Decemberists - Picaresque VS Brandi Carlile - The Story

Here are two albums that I can make out almost all the words on the first listen: rarities.  And this WAS my first listen to either, as I have enough Brandi Carlile-esque in my repertoire already and have always hated, hated, hated Colin Maloy's voice.  So, I sat down to write this in favor of Brandi Carlile, as I by no means hated her album: Good but not fascinating poetry and solid melodies.  I listened through it twice, but by the second listen, only a couple of songs could still hold my interest. 
I sit down to write in favor of Carlile, but I am listening to Picaresque.  How is it that after years of just being annoyed, his voice is no longer annoying me?  I almost feel affection for it.  Overly-broad and strident no longer, it seems innocent and honest.  It is even blending with the music.  I am finally appreciating the creativity, vibrancy, intricacy and power.  I'm in.

Winner:  The Decemberists