The Decemberists: The King is Dead
Better late than never. That’s the thought that crossed my mind, once I came to the realization that I really liked this album. Sure, I’d heard quite a bit from this Portland outfit in year’s past. I first became familiar with them a few years back with the release of 2006’s The Crane Wife; an album that I enjoyed, but didn’t love as others did. Then, I sort of forgot about them until a few months back when my roommate played The King is Dead incessantly (thank god). While the album isn’t a game-changer, it is roughly 40 minutes of some of the catchiest, Americana you’ve probably heard in quite some time. Comparisons to early R.E.M. are commonly made to this album, but it reminds me a lot The Jayhawks. Either way, If you’re partial to jangly folk-rock, this is a must-listen.
Select Cuts: Don’t Carry it All, Down by the Water, This is Why We Fight, Dear Avery
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