It was a cold November night when The Decemberists, The Walkmen and Loch Lomond warmed the hearts of the Pipe Dream staff at Cornell University.

Jarrod Williams, Release writer: I thought it was a pretty good show. I’m always down for melancholy dirge, especially if it has medieval or old English feudalist references.

Ben White, Release writer: I thought they were pretty awesome. I had never seen The Decemberists before. “Valerie Plame” was my favorite song.

Chris Harnick, Release editor: I really liked Loch Lomond. I bought the CD — gotta support the indie kids.

Steven Rice, Newsroom Tech manager: I didn’t see the appeal [of Loch Lomond], not enough energy to engage the audience really.

Chris: Oh really?

Steven: Though I imagine that’s difficult for an opening act. Plus I’m a pretty big Decemberists fan, so it was kind of like just wanting to get through the opening acts quickly. I am tough to please.

Jarrod: Any band that can incorporate an accordion, pedal steel and a banjo is cool in my book.

Ben: Mine too.

Chris: I was very pleased when The Decemberists went into “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. I really wanted them to do the whole song.

Jarrod: Yeah. a dude in front of me pumped his fists so hard he almost punched my friend in the face. They teased a Doobie Brothers song; I thought it was pretty nice too.

Steven: It was a very good live show, beyond just going on stage and playing their music, they involved the audience well.

Chris: But I was very bored by The Walkmen …

Jarrod: Yeah, I was laying down for the first two bands …

Ben: The guitarist looked like he was pretty bored, but I liked the singer’s voice.

Jarrod: When the lead of The Decemberists climbed the lighting, I was pretty concerned the whole thing was going to fall. It was during the mad carnival tune. He had a really good crowd participation, stage presence.