Since signing to Capitol Records, literary rockers the Decemberists have grown increasingly ambitious, releasing the prog-influenced The Crane Wife in 2006 and rock opera The Hazards of Love in 2009. Now, the Portland, OR-based group are getting ready to release their third album for Capitol (and sixth overall), entitled The King Is Dead.
Pitchfork reports that the album will drop on January 18, and it will apparently showcase a more straightforward sound than the group's recent albums, which have favoured epic song suites. R.E.M.'s Peter Buck is to appear on three songs.
And while January may still feel a long ways off,the band are currently offering countrified lead single "Down by the Water," featuring Buck and Americana songwriter Gillian Welch, over at their official website.
The King Is Dead:
1. "Don't Carry It All"
2. "Calamity Song"
3. "Rise to Me"
4. "Rox in the Box"
5. "January Hymn"
6. "Down By the Water"
7. "All Arise!"
8. "June Hymn"
9. "This Is Why We Fight"
10. "Dear Avery"
Pitchfork reports that the album will drop on January 18, and it will apparently showcase a more straightforward sound than the group's recent albums, which have favoured epic song suites. R.E.M.'s Peter Buck is to appear on three songs.
And while January may still feel a long ways off,the band are currently offering countrified lead single "Down by the Water," featuring Buck and Americana songwriter Gillian Welch, over at their official website.
The King Is Dead:
1. "Don't Carry It All"
2. "Calamity Song"
3. "Rise to Me"
4. "Rox in the Box"
5. "January Hymn"
6. "Down By the Water"
7. "All Arise!"
8. "June Hymn"
9. "This Is Why We Fight"
10. "Dear Avery"