The Decemberists, ‘The King Is Dead’ Album Review

Colin Meloy and The Decemberists have crafted a lighter American roots-focused work.

“No music is easy – even the simple songs can be really hard.” ~ Colin Meloy

Moving on from their rock opera ‘The Hazards of Love’, Colin Meloy and The Decemberists have crafted a lighter American roots-focused work that features the terrific vocals of Gillian Welch on several tracks. This stuff is both infectious and deep, without being moralistic.

Meloy has one of the great voices in American music today, and he’s one damn fine writer. Reminds us of what Band of Horses has been trying to do: bring forth something authentic, unforced, and worth repeated listenings. The King Is Dead will attract the folkies and roots enthusiasts who thought music like this wasn’t being made anymore.

Highly recommended.

Brian Miller

Brian Miller is the Editor of Vivascene, which he founded in 2010. He is also an avid photographer; you can see his work at https://www.explorationsinphotography.com. Brian lives in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada.

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