The Decemberists

VIMTV Episode #251: The Decemberists – The King Is Dead

Jake: Recommended, 78/100

Tom: Recommended, 79/100

Overview: The Decemberists step back to their roots on their sixth record, which is far less ambitious and more of a track-by-track experience than any of their previous work. While this is generally a negative trait, they mostly make up for it with the fact that these are just such damn good songs. Still, when they all come together they don’t necessarily strengthen each other because they all have a very similar sound. Far from their best work, but still a quality release.

Recommended Similar Artists: The Arcade Fire, The Shins, My Morning Jacket, Wilco

Jake’s Track Picks:

1. Don’t Carry It All
6. Down By The Water
9. This Is Why We Fight

Tom’s Track Picks:

1. Don’t Carry It All
4. Rox In The Box
9. This Is Why We Fight

VIMTV Research Links:

The King is Dead Preview Part 1:

The King is Dead Preview Part 2:

The King is Dead Preview Part 3:

VIMTV Episode #6: The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love

Jake: Highly Recommended, 98/100

Tom: Recommended, 85/100

Overview: The Decemberists stormed back into the scene in early 2009 with “The Hazards of Love,” an indie-metal rock opera. The music follows the fictional story perfectly as frontman Colin Meloy paints a Shakespearean tragedy with the help of his own voice and guitar shredding, along with multiple guest vocals (for different characters in the story). The riffs are heavier than anything the Decemberists have ever done, and for once the music matches the epic grandeur of Meloy’s often overwhelming vocals. A fantastic album, through and through.

Recommended Similar Artists: The Shins, My Morning Jacket, Wilco

Jake’s Track Picks: