The word "picaresque" refers to a form of satirical prose originating in Spain, depicting realistically and often humorously the adventures of a low-born, roguish hero living by their wits in a corrupt society.

[2] The album was recorded at the Prescott Church in northeast Portland, which the band rented for one month in the summer of 2004.

[3] The album includes the track "Sixteen Military Wives", the music video of which was distributed by the band via BitTorrent.

[6] A limited edition tenth anniversary pressing of the album on red vinyl was released for Record Store Day 2015.

The Decemberists Additional musicians The Mad Men episode "Maidenform" opened with a montage set to a segment of the song "The Infanta".