By know the whole world knows about Colin Meloy and his motley band of gypsy pals. Over the last few years, The Decemberists have transformed themselves from beloved little indie band on tiny Kill Rock Stars records, to beloved commercial sensation band on mammoth Capitol Records. And, of course, they're headlining a show in Millennium Park (accompanied by the Grant Park Orchestra) that will draw thousands of fans. So that's pretty big. Who knew "P.H.D. Pop" could appeal to such a wide audience?

Colin Meloy's literary and highly theatrical tales of vagabonds, outcastes and society's destitute somehow managed to strike a chord with all different types of music listeners. This was only supposed to be for Lit majors and Mountain Goats fans (perhaps that's the same thing?), not teenagers in the throws of "prama" (see New York Times for definition). But I've definitely spotted some 15-year-olds rocking out to The Decemberists.

The band's success isn't that surprising when you really think about it. Meloy has a very nice (if nasally) pop voice that you can sing along too, and the songs are certainly catchy. And there are all sorts of climaxes and choruses to be found in the Decemberists' orchestral repertoire that make listeners feel like they're experiencing something resembling emotion. But who could've predicted that pirate music would be so hip?

The Decemberists play Millennium Park, on Wednesday, July 18th.