The King Is Dead
by The Decemberists

This is a step down from their other work and I do think they tried to create an album that was too reliant on being catchy instead of sticking to their more successful prog/experimental sound. This doesn't mean that they don't have spells on this record of greatness because they do. Songs like Don't Carry It All, June Hymn, Calamity Song and Down By The River have fantastic choruses and are all so infectious. If they kept the quality of these songs the whole way through then this album would be elite. Another major strength is the fact that the vocal is really allowed to dominate the music and he does a phenomenal job of carrying the sound. It really makes this record very enjoyable even in moments that are quite plain and empty. However, the music just feels so simple in comparison to The Crane Wife and Picaresque. The songs don't seem to be as layered as they usually are and it is usually only one or two instruments playing the same thing for 4 or 5 minutes on every track. If you don't focus on the vocal it is very hard to stay engaged in the album as well due to its lack of experimentation and the fact that most songs sound basically the same. Overall, this is a step down from the other Decemberists albums I have heard but there are still some fantastic tracks to find on here.

From luigybetis 07/06/2022 02:03 | #287128

Painfully mediocre country album, specially coming from the unfathomable creativity shown in their previous efforts.

This is not as progressive and experimental as “Picaresque” and “The Crane Wife”. Instead The Decemberists simplify it down with a collection of fantastic folky pop songs. With less experimentation it really gives Meloy’s vocals a chance to shine through and it doesn’t disappoint. Meloy has said that a primary musical influence for much of The King Is Dead is R.E.M and that can definitely be heard here. It has a lot of similar elements to R.E.M’s Murmur in it which is not a bad thing at all.

From Sandrof1969 02/24/2018 10:41 | #209452

Questo "The king is dead" ha una produzione più soft dei precedenti, un taglio più folk: i riferimenti che si possono trovare sono al primo Dylan elettrico, ai Waterboys ma anche ai R.E.M., oltre ai soliti rimandi agli anni settanta.

My favorite songs : Calamity song....Dear Avery.....All arise!....January hymn....Don't carry it all

It makes sense that The Decemberists would dive into roots music, and I hope they revisit this territory in the future.

Iwas pleasently suprised by their new sound. Dig it. No skipper tracks on this one for me. B+ MEZ

"Ewww, this album is so /simple/ and /country/! Gross!"

Ugh. That irritates me so much. BEA's typical bias against anything that sounds remotely southern and simple. This is a fantastic album that has many moments of brilliance. Sure, it's not the typical proggy Decemberists sound, but it is unique and heartfelt.

From Gooz 12/10/2013 12:23 | #97053

A regular album indeed. June Hymn is gorgeous.

From zdwyatt 10/24/2013 19:32 | #89105

I was initially very disappointed with this one. It's short, there's no theme (unless harmonica is a theme), and there is nary a mythical creature to be found. After two or three listens, nothing was standing out. But it did grow on me. Every band has to release their country album and we just have to enjoy what we can.