This past week, I caught The Decemberists‘ show at The Orpheum here in Boston, and as usual, they did not disappoint. This was the 6th time I’ve seen them live, and they are so head and shoulders above any other live act I’ve ever seen, that to say they are a great live act doesn’t do their brilliance a shred of justice.

As most indie rock bands, they are liberal leaning and have had politics and political themes creep into their songs and lyrics more than once. First with 16 Military Wives, and now with their latest Valerie Plame, these songs end up coming across as kick-ass songs first, and political messages a distant second.

Have a listen to the ode to Valerie Plame here, and be sure and hang on to the end, where the “Hey hey Valerie Plame” sing-along gets a bit “Hey Jude-ish”.

Also, a good interview with lead singer Colin Meloy on NPR here.