Artist: The DecemberistsAlbum: The King Is Dead
Released: January 2011
Label: Capitol Records
Genre: indie rock / folk rock
Purchase date: 18 January 2011
Format: mp3 files
Source: Amazon
The sixth full-length album from the Portland-based indie rock darlings, The King Is Dead marks a return to The Decemberists' early folkier sound. After their 2009 love-it-or-hate-it operatic prog-rock concept album The Hazards of Love, Colin Meloy and friends released a collection of Americana-influenced indie folk-rock. I've been a fan of this band since their first album was released in 2003, and I do own all of their albums (and most of their EPs). I bought this album the day it was released.
I was not disappointed. With guest guitarist Peter Buck (of R.E.M.) playing in classic R.E.M.-style on three tracks, this collection of songs showcases The Decemberists firing on all cylinders. Standout tracks include the slice-of-life mini-epic"Down By The River," the R.E.M.-styled "Calamity Song," and the bluegrass-tinged "Rox In The Box." Colin Meloy's nasal singing voice can be polarizing (my wife hates it), but his strong songwriting and sense of melody really carry this album. So, while I have a soft spot for prog, this album is a welcome step in the right direction for The Decemberists. So far, this is my favorite album of 2011.
Rating: A
No comments:
Post a Comment