The Decemberists - The King is Dead (2011, Capitol Records)
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For The Decemberists, you can go back again. After two sprawling, epic concept albums, Colin Meloy and company return to a sound originating from their first few albums. This means more straightforward pop songs instead of massive ten-plus minute songs. The Decemberists' brand of pop has always been different than anyone else's. It has a flare of old-time nostalgia mixed with country, bluegrass, and a multitude of other genres. It gives their albums something of a dated feel, but they are still so progressively modern that it can be difficult to really get a grasp for their music. For example, Their song "The Infanta" was used in the TV show Mad Men, and to my knowledge is still the only modern song used in the show, which is set in the early 60's.
The King is Dead is a solid album, but at this point in their careers (this being their 6th album), it is hard for the band to add new layers to a sound that is already unique to themselves.
Track 1: Don't Carry It All
This could easily a Tom Petty song, just from the intro. It becomes apparent very early that this might be the most pop-driven album The Decemberists have made. This really doesn't even sound like The Decemberists to me. Maybe that's why the song is all about the changing of the season. It's a metaphor for their change in sound.
Verdict: 7/10
Track 2: Calamity Song
I like the little guitar riff in this song. Very lighthearted for such a depressing song. "Calamity Song" is very reminiscent of one of my favorite Decemberists songs, "July, July!". It even matches in macabre lyricism. Who just uses California sinking under a giant earthquake as a throwaway lyric?
Verdict: 8/10
Track 3: Rise To Me
The first slower, subdued song on The King is Dead. I have always thought that Decemberists were very good at these types of songs. This style really fits Colin's vocal style much more than anything fast paced. He really has a voice made for slow, melancholy tracks. He should have just been a country artist.
Verdict: 8/10
Track 4: Rox in the Box
This is the point in the album where it starts becoming alarmingly apparent that The Decemberists, at this point in their careers, are beginning to sound like a caricature of themselves. Everything about this song screams THE DECEMBERISTS, but everything about it just seems bland. When you have a sound as unique as they have carved out, you can understand why they made an album like The Crane Wife to try and do something different.
Verdict: 5/10
Track 5: January Hymn
Again: slower song = better song. This song is simple. It relies on Meloy's vocals and lyricism. This allows it to seem very sincere and heartfelt. Not much else to say other than I like it.
Verdict: 8/10
Track 6: Down By The Water
This album really lives or dies by Colin Meloy's lyricism. "Down by the Water" is the first single of The King is Dead. It is probably the most complete song on here. Good storytelling, which is a staple of a good Decemberists song. I could have done without the harmonica though.
Verdict: 9/10
Track 7: All Arise!
If you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all
Verdict: 3/10
Track 8: June Hymn
A more upbeat version of January Hymn (makes sense, eh?). Meloy again carries the song. This album reminds me of their first two albums so much. While the nostalgia is appreciated, it doesn't say much for them, considering the different ways they have taken their sound in the eight or so years that have happened since Her Majesty was released.
Verdict: 8/10
Track 9: This Is Why We Fight
I think I've heard this song before somewhere on The Crane Wife. Again, caricature, etc. Still a good song though. The subject matter is something that the band does surprisingly well. They are good at these sentimental, ancient sounding battle songs. My favorite on the album.
Verdict: 9/10
Track 10: Dear Avery
Nothing that special. Good enough as an outro track.
Verdict: 5/10
Cohesiveness Score: 7/10
Sound is chaotic at times, but the album keeps its theme quite well.
Final Score: 77/110 = 7.0
Final Thoughts:
Other than a couple bad songs, a generally good album. Their sounds has managed to take a step back on this album, which is a disappointing.
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