The Decemberists

I think it's safe to say that everything that this band puts out is brilliant. I have listened to all of their albums, and never in my life have I heard so many odd and fascinating tales told through music. For instance, the album "Castaways and Cutouts" contains a song about a legionnaire who daydreams about being back home, while he is stuck in the dessert, appropriately titled "The Legionnaire's Lament". This band makes songs like this one surprisingly relatable. The lyrics are outstanding, and each album gives you stories that could easily be adapted into lively stage productions. I am amazed at how timeless all of their music feels. It all feels nostalgic yet crisp. The stories are backed by wonderful chords that are the icing on the cake. Bravo. Justice is served because America says it's so.