The Decemberists

Is today crazy interview day?
Colin Meloy, singer (second from right): Yeah. You are number two of 16. I turn into Noel Gallagher around number 12.

You’re using the Japanese folk tale “The Crane Wife” as inspiration for a few songs on your new album of the same name. Is the songwriting process similar to adapting a book for a screenplay?
I was coddling the line between a literal, narrative interpretation of the story and a more abstract one. But I was really intent on making sure the story was clear. It’s too easy when you’re writing abstractions.

There are so many songwriters who do have a gift for abstraction but have difficulty being clear.
Which is fine, because I think a lot of pop music is supposed to be that way.

Pop is supposed to be abstract?
For example, on Joanna Newsom’s new one there is an amazing song, “Monkey and Bear,” which is a perfect example of a linear narrative. But it’s written in a really high, poetic tone.

Speaking of abstract, you use a lot of seemingly made-up proper nouns in your songs. Do you worry people might not understand you?
You pick up the meaning by context, just as you would in a book.

That’s true. It was only when I read the liner notes that I wondered, What the hell do these odd words mean?
That’s why our poet laureate, Billy Collins, is a total plebe. His poetry is a perfect example of where we’re at with our language and our culture. He writes in the most plain tone he possibly can with the most shallow metaphors. It’s face-value meaning, and he is the poet that George Bush picked. There is a weird antilanguage thing going on. Our President doesn’t pay much attention to the rules of grammar.

Does the size and loyalty of your audience, especially in light of this dumbing-down, surprise you?
I’ve been surprised since our very first show. I was doing a selfish experiment, a songwriting voice I didn’t think would appeal to anyone. I was a little dumbstruck when it actually started reaching a wider audience.

What’s most surprising to an indie rocker about being on a major label like Capitol?
It hasn’t changed the creative process at all. The biggest difference is the bureaucracy. You don’t have [Kill Rock Stars’ president] Slim Moon’s cell-phone number, and just call when there’s an issue. But we’ve received nothing but support from the label, and I think they’re excited to have us there.—Matthew Lurie

The Decemberists play Riviera Theatre Saturday 11.