Castaways and Cutouts is the first full-length album by The Decemberists, originally released on May 21, 2002, on Hush Records and reissued on May 6, 2003, on Kill Rock Stars. The album's title is taken from a lyric of the song "California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade". The album cover was designed by the Portland artist Carson Ellis, the long-time girlfriend (now wife) of frontman Colin Meloy. She has created artwork for each of the band's albums. Reception Castaways and Cutouts received mostly positive reviews. The album ranked number 89 on Under the Radar's Top 200 Albums of the 2000s and number 96 on Pitchforks The 100 Best Albums of 2000–2004. Track listing All songs written by Colin Meloy. Personnel According to the liner notes of Castaways and Cutouts. Colin Meloy – vocals, guitar, percussion Chris Funk – guitar, pedal steel, theremin Jenny Conlee – Hammond organ, piano, Rhodes piano, accordion Nate Query – upright bass Ezra Holbrook – drums, percussion, vocals Production Produced by The Decemberists Recorded by Simon Widdowson Mastered by Ryan Foster Design by Third Eyebrow (.com) Art direction by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis Cover painting and illustrations by Carson Ellis Inner-tray photo by Jonathan Gitelson Sound clip in "California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade" from Archangel, directed by Guy Maddin. References The Decemberists albums 2002 debut albums Hush Records albums