Artist The Decemberists

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The Decemberists

The Decemberists’ 2009 rock opera The Hazards Of Love either completely satisfied frontman Colin Meloy’s growing ambitions (recently channeled into the children’s fantasy book Wildwood), or he wisely chose to reign in the band’s sound before it suffered under its own weight. No matter which, the band’s 2011 effort, The King Is Dead, is refreshingly scaled back, sticking to simple, straightforward songs aided by Peter Buck and roots-rocker Gillian Welch. On tracks like the standout “Down By The Water” (which nods toward Buck’s chiming tone on R.E.M.’s “The One I Love”), the wind-swept Smiths riff “This Is Why We Fight,” and the gentle strummer “June Hymn,” Meloy’s songwriting and lyrics remain as rich and allusive as ever, no matter the packaging.

Updated 07/27/2011