Well written review but i believe its gillian welch on those harmonies you speak of.

First time I listened to this record I said "eh, whatever", then I got some of the melodies stuck in my head, and its been non stop since. Calamity songs chorus makes me involuntarily take off my pants, and its gotten to be very embarassing when I play this for my friends.

Also, as said before, not to be missed live. Some of the best banter I've ever heard.

Originally Posted by Ryan Gardner

I wish I could get into this record/this type of music

Check out the rest of their discography if you haven't already...a lot of people I know only like one or two records they've done.

Originally Posted by Matthew Tsai

Good review Ian. Still haven't gotten the chance to listen to it beyond the first track haha, but my what a beauty that first track is.

Thanks man! I hope you've checked it out since posting.

Originally Posted by Blake Solomon

their best album since picaresque imo

I think this is definitely their best album.

Originally Posted by steve-0

ive listened to them since "Her Majesty". Crane Wife was a big disappointment. I liked parts of PIcaresque, but this new album is their best stuff by far. Solid from start to finish. their past albums were more complicated and ambitious than this, and the simplicity of this album is part of why I like it so much. It relies on the great songwriting (lyrics and melodies) instead of on trying to wow us with crazy weird arrangements. Its alot more enjoyable this way.

My thoughts exactly.

Originally Posted by TomAce

Well written review but i believe its gillian welch on those harmonies you speak of.

"Down by the Water" was the only track she contributed to.

Originally Posted by Ian Walker

Check out the rest of their discography if you haven't already...a lot of people I know only like one or two records they've done.

Okay, will do. Thanks Ian

Originally Posted by Ian Walker

Check out the rest of their discography if you haven't already...a lot of people I know only like one or two records they've done.



Thanks man! I hope you've checked it out since posting.



I think this is definitely their best album.



My thoughts exactly.



"Down by the Water" was the only track she contributed to.

um nope...peter buck of r.e.m plays 12 string on three songs, gillian welch sings backup on seven

Originally Posted by TomAce

um nope...peter buck of r.e.m plays 12 string on three songs, gillian welch sings backup on seven

Well shit, sorry about that! Thanks for correcting that for me.

Originally Posted by EndSerenading

definitely my least favorite album of theirs /shrug

My feelings. I tried but I can't get into this.

Originally Posted by Ian Walker

Well shit, sorry about that! Thanks for correcting that for me.

Just noticed your sick avatar. Are you from Tampa?

Originally Posted by Ian Walker

Well shit, sorry about that! Thanks for correcting that for me.

hah no problemo

I've never heard these guys before, only heard of them. And wow, that is one of the best opening tracks to an album I've ever heard. Up there with the opening to Deja Entendu.

People really think the opening track is amazing? It didn't impress me too much to be honest

June Hymn. :) <3

Need to get this

Listen to The Decemberists performance of songs off The Kings is Dead from WXPN's World Cafe! http://www.npr.org/2011/02/14/133087782/

I feel like this album is the Decemberists finally coming into full form, what they've been inevitably (in the most positive sense of the word) heading towards for the whole career. And I'm happy that they've finally gotten here.

One of my staff writers reviewed it... if anyoen is interested: http://tpm2.brookiellen.com/2011/dea...-decemberists/