (what is sure to be over 100) times by now, it certainly tiring in the best possible way for even an audience member to watch it straight through. The music is fantastic, but watching them recreate virtually every note, watching them very intentionally work towards preserving the flawless segues by wearing electric guitars through acoustic songs, it was just awesome.

With no idle chatter, no classic Decemberists raucous through the first set, the second set was decidedly different. With a fun set that featured long and playful sing-alongs, humorous anecdotes, crowd surfing, cartwheels, and even a brief tease of “Simple Gifts,” even the less hardcore fans peppered throughout the crowd could be spotted bopping their heads, laughing, singing, and having a good time. Featuring the first performance of “Everything I Try to Do, Nothing Seems to Turn Out Right” since 2002 and the debut of a song “about Florida”, the set ranged from just plain fun – Meloy handed his guitar to someone in the audience to play – to display of raw talent – Shara Worden and Becky Stark admirably channeling Ann Wilson and crushing Heart’s “Crazy on You” like only a few on this planet could. It was total enjoyment.

The Decemberists are bold in their presentation and put on a show that is incredibly compelling. Some call them – and their performance – arrogant and exclusive. I prefer to think of the Decemberists like a fine wine: it’s challenging, it’s enjoyable, each year is significantly different, and it’s ultimately incredibly satisfying.

Combine that with the fact that the Decemberists played a faithful rendition of their records, so much so that I was surprised at home skilled they were to pull of some of the more rapid, challenging sections with such technical proficiency.

The Decemberists have a very traditional, almost folky sound and their personalities match it perfectly. There was short, witty banter throughout, much of it amusing, and their kooky half-dancery was entertaining to watch. There was the perfect amount of attempted humor, enough to keep us smiling without overdoing it.

The crowd participation was especially notable. During some songs, he singled out sections of the audience to sing, and I was just blown away by how loud everyone was when the time demanded it. It was really cool.

I was aching to hear their latest epic song “The Island.” I was in heaven for the 9 or so minutes they played it, and they closed the show with “Sons and Daughters,” a catchy sing-along that closes the latest album, which made the perfect emotional connection.

Some songs, such as The Perfect Crime, Part II, gave them an opportunity to showcase their sillier side by hosting a “dance contest” mid-floor.

Great music, a great crowd, and a great time. It was exactly what you hope to get when you go to a concert.

They have replaced Layne Staley with a guy who sounds a LOT like him. I was skeptical, but I had heard good things.

Let me tell you – they were AWESOME. They put on a really great show. First off, the new lead singer can play guitar – and well – and he really had a great style of his own. He did Layne proud without looking or sounding like a rip off.

The setlist was incredible, the only thing I could’ve asked for was “I Stay Away,” which was semi-curiously omitted. All my favorites where there though: Got Me Wrong, Nutshell, Down in a Hole, Bleed the Freak, Junkhead, Would?, Brother, Angry Chair, even Whale & Wasp, for crying out loud. The middle section was a small acoustic set with a carpet and lamps, all set up while they played a short Layne Staley movie tribute.

The most incredible thing was that even though the concert crowd was nearly all older people, there were FOUR fights in our section during the show – one right in front of us when a woman wouldn’t sit down, which culminated in her throwing a drink and getting a drink thown on her.

Overall rating: A