have a wonderful time, Azeem. I hope they finish with Crazy on You - that's a stormer.

I bet it's going to be amaaaaaazing, you're very jammy.

...I think it's quorate

.. they're not venturing outside London. Can anyone explain that decision to me?
They had to cancel the last UK gigs, and now have managed to fit in just two dates, and an appearance on Jools Holland.
I expected maybe a gig in Mancheser, the North East and perhaps Glasgow- they must have more fans that just me outside London.
I truly hope you enjoy the gig, and that they're fantastic, but frankly, fuck 'em.

Sorry about that, bu really, I can't think how else to describe my feelings after that. It's straight into my top five gigs ever, and it's only halfway through! They played the album with huge brio and theatricality, and awesome musicality. The guitar switches alone must have been a huge challenge to choreograph - Colin Meloy managed to effect one switch while singing a song. "Margaret" was in full Ophelia regalia. And they're not done yet by a long chalk. Here they come in fact...

The Coronet. The venue is going to be a first for me, intrigued that there is such a large venue in London that was new to me - anyone else been there?

It would have been impossible to top the first half, so the amazement was that they came so close in the second. Where in the first half there was (quite rightly) no between-song banter, now Colin M revealed himself to be quite the joker, with much droll chat and a bit of running schtick about London and Britain in general being quaint.

As for the songs, they just kept producing brilliant tune after brilliant tune, with The Sporting Life, Sons and Daughters, Oh Valencia and The Engine Driver my highlights - and they didn't play my favourite (The Perfect Crime 2) or my other half's (The Crane Wife 3). From Hazards, The Wanting Comes In Waves was magnificent, The Rake's Song riotous, and the final song (Drowned) a perfect, downbeat finale.

My slight apprehension about Colin Meloy's voice was unfounded: he sounded terrific throughout, the two guest singers added much to the gaiety, and musically they were all top notch.

I'm not sure I've ever been to a better gig.

...is one of the best things about the group. Whenever I've seen them you've not just been able to hear him, you've also been able to hear what he was singing about, which you can't say about many groups.

before this year, when I heard all their stuff via live recordings - the NPR HoL show, several other performances downloaded from archive.org - before I bought all the albums. I love the albums, but live - wow, do those songs come to life. Every version of Yankee Bayonet, Valencia etc are magnificent.

I missed the "in-gig" blogging so for what it's worth here's my assessment in the cold light of day ... Good musicians, good sound, good atmosphere and the fact I spent most of the first half mouth open like a gargoyle points to the astounding presentation of Hazards of Love and a magnificent night.

As for the rest of my review ... sorry if it repeats too many points above but I generally think we are as one here.

Having blown between hot and warm with "Hazards of Love" since its issue earlier this year, I had an uneasy anticipation of this gig and the presentation of the album in full. Nervous? If ever a live performance can make or break a piece this was it, but also my GLW was beside me and she's not really a fan despite giving them the thumbs up a couple of years ago.

I need not have worried. The split into two fairly equal hour-ish parts meant the evening flew past with the band reproducing HoL with passion and vigour during the first part. Having toured this extensively over the last six months, rightly, they appeared to have a assured understanding of the music and each other.

Despite a general rise in chat towards the rear of the auditorium during the first half, the audience generally appeared to stand in rapt appreciation rarely even bothering to whip out their mobiles for quick pics. This was an ensemble piece. The excellent sound clarity meant that every element of the band could be heard and make their part count. The additional vocalists gave theatrical credence their roles variously floating ethereally or prowling the stage as appropriate. No one was there for a free ride.

Colin Meloy's unassuming wit and audience interaction skills were allowed to flourish during the second half as a selection of back numbers provided contrast to the darkness of HoL and proved The Decemberists could "do noise" as good as the next band. "The Engine Driver", the pantomime of the "Chimbey Sweep", the galloping "Oh Valencia" together with the final sing along "Sons and Daughters" were cracking crowd pleasers (including Mrs Phil).

I would be surprised if the "Hazards of Love" album managed generate many converts to The Decemberists and I suspect they'll be judged by many on Tuesday's unconvincing "Later ..." performance which unfortunately lacked the fun and accomplishment of their live show. Yes I know Colin Meloy's voice can grate for some, but he can work a crowd and write good stimulating toons. I was already hooked and after this fantastic evening I would actively seek them out in future. Come back soon.

Footnote about the support act, Alberta Cross. Get yer hair cut! Anonymous people playing anonymous indie hidden behind long floppy curtain hair and floppy hats. Sort of ... floppy and ... indie.

First time I'd been to the venue, second time I'd seen the band on these shores (first was in Oxford three years ago). Managed to get an excellent spot within the crowd, leaning against the back "wall"- which was only spoilt towards the very end by another lad standing so close to me that I fancied quoting Police lyrics to him but by that time, I'd have happily been fed foxglove.

Alberta Cross, can't say I felt anything for them. I had no idea what the singer was saying, and sometimes I think support-acts should just sing covers. One of their songs sounded like it was about to turn into "Angels"- which isn't a compliment.

Anyway, at about eight (or just after) the Jenny Conlee came on and the "Prelude" began; followed by the rest of the band. As is already understood, they proceeded to perform The Hazards of Love in sequence; and it made me smile, lots. It's difficult to pick highlights from the first half, but I was particularly impressed with "Annan Water", "The Hazards of Love 2 (Wager All), "The Wanting Comes In Waves/Repaid" and the albums Nashville song, "The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned)- a fitting end, to a wonderful performance.

Second set, the band performed a smattering of their other songs. One of the great things about the band is that, for their lack of commercial success, they aren't weighed down with the burden of playing hits and singles to please the crowd. They could've played anything they wanted.

As far as I can remember, the set list was (not in order)

The Sporting Life
July July
The Legionnaire's Lament
The Engine Driver
O Valencia
The Bachelor and The Bride
Dracula's Daughter
The Chimbley Sweep

Encore
"New song"
Sons and Daughters

Personally, I was slightly disappointed they didn't perform a selection of my favourites ("We Both Go Down Together", "Sleepless", "Los Angeles, I'm Yours" et al.) In fact, I was disappointed the gig didn't last all night. Found myself singing along to every word, with a grin of my face, in my poorest imitation of Meloy

...my favourite album of the year is Hazards Of Love, by a mile. Why? Well, just reading the above reviews made me feel excited at the very thought of them playing the whole album live, as a single piece. Been a long time since I got so tingly at the very THOUGHT of a show I hadn't even been present at!