Discoverer 156: new indie findings

August is a month of recoveries, so today is the turn of our discoverer series. And we do so with three stunning proposals (look for some of them at the end of the year lists) with some of the latest bands that have gotten us excited. Indiepop all over!

Eyelids. Supergroup alert, supergroup alert! This collective (the regular cast is a quintet) hails from Portland, Oregon and includes current and former members of (take a deep breath, this is ridiculously stunning) Robert Pollard's bands as well as Guided By Voices, Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, The Decemberists, Elliott Smith, Sam Coomes of Quasi, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Loch Lomond, Damien Jurado and even Peter Buck solo adventures! Main songwriters John Moen and Chris Slusarenko started "making waves" in 2014, but the first, proper release of the combo arrived in 2016 with the 7" 'Seagulls Into Submission'. It was followed by the debut album '854' a month later, plus the 'Eyelids' 12"EP. And now, after another EP, it's time to celebrate the arrival of sophomore LP 'or'. What can I say? You hear Flying Nun, Paisley Underground, Big Star, Teenage Fanclub, an Athens band that might be familiar to you (guess who produces the record)... If you are a little familiar with this Blog you should know this is not just another discovery. THIS IS A MUST!!!

Hideout. Based in Manhattan, NY, singer-songwriter Gabriel Rodriguez, alongside drummer Cory Stier, who is based in San Diego, began his recording & just for fun project on the road, as the two longtime friends are part of Cults (happily back after what can qualify as a hiatus, by the way) live band, tracking the tracks that would become debut album 'Rookie', out via Thrill Me Records in November 2014, there and there, as the tour kept going. Now, in this 2017, Rodriguez has come out with his sophomore release, mostly cooked at home and again with the help of Stier, 'So Many Hoops/So Little Time' is due out February 3rd 2017 via Small Plates Records. A rich second take of unabashed, very diverse (from jangle-pop to glam-rock) and emotionally charged (heavy stuff inside, dealing with a tough loss) indiepop tunes. It might have been hiding, but we have found a pop master craftsman here...  

Rat Fancy. And we end in Los Angeles, CA, to meet this trio of effervescent twee punk. Formed just a year ago when Diana Barraza (a former Sweater Girls) and Gregory Johnson recorded some tracks in their bedroom. The duo quickly recruited friend Gavin Glidewell and the completed band was ready to debut live at at 2017´s SXSW. Songs have been surfacing online during the year, but since late May the group has its proper debut release, the EP 'Suck a Lemon', out via our dear friends at Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records. A small yet very promising collection of six indiepop tunes, with enough sugar and catchiness to knock you out immediately, but also an edge, a sharpness, and a sourness (very apt title) that endures and demands for more soon. Check them out! 

The Indie Anthology 74: essential songs

For the next chapter of our Anthology, a very dear band of this humble blogger, and one of the finest examples of why there's nothing wrong with the so-called "erudite rock". Lyrics matter, foremost when there's a band that can pack enlightening and intriguing words with brilliant, blissful music. Here comes The Decemberists!

Song: The Engine Driver
Artist: The Decemberists
Year: 2005

If my memory serves me well, my introduction to The Decemberists began with 'Odalisque' thanks, as usual, to Radio 3. But, despite the immediate love for the tune (and half of 'Castaways and Cutouts, for the matter), it wouldn't be until 'Picaresque' arrived that I became a die-hard fan of the band (umm, skipping 'Hazards of Love', sorry). But the truth is I got pretty obsessed with the record, and particularly with 'The Engine Driver', to the point of learning some computer skills to properly manipulate my copy of NBA 2K in order to have Meloy and Co's album replacing the (otherwise awful) soundtrack of the game. Yeah, it might look like a pretty odd choice for going straight to the rim or blocking a shoot, but it worked for me... Now, several albums later (always a bunch of tunes among the best of the year if there's a release from them), there's one thing that really strikes me about The Decemberists. Don't know many other bands I can listen & enjoy no matter of the situation. I can have it as "background music", calming my mood thanks to their beautifully crafted tunes. I can put my headphones on and switch off the lights, discovering the subtleties and richness of their instrumentation. Or, on the other hand, they can be one of the most demanding groups ever, making you read, even (the nerd on me) study Meloy's lyrics (something I find exciting). Take this majestic song, for instance. It starts like an R.E.M slow number (the fact they aren't shy of showing that influence proudly is another reason for me to love them), then Colin starts singing and the moody music just embraces you gracefully. You can hear a 12 string guitar, an accordion, a piano, a violin, and haunting vocal harmonies, Then you can dive yourself into the lyrics, on which Meloy's writes not just one but four stories: the one about an engine driver, a county lineman, a money lender and, finally, a clever singer/songwriter, going full circle (as a masterful author does), and revealing himself as "a writer of fictions" who has "written pages upon pages/Trying to rid you from my bones". All with one goal (and what really matters). Sharing a tune that is pure emotion, an honest, diaphanous lament on loneliness and love... two feelings the majority of listeners can relate with. It's uplifting despite the sorrow... I'll stop it here before I get emotional here. What a band, what a band...

Primavera Sound 2015: My Wish List

Another tradition in our blog to be honoured before the year ends, our Primavera Sound Festival wish list. With just two names announced so far, The Strokes (so so) and Ride (great one, very happy to see them!) this is one of the most mysterious editions I can remember so, as there was much more guessing than ever, the following bets have been done more with the heart than with the head (yeah, I also think bands like Ariel Pink, Jungle, Shellac or Modest Mouse will probably be in Barcelona, but I don't really care...). While we hope the forthcoming January (probably by the end of the month) will be the chosen one by the organization to reveal the complete roster, and as we did on previous years, here's how our wish list would like. We hope you like our bets!

Antipodean Bands. Every single music lover has a Festival curator inside. Mine would include an Australian/New Zealand stage for sure that this 2015 would look stunning. The Zebras (one of the best records of 2014), The Chills (after Indietracks, have to see them in my city), the majority of our dear Fishrider Records bands (looking forward to the new Prophet Hens album, such a crime it's so hard to have bands from down under...), The Ocean Party ('Soft Focus' rules)
Decemberists, The. Mandatory band, first chapter. Been asking them for ages, and with a new album to appear in three weeks chances are, fingers crossed, huge. We'll say it again: we can't wait to finally see them!

Desperate Journalist. Ultra-early contender for record of the year 2015, with such a debut LP and ten tones of talent they would be a perfect Primavera Sound fit.

DIIV. Here's a band that made a colossal record, then cancelled their gig at Primavera years ago and, somehow, vanished. Time for a comeback, maybe?

Lambchop. They are making some special shows celebrating 'Nixon's' anniversary, so what about Barcelona, at the Auditorium maybe? Could be amazing.

Line & Circle. Discovery of the year, what a pleasure would be discovering them live this spring...

Primavera Club repeaters. Three bands that should be in Barcelona again. Alvvays (because their gig was so-so), Fear of Men (because we just love them) and Ought, because they have an incredible live show.

Riot Grrrls stage. And the curator in me returns. This should be the year. Can you imagine a stage with Wild Balbina, Bleached, September Girls, Honeyblood (beyond exciting tunes), Ex Hex (best record of 2014?, we think so), The Julie Ruin, (unfortunately Kathleen Hanna cancelled last year due to her illness, but seeing they are touring again...)? And that leads us to the stage headliner, which is... 

Rose Elinor Dougall. I'll keep asking for her since. Every single year. 

Sleater-Kinney. The reunion of the year, new album, tour on the works. They HAVE TO BE IN BARCELONA. It's MANDATORY. MUST. YES OR YES

Teenage Fanclub. Rumours of a new album arriving in 2015? What about playing the hits in Barcelona? Haven't seem them yet, would be a most welcomed surprise!

The New Pornographers. With just a bunch of US dates until February, this looks like a secured sport at the Festival. We'll smile.  

Torres. Isn't she working on her second record? Among the most mind-blowing singer-songwriters, it's time we confirm it live.
TV On The Radio. Never been a fan of them, but even I can't explain why, I'm so addicted to their latest album, 'Seeds', so would love to see them live. 

The Bloodbuzzed Jukebox 30

Still under the Primavera Club's 2014 influence, we return to our regular TOP TEN playlist series with three bands we enjoyed last weekend: Cómo Vivir en el Campo, the new band of our beloved label El Genio Equivocado, our dear Fear of Men and Ought (what a discovery!).  But there's a lot more. We couldn't help but include the new song og a Blog's favourite, The Decemberists. Or the unique, vitriolic pop style of Los Punsetes, along with Joanna Gruesome, The Popguns, Why We Love, The Dodos and Theatre Royal. So please, enjoy it and remember! It's all at our Blog's soundcloud. Join Us!

Direct links to the previous Jukebox weeks
Week 1      Week 8        Week 15     Week 22       Week 29
Week 2      Week 9        Week 16     Week 23 
Week 3      Week 10      Week 17     Week 24
Week 4      Week 11      Week 18     Week 25
Week 5      Week 12      Week 19     Week 26 
Week 6      Week 13      Week 20     Week 27 
Week 7      Week 14       Week 21     Week 28

Welcome to the Jukebox!

These Go to 11: interviewing Fishrider Records

This week we interview Ian Henderson, runner of Fishrider Records, one of our most beloved labels. Based in New Zealand, the label has brought us plenty of great bands & music, plus a much needed enlightenment from someone who is not afraid to share his wisdom & vast experience on music, so it's a special pleasure to count with Ian thoughts & answers. These Go to 11!

Ian Henderson, Fishrider Records

Mr. Henderson, man on
an indiepop mission

Hailing from Dunedin, Ian created Fishrider Records in 2006 and since then has released bands and recorded music that, in his own words, he would like to have in his own collection. Starting with The Puddle (Ian brother's band, in which he drums) the label today has an impressive roster that includes bands like Males, Trick Mammoth or The Prophet Hens, most of them featured in our discoveries series (take a look!). But Ian is not just a label owner, he's an independent music advocate and activist (check his manifesto), making not only the bands of his local scene be known and heard, but defending an idea of a DIY, small, collaborative music community with his acts. Here we go!

The apple of pop

1. First record that you bought (be honest)

The Beatles 'Get Back' 7'' I'm pretty sure was my first record. I still have it. The Beatles 'Essential Beatles' (a budget compilation) was the first album I bought.

2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)

First concert I can remember was a band called Watchdog playing T Rex and Bowie covers in a park near where I lived in Invercargill NZ. Most recent was seeing musicians from Fishrider Records bands Males & Trick Mammoth playing Beatles covers at a show celebrating 50 years since The Beatles played in Dunedin.

3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)

I have zero guilt about it but love Joan Jett and I also have two Kylie Minogue albums (the good ones).

Got drums?

4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)
Probably my drum-kit. It's an German made Sonor kit bought 2nd hand one piece at a time. It has a great Sonor Designer maple snare. It was used on most Fishrider albums and has been used for shows here by lots of visiting musicians including Rachel Blumberg (who has drummed for The Decemberists, M. Ward, Bright Eyes & Mirah amongst others) and bands including Real Estate.

5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)

Right now it is the line 'Crushing petals with a hammer' from 'Terracotta' by Trick Mammoth. Adrian writes such a great visually arresting lyrics. I like well-crafted lyrics but I can rarely remember verses let alone songs. However sometimes lines like that get stuck in my mind.

She loves rock'n'roll...
& with a reason

6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)
I would love to meet Joan Jett of course. I'd really like to meet Stephen Pastel (The Pastels). I'd also like to meet Jaki Liebezeit - drummer of Can, as he was one of the most influential musician on me as a drummer since I was a teenager. A dead musician I'd like to meet - go back in time to meet - Kurt Cobain. To try to persuade him to stick around as he still had a lot to live for and to do.

7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)

I love the Trick Mammoth 'Floristry' album cover, though as it is on my label it may not count. So, I think The Slits 'Cut' might be favourite.

8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both) 
Favourite book is 'Caught Inside' by Daniel Duane. It is about a year in the life of a surfer in California and i have read it several times. Favourite movie is honestly just too hard there are so many favourites for different reasons.

9. Release (of yours) you are most proud of

Opposite Sex

Label release I am most proud of is difficult because they all make me proud. The ones I am most involved in making happen are the ones I get most attached to. So, most recently that is  Trick Mammoth's 'Floristry'. However, overall the album that started the recent run of releases by young bands is the one I took the biggest leap of faith with when I recorded & released it - Opposite Sex. I'm most proud of that because it was just such a freakish album in all ways. It broke most of the rules about releasing music but has a spirit which makes it unique and an underground classic in years to come I think.

10. What’s does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)

'Indie' is just an abbreviation for 'independent' which just means not owned / associated with a major label. I'm not sure 'indie' has any meaning in music as it means all sorts of things. I guess being independent (as opposed to 'indie') means being able to make my own decisions, break the 'rules' and release music I think deserves to be heard and to help the musicians first rather than the shareholders in a company. I run the label because I love music and respect the musicians I release and want to do what I can for them to get their music heard and appreciated. The downside of being independent is the financial limitations, particularly with the ability to make releasing music sustainable getting each year as less people buy music - even though more people are listening to more music than ever now. There is a huge unethical transfer of income going on at the moment from thousands of musicians and the people who release their music into a very small number of very large telecommunication and internet corporations. No one is talking about that or about how much money we pay to access supposedly 'free' music online and who that goes to.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I don't see Fishrider Records still being around in 10 years. If it is I hope it has been taken over by the younger musicians on the label. However I hope I am still helping people with music, playing music though.

Zillion thanks Ian!

Bloodbuzzed-Chella, the Perfect Festival

I couldn't resist the temptation. I've been seeing too many fake Coachella posters out there not to make mine, so here it is: BLOODBUZZEDCHELLA, a dream-like Festival, full of impossible gigs & unbeatable comebacks! It has been very fun but extremely tough to complete. Many bands missing of course, and others were not included because I've seen them recently, or like Basia Bulat and Savages, because they are playing in Barcelona in the coming months... Coming with us?


* Van Morrison performing "Astral Weeks"
* The Beautiful South with Jacqui Abbott
* 10.000 Maniacs with Natalie Merchant
* Monkey Swallows the Universe
* The Concretes with Victoria Bergsman

Primavera Sound 2014: My Wish List

It's another tradition to honour. The Primavera Sound Festival will unveil its line-up on January 28th, it seems that with a movie (intriguing!). The few names announced so far, Arcade Fire, Pixies and Neutral Milk Hotel are not very exciting for me, and rumours like NIN, Beck, Neil Young or Kanye West are so worrying, not to mention terrible proposals like Daft Punk (just my opinion of course). So, as we did on previous years, here's how my wish list would like. It's a mix between personal desires and bands that, seeing their agendas, could very well be in Barcelona next May... Fingers crossed, because it could be an incredible edition! If you follow my advice... maybe the slogan #bestfestivalever might be true, hehehe....

1. Alpaca Sports. The pluperfect indiepop band, how long without them in Barcelona? Not fair.
2. Beth Orton. Needed. Too long since the last time I saw her.
3. Cat Power. Dropped last year, but she's still touring, so second chance in 2014? It would be fantastic.
4. Decemberists, The. Still one of my must-see bands. Still!!!!
5. DIIV. Same case as Chan Marshall. Eagerly expected.
6. Fear of Men. Debut LP ready for Spring. Mandatory band to watch & hear on 2014
7. Go Violets. My best EP of 2013. They deserve a spot in Barcelona...
8. Hospitality. New album arriving on early 2014, they do have to cross the Atlantic this time...
9. Julie Ruin, The. Kathleen Hanna is back, and happily, she's also touring. Even more than that, they play in France on May 27th, so their schedule fits wonderfully... Enough said.
10. National, The. I know it. You know it. Everybody knows it. Dates fit so well. Won't be as special as seeing them in L.A. but of course, we'll be there.
11. New Zealanders. Primavera Sound bring newcomers Trick Mammoth and Males to Barcelona. And Prophet Hens (all three bands courtesy of Fishrider Records). And Astro Children. I could go on....
12. Real Estate. We know there's an album on the making, so we want them back.
13. Rose Elinor Dougall. Arguably one of the most haunting voices ever imo, her latest EP, "Future Vanishes", is another solid step on her striking solo career so far. Sophomore album and tour are on the works so please make a stop in Barcelona...  
14. San Fermin. Can you imagine how amazing could be a San Fermin gig at Auditori? American tour ends in March, so why not an European leg in Spring?
15. Sleater-Kinney. Wild Flag is over, they gathered on stage at a Pearl Jam's gig recently and the buzz keeps going. If it's not just a rumour, this is a MUST for Primavera Sound. Enough said (part II)
16. Slowdive. Kind of a rumour again, although Rachel and Neil are reuniting for some gigs in London, so here's hoping...
17. Softies, The. Or any combo, new project in which Rose Melberg is involved. With The Softies I want to claim a much bigger space for indiepop at Primavera please!!
18. Torres. Another MUST (why only in Madrid this Autumn?). At Auditori it would be mind-blowing. 
19. Wild Swans, The. Reissues and more reissues, why not a tour throughout Europe? Or at least Barcelona in Spring? Paul Simpson say yes!
20. Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Didn't like "Mosquito", one of the biggest disappointments of the year imo, but I have to see Karen O at least once live... 

A weekend full of music (part II)!

We end our summary of this special last two days with what happened yesterday, a celebration day!

Record Store Day
Finally, an imported idea that seems to fits nicely here (and despite some silly debates on its "ownership") and has grown steadily. It was very pleasant to realise how music lovers (many posers too) were willing to take the streets (literally "my" streets) and invaded the majority of the record shops located in the centre of Barcelona. Although I personally didn't buy much (grabbed a bargained copy of The Decemberists' "The King is Dead") I did have a great morning wandering around the city record stores together with the two gentle masterminds from El Genio Equivocado.

Wiggum live. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

On the afternoon we went to the cosy Ultra-local Records at Poblenou's district for the live presentation of "La Guerra Mundial", Wiggum's sophomore release. I told you recently on this blog, this band is one to watch. Now I certify it: you must watch it before they get too big. Even on a limited format (they were just three) and with a reduced setlist, they just proved their new album has several guitar-driven alternative-rock hits and they know how to play them. Songs like "Amarillo" or "El Caminar" are really "serious stuff".

With my cute bosses, the Pin&Pon djs!
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

After Wiggum, we went to Jane Joyd's gig at Music Hall. As explained on the previous post, her performance was splendid, a genuine music experience. But it wasn't the end of "our" record store day. We still had a fun party at a very peculiar place, the Generator Hostel of Barcelona, with the Pin & Pon djs (owners of El Genio Equivocado and my "bosses" at Indienauta). I can assure three things: First, although the place wasn't prepared to dance, these lovely couple could make you move with ridiculous ease. Second, Pulp's "After You" is a colossal tune. Third, and probably not the best part, after hearing many classics from my youth, I realise how old I'm becoming!!! It was a fun way to end this couple of days.

You Are the Everything

OMG! What and incredible music moment. One of my all-time favourite songs, unexpectedly performed by The Decemberists' Colin Meloy, Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard and on the mandolin... the man itself, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck. What a performance! I just had to share the video with you. Goosebumps, on emotional mode since I watched it....


You Are the Everything

Best Songs of the Year 2011: 25-1

And finally, we reach the end of this countdown among the best songs of the year with the 25 best tunes of 2011, always in my modest opinion, of course. Hope you have enjoyed the music ride!

25. Lose It- Austra

24. Alien Girl- The Very Most

23. Go Outside- Cults 

22. Cruel- St.Vincent

21. Impressions from a City Morning- Brown Recluse 

20. Heaven's Gonna Happen Now- The Pains of Being Pure at Heart 

19. The Bad in Each Other- Feist 

18. Bedouin Dress- Fleet Foxes

17. Jesus Came to My Birthday Party- The Middle East 

16. That’s Where You’re Wrong- Arctic Monkeys
15. Fast Fast- Let’s Buy Happiness
14. I Hate You But I Love You- Russian Red

13. Hiding Tonight- Alex Turner
12. Überlin- R.E.M.
11. Margot- Nat Johnson and The Figureheads
10. Knots- Lisa Hannigan
9. Port of a Call- Beirut

8. Exile Vilify- The National
7. Suck It and See- Arctic Monkeys
6. Come On Over- Veronica Falls
5. Calamity Song- The Decemberists
4. The Words that Maketh Murder- PJ Harvey
3. Lippy Kids- Elbow
2. Reckless Serenade- Arctic Monkeys 

1. It Happened Today- R.E.M.

Check the rest of the 100 songs here:
First part: 100-76
Second part: 75-51
Third part: 50-26 

Road trip: a list of records for driving

From tomorrow until Sunday I'll be on a road trip, a small break (somewhat forced) from work. But before leaving and following Kathryn Calder's idea/list you can read on the recommendable music website playgroundmag.net, here's my list of records that, in my opinion, must-be on any unforgettable indie music trip. That's what we'll be hearing in our car tomorrow. Which would be yours? Have fun!

Highway Revisited- Bod Dylan. Mandatory. A classic among classics. Hard for me to imagine a song that fits the road better that the iconic "Like a Rolling Stone". "Blonde on Blonde" won't we a bad choice either. Perfect start.

The Joshua Tree- U2. The second undisputed and personal classic that had to be included. Songs with a cinematic quality, that evoke landscapes, ideal for the open spaces and long roads.

Murmur- R.E.M. And the third masterpiece. A unique record, mysterious and joyful at the same time.

Suck It and See- Arctic Monkeys. Sunny day ahead on the road? Then it's a perfect choice. Don't forget your sunglasses!

Franz Ferdinand- Franz Ferdinand. We accelerate the rhythm as we drive. Uptempo, dynamic and catchiest indie-rock. Plus is one of the favourite bands of the driver, so I have to concede her that.

I Love Your Glasses/Fuerteventura- Russian Red. On the list 'cause we'll see her gig on Friday at Mercat Música Viva de Vic. Besides, her songs are perfect for a sunny and lazy early afternoon.

Helplessness Blues- Fleet Foxes/The King Is Dead- The Decemberists/ The Rip Tide- Beirut. This trio of records/artists come "in a pack" because this is the perfect music for a trip to the countryside. As a matter of fact, any record from them will do.

The Back Room- Editors/Turn On the Bright Lights- Interpol. Change of mood, more somber, upbeat and gloomy. Great choices for night driving.

Central Reservation- Beth Orton. My choice for late night/early morning driving. What else could be better than returning home lulled by Beth's voice?

End of holidays, back to work playlist

Back to the office, back to work. I'm not in depression mode (yet) but I thought an appropriate playlist for the moment was in order... Enjoy!

1. Chain Gang- Sam Cooke
2. Career Opportunities- The Clash
3. Slave to the Wage- Placebo
4. Maggie's Farm- Bob Dylan
5. Daysleeper- R.E.M.
6. The Engine Driver- The Decemberists
7. Happy Hour- The Housemartins
8. Come Home Billy Bird- The Divine Comedy
9. Tus Amigos- Los Punsetes
10. Overcome By Happiness- The Pernice Brothers
11. Take Your Carriage and Shove It- Belle and Sebastian
12. Valet Parking- The Auteurs
13. No Surprises- Radiohead
14. Mr. November- The National
15. Working Class Hero- Elbow covering John Lennon

New confirmations for Benicassim (FIB Festival) tomorrow. A wishlist

After too many days without news, Benicassim has announced that tomorrow they will reveal more names of their 2011 line-up.

My (short) wishlist for tomorrow 
(R.E.M.'s impossible dream aside)
The Decemberists 
The Divine Comedy: someone else would agree :)
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Dum Dum Girls
The Mynabirds 
Doves
Northern Portrait
Motorama
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Electrelane: they just announced they are back to play some summer gigs and festivals after three years!!


Let's see what happens tomorrow!

"The King is Dead", long life to The Decemberists

The King is Dead- The Decemberists


To me, "The Hazards of Love", was the first failure from a band with an almost inmaculate career. The album went too far, making the Portland group dangerously approaching into "progressive rock" territory. So "The King is Dead" is refreshing in its immediacy and lightness. Welcome back hooks, welcome back choruses to sing out loud. Welcome back melodies.

Their sixth record flows easily during its 40 minutes. On the gently and soaring ballads -"Rise to Me" and the two hymns "January and June"-, Colin Meloy reaches disarming climaxes with simple melodies and his voice joined by Gillian Welch. And on the strongest folk-rock songs, Peter's Buck contribution emerges to give The Decemberists the impulse to deliver the two masterpieces of the album. The joyful jangle of "Calamity Song" and the thunderous guitars of "Down by the Water", bring us back to R.E.M's glorious past, and places both tunes among the greatest of the band's catalogue.

It might not be as unique and special as "Picaresque" was, and it may have a couple of  "minor" songs-, but overall "The King is Dead" is a magnificient record, and proves the alt.country/americana "touch" fits pretty well to The Decemberists, who in return, have never sounded so confident and joyful. Long life to The Decemberists. Long life to the new "King" -who is the surprising number one album at the U.S Billboard ranks right now-.

SCORE: 7.5/10