Decemberists Reveal Cover Art for The King Is Dead

[mp3] The Decemberists: "Down by The Water"

This one is really a no brainer for us. The Decemberists, Gillian Welch, a Portland barn, and “a set of 10 concise, country-based songs.” Come on! The lead single “Down by The Water” is hooky and lush with sweeping harmonica leads and Gillian Welch’s backing vocal properly juiced in the mix. With a January 18th release date for The King Is Dead, The Decemberists look to capture early 2011 fans, as the majority of priority releases seem to be dropping on the 25th. Smart move. The Decemberists hit Conan on Nov 18th and the pre-order begins Nov 22. The new album sounds like a refreshingly spare effort compared to their wildly ambitious, yet fairly bloated (for these ears anyway) last effort The Hazards of Love. Of The King is Dead Colin Meloy notes: “For all my talk about how complex those [previous] records were, this one may have been harder to do,” he says. “It’s a real challenge to make simple music, and lot of times we had to deliberately hold off and keep more space. This record is an exercise in restraint.” Mark this one as highly anticipated.

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Stunning Fan-Made Videos: Grizzly Bear, Decemberists, Laura Veirs, Wild Beasts

Grizzly Bear -- "Two Weeks"

Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear from Gabe Askew on Vimeo.

You're lucky we're nice -- these are our Top 4, from Paste's recent list of the 10 best fan-made music videos of 2009. Stunning is an interesting word to begin with, but let's just say, the above video for Grizzly Bear's "Two Weeks" defines its modern definition. That said, I won't try to throw a bunch of misplaced adjectives at this video, because it is something to be enjoyed purely -- it is a time for you to "think your own thoughts" about it. My first reaction was -- Gabe Askew (maker of the video) must be a new hire in the Wes Anderson camp, and if not, needs to be - like now. Yes, it is a great song, but in a rare twist of fate, this video only makes it better.

For the rest of our favorites (Decemberists, Laura Veirs, Wild Beasts) from Paste's list, see after the jump.

The Decemberists -- "The Rake's Song"



Laura Veirs -- "Phantom Mountain"



Wild Beasts - "All the King's Men"

This Week's Notable Releases

Amadou & Miriam:
Welcome to Mali (Nonesuch)
MP3: Amadou & Mariam - "Salbali"
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We can't say enough about this Malian, husband and wife duo. Their modernized African music, infused with American R&B and Rap influences may cause spontaneous dancing, porch lounging and cocktail sipping. Listen wisely.

The Decemberists:
The Hazards of Love (Capitol)
MP3: The Rake's Song - MP3
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You've probably heard enough about this albums' genre classifications. They don't want the "rock opera" label, but you be the judge. Some of the album jaunts hauntingly through love loss, while others rise up in Transfigurational-style beauty. Colin Meloy's voice is no different here as on other albums, so if you want that standard Decemberists sound, this is for you.

Pearl Jam:
Ten (Reissue) (Epic)
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It's Pearl Jam. "Jeremy," "Daughter," "Even Flow," "Alive," "Porch." Give me a fucking break. You'll buy it.




Dan Deacon:
Bromst (Carpark)
MP3: "Get Older"
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This is Deacon's Merriweather Post Pavillion; we knew the day that he went slightly mainstream with more accessible, danceable tunes, would be the day drooling, and fawning would occur. Today's the day. Bromst explodes with pithy electro-jams, and songs, may we boldly say, you can sing to? Yeah, this is the shiznit.

Tour Alert: The Decemberists, "A Short Fazed Hovel" 2009

The Decemberists are waiting in the wings, briefly peaking their heads out to promote their upcoming record, The Hazards of Love, releasing March 24 on Capitol. In their latest bout of music marketing, The Decemberists have announced what they are calling, "Phase One" of their LP-supporting tour interestingly titled, "A Short Fazed Hovel." Ticket pre-sale is already underway, but for those without the means, public sale occurs this Friday...the 13th! Who cares.

Interesting side note, The Decemberists will be playing Hazards in its entirety on NPR's showcase at SXSW March 18.

Phase One Tour Dates After The Jump...

May 19 - Hollywood Palladium - Los Angeles, CA
May 20 - Fox Theatre - Oakland, CA
May 21 - McDonald Theater - Eugene, OR
May 24 - Wilma Theatre - Missoula, MT
May 26 - Fillmore Auditorium - Denver, CO
May 27 - Uptown Theater - Kansas City, MO
May 29 - Riverside Theater - Milwaukee, WI
May 31 - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO
June 1 - Lifestyle Communities Pavilion - Columbus, OH
June 3 - Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA
June 4 - Memorial Auditorium - Raleigh, NC
June 5 - The National - Richmond, VA
June 6 - Tower Theatre - Upper Darby, PA
June 9 - Bank of America Pavillion - Boston, MA
June 10 - Radio City Music Hall - New York, NY
June 11-14 - Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival - Manchester, TN

Matt's Artists to Watch 2009

Photo - Pavla Kopecna

So we're already a few weeks into January and the first major release dates are quickly approaching. There is already building buzz for a packed release schedule featuring albums from some of the biggest names in indie rock, and also some stellar records from some of music's lesser known names. In the first half of the year, records are due from Grizzly Bear, Lily Allen, Animal Collective, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird and M.Ward. Yet, there are formidable challenges to these larger releases in the form of gems from Bosque Brown, The Soft Pack, Girls, Alela Diane, Here We Go Magic, Wavves, Fan Death, Little Boots, Ida Maria, and my current favorite Harlem. While the great records we've heard (and not heard yet) are almost too much to absorb - here are three artists with upcoming records that should not be missed. Andrew and Vince's picks are coming next week. Mine are after the jump.


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The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - s/t (Slumberland February, 3)
Not matter what the buzz, how great a band looks, where they come from, what label they are on, or who their friends are, it all comes down to great songs. In the most simple terms, that is where the Pains of Being Pure at Heart excel. POBPAH are able to craft perfect 3 minute pop songs drenched in gauzy distortion yet rooted in melody and played with the excitement and passion of a garage full of high school kids. This New York band mines their sound from 80s and 90s rock, successfully melding catchy acoustic guitar progressions with overdrive-laden electric guitar power chords. POBPAH have released a collection of highly acclaimed singles for labels such as Fortuna Pop!, Atomic Beat and Cloudberry. Slumberland will release The Pains of Being Pure at Heart on February 3. While it's easy to make comparisons to bands like My Bloody Valentine, POBPAH have produced a unique record compete with the quality and staying power that assures them a place as one of the best new bands of 2009.

the bird and the bee - Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future (Blue Note, January 27)
the bird and the bee are not new. They've already accumulated a decent modicum of success due to their self-titled debut released in 2007. Yet, their follow-up record Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future finds the LA duo finally stepping into their own. There was always something kitschy and sugary-sweet about tbatb. That was part of the appeal. Yet, their songs never really stayed with you. They were fleeting indulgences best consumed in small doses. Yet, all that has changed with their sophomore record. Greg Kurstin's production has never sounded better and Inara George's voice has more of an edge and purpose than ever before. After their debut and two so-so EPs, tbatb have finally delivered the full record critics and fans have been waiting for. The songs on Ray Guns, most notably the stand-out "Love Letter to Japan" (below), are driven by strong melodies and infectious instrumentation. tbatb sound more mature and self-assured in their music. This new record, coupled with the band's previous success bodes well for a very fruitful 2009.

Dent May - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele (Paw Tracks February 9)

It feels like Dent May has been around forever. His music seems so familiar, yet every time we listen, it's still as great as we remembered. There is an exuberance and joy in May's songs. He's not making any sweeping commentary in his lyrics, nor is he trying to alter the music spectrum with his instrumentation. His music is truly just good feeling music. Every one who listens is instantly a fan, that's the beauty of this record. You can play it anywhere for anyone. Dent May sings casually in a charming croon about drunks, dance parties, and girls. Imagine if Beirut took some Prozac and played at a spring BBQ and you can get a sense of Dent May's sound. May has the look and the attitude of someone who is bound to be a staple on the indie-rock scene of 2009. Discovered by Animal Collective in his home state of Mississippi, Dent May has signed to their Paw Tracks label. Clearly Dent May has the pedigree for success, but what's so refreshing is that his sound and record all justify the praise and buzz sure to come to him in 2009. He is hitting the road with New Pornographer AC Newman this winter.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Everything with You" - mp3
the bird and the bee - "Love Letter to Japan" - mp3
Dent May - "Meet Me in the Garden" - mp3

Stream the New M.Ward Album...She & Him Sans She

Stream the album here!

Exclusive first listen: M.Ward, in conjunction with NPR, released his up-coming album via full stream. Hold Time, the newest solo effort by Ward, drops Feb.17 on Merge. Descriptions of the LP have included words such as warm, timeless, acoustic and rustic. Well, what were you expecting -- it's M.Ward. Guest vocal appearances include that of Lucinda Williams, Rachel Blumberg of the Decemberists and of course, the SHE, Zooey Deschanel.

Enjoy the "Hold Time" music video here.