Picaresque is an album by The Decemberists released in 2005 on the Kill Rock Stars record label. It was produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie.
The word "picaresque" is taken from a form of satirical prose originating in Spain, depicting realistically and often humorously the adventures of a low-born, roguish hero living by his/her wits in a corrupt society.
It includes the track "16 Military Wives," the music video of which was distributed by the band via BitTorrent.
The double vinyl version was released with an EP of outtakes as a final release for Kill Rock Stars. This EP was named Picaresqueties. In the UK a single vinyl version was released on Rough Trade without the Picaresqueties EP.
