Pitchfork

Attention Decemberists obsessives! Want to dress up in a jacket that once belonged to Colin Meloy? Play the B.C. Rich Warlock shredded by Chris Funk during last month's Decemberists vs. Stephen Colbert guitar solo duel? Re-enact scenes from the Picaresque album artwork?

Now you can!

Starting today, the Decemberists are auctioning off all sorts of autographed goodies, including instruments, clothing, artwork, CDs, posters, and more, on eBay. Proceeds will go to p:ear, a Portland-based organization that, according to its website, "builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives." Can't argue with that.

As previously reported, the Decemberists are gearing up to tour Europe in February, and a spring trek is also in the work.

For information on Meloy's "5 Favorite Things Thus Far in 2007" and an apology from Chris Funk for losing the aforementioned Decemberists vs. Colbert guitar challenge (and an explanation of why the Warlock has got to go), cruise on over to the band's MySpace blog.

Or, for live performances of "O Valencia!", "The Crane Wife 3", and "Sons and Daughters" as well as a series of interviews, hit the AT&T Blue Room.

Dates:

02-02 Sheffield, England - Leadmill
02-03 Dublin, Ireland - Vicar
02-04 Glasgow, Scotland - ABC *
02-05 Manchester, England - Academy 2 *
02-07 Nottingham, England - Trent University *
02-08 London, England - Shepherds Bush Empire *
02-09 Southampton, England - University *
02-10 Brussels, Belgium - Botanique
02-12 Cologne, Germany - Prime Club
02-13 Hamburg, Germany - Knust
02-14 Berlin, Germany - Postbahnhof
02-16 Fribourg, Switzerland - Fri-son
02-17 Bologna, Italy - Estragon Club
02-18 Munich, Germany - Ampere
02-19 Vienna, Austria - Flex Club
02-21 Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Paradiso
02-22 Paris, France - La Maroquinerie

* with Lavender Diamond