Released: Jan 18, 2011
Genre: Indie folk, Folk rock
Label: Capitol Records
Number Of Tracks: 10
The King Is Dead strangles indie with 12-string guitars, vocal harmonies and an abundance of toe-tapping harmonica bits.
The King Is DeadFeatured review by: UG Team, on january 20, 2011 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: It's hard not to classify it as a concept album, what with the Portland group having trudged through the depths of rock opera on The Hazards Of Love. While their 2009 release recited the tale of a woman falling madly in love with a shape-shifter, The King Is Dead strangles indie with 12-string guitars, vocal harmonies and an abundance of toe-tapping harmonica bits. The Decemberists themselves claimed their primary influence was R.E.M. and while guitarist Peter Buck takes credit for three tracks, the disc more or less mourns folk rock, representing the charm and emotion embedded in works penned by Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen. Counterparts Arcade Fire were fueled by their musicianship as well but the conclusion was a more modern sound. The Decemberists take is more nostalgic; "Don't Carry It All" is a righteous folk jam and "Calamity Song", along with "Rise To Me" pit 90s' alternative against country dripping with more Dylan than Strait. Preference is a decision-maker; there are cuts extracting too much from roots rock ("All Arise"), thus overshadowing the devious sting the quintet employed in the past (see "The Wanting Comes In Waves"). No one likes a twang-hater, but after short bursts of R.E.M. homage here and there, it can be agonizing to indulge in the exceptional skill inflicted on a genre regularly overlooked. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrical content of The King Is Dead may not be as artistic as the band's last theatrical masterpiece yet in a way, it still manages to mesmerize without the use of excessive imagery. "You were waking, day was breaking, a panoply of song / The summer comes to Springville," wails vocalist Colin Meloy on "June Hymn" over a gentle melody, forging elements that build the essence of folk rock. One can simply pick up a six-string, throw in a stereotypical accent and call themselves country, but Meloy and the rest of The Decemberists seem to express the pain and the soul-driven protests you'd expect from a 70s' troubadour. "This Is Why We Fight" reeks of R.E.M., though it's coated in a voice rock fans never tire of. Neil Young helped deliver it into the world, pioneers such as Pearl Jam and The Tragically Hip eased its way into new generations and The Decemberists have taken the blues-riddled torch, branding Meloy as an indie revolutionary, not a conformist. // 8
Impression: 2010 was almost a mirror-image of 2009; pop became relentless and rock spent hours trying to decide on what digs to wear. The King Is Dead strips away anything anticipated for 2011. The folk resurrection isn't new, but it demands to be heard. The vocal arrangements and instrumentation act simple, but sound creative. The group's ability to transform themselves into rural artists after claiming a pedestal with "influential" rock compositions is a dramatic change, one would say that's better. Redefining your voice with the same paint is tiresome, especially when there's other mediums to be used. Showcasing a handful of influences and the skill to be comprehensive is rewarding, even if listeners can't get lost in the album's new take on folk rock. // 7
The King Is Dead
Reviewed by:
Macheeoo, on november 29, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: This time around, the folk group has pushed their limits. The sound is fresh compared to their past albums. The Decemberists have given their vibe a crisp, somewhat country tone, in addition to their folk and traditional sound. The use of many traditional instruments such as banjos, violins, and even a lute makes them unique but somewhere in the mix is a fresh perspective. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are what you'd expect from a Decemberists album - they tell stories with edge, wisdom and guile. They offer the perspective of a time before the modern world while still addressing the values and issues we have today. The lyrics aren't forced, they fit the music and are entertaining but also make you think. There is a blend of hymn like writing without the religious overtone. // 7
Impression: This is the first album that felt crisp. Many great albums have been recorded in one shot sitting around a few mics. This album felt a bit more pieced, but in a good way. It seemed like that had the feel they wanted and then said, "hey, let's add a bit more". Nothing that over-complicates the sound, they just added enough to bring out something new. // 8
I would love to purchase this record, but I'm kind of poor right now. The Decemberists are incredibly skilled lyricists and musicians. I loved The Crane Wife, but I have not yet listened to The Hazards of Love. I'm stoked for this record!
I thought this was a solid album. Hazards of Love is easily my favorite album overall...but I'm glad they made something that was totally different from that.
Surprised there is no mention at all of Rox in the Box, best song on the album imo, great lyrics, great beat, great tune.
I think the band has captured a great "american" sound in the album. there is a sense of less lofty theme, in comparison to the fantasy of "hazards" and folk tale of "crane wife," that's the kind of break down musically.
I know all of their work except for The Hazards of Love. At first I did not like this change in direction on The King is Dead, but now I can't stop listening. But come on people, no love for Piqaresque, that album kicks some serios ass, but they are all good.
Oh, and yeah. I totally agree that January Hymn has one of the best melodies in a long time. January Hmyn and June Hymn are my two favorites from this effort.
Best album ever.