The Decemberists’ New Album ‘The King Is Dead’ Released January 18th, 2011

January 18, 2011
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The Decemberists - The King Is DeadThe single “Down By The Water” from the Decemberists’ new album The King Is Dead has an obvious single feel to it, that and it is simply just a darn good song. The two bareboned songs “January Hymn” and “June Hymn” have a drowsy feel to them. “Don’t Carry It All” instantly reminded me of Tom Petty’s “You Don’t Know How It Feels,” with similar beat and harmonica, and a strong example of the mostly mid-tempo songs here. The songs “Vox In The Box” and “Calamity Song” are excellent examples of this as well. “This Is Why We Fight” has a more alternative rock sound than the alternative country flavor of this entire body of work.

The diversity of tempo is obviously a priorty that works like a charm. “All Arise” and “Arise To Me” are more country than most country music, although that is not very hard to do these days. Singer/songwriter Colin Meloy has stated the stripped down sound is acually harder to do than past efforts were. Chris Funk guitar/multi-instrumentalist, Jenny Conlee hammond organ/accordion/melodica/piano/keyboard, Jason Query bass guitar/string bass, John Moen drums/melodica/backing vocals, complete the group lineup.

The King Is Dead is a major departure from 2009′s The Hazards Of Love, and a four star recording in an already strong showing for alternative music in 2011. With a start like this, the alternative genre is really setting itself up for an excellent year. I am extremely encouraged by the offerings so far this year — and it is only January.

Contact the Author: KennethEOquist@ArtsandEntertainment.com


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