Long Live the King

The Decemberists | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 1, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B005ISRAIE
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,417 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #51 in Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo-Fi > Indie Rock
  • #82 in Music > Pop > Adult Alternative
  • #84 in Music > Rock > Folk Rock

Editorial Reviews

As a fitting bookend to the most successful year of the band's career, The Decemberists will release a new EP entitled Long Live The King. Similar to the critically acclaimed, chart-topping bow The King is Dead, the EP is a mostly-acoustic set of 6 Americana-based songs, recorded around the same time as The King is Dead, and including their stunning cover of the Grateful Dead track "Row Jimmy." The EP was produced once again by Tucker Martine.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect companion for The King is Dead, November 1, 2011

By 

Storylover (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Long Live the King (Audio CD)

If you are already under the spell of the Decemberists wonderful "The King is Dead", then this EP is reason to rejoice--6 songs that were acoustically recorded during the same time period as that album. That says a lot, but please understand that there is nothing "left-over" or "scrapped" from these tunes. These songs could easily have been included on the album, and I'm not sure why they weren't, but whatever the reason, they make a very cohesive set. "E. Watson", the first track, reminds us all of what the Decemberists do best--showcase Colin Meloy's plaintive vocals against a tight, richly harmonic background, instrumentation paying homage to traditional folk while never sounding less than modern. When the intensity of his vocal rises at the end of the song to what can only be termed a howl, chills broke out on my arms and I was completely under his spell. "Forgone" is a warmer, more melodic steel guitar fueled affair that was a welcome contrast. "Burying Davy," one of the highlights of the affair, picks up thematically where E. Watson left off, laying someone into the ground, but if anything is more satisfying. It makes me appreciate the happier sounding "Foregone" all the more between them. I4U&U4Me is a perfectly enjoyable shuffle, although it cannot compete with Burying Davy or the wonderfully laid back cover of the Grateful Dead's "Row Jimmy", which should not be missed by either Dead fans or the Decemberists. "Sonnet" ends the set up with an acoustic sweetness--with surprise horn section--that somehow manages to tie the whole project together.

This is a very satisfying set, and could easily be heard in conjunction with The King is Dead, but honestly is just wonderful on its own. It is keeping my yearning for new Decemberists satisfied. If only there were more!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Satisfying Coda for 'The King Is Dead', November 1, 2011

By 

Benjamin Kenon (st charles, il) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Long Live the King (Audio CD)

This disc reminds me a bit of the "Picaresquities" e.p. It's a nice conclusion to this period of The Decemberist's career, as Colin Meloy has said they are poised to take a muti-year hiatus. Being that their sound changes from album to album I wouldn't expect this laid-back country sound to return.

"E. Watson" and "Foregone" are the highlights for me, while "Burying Davy" should have been on "TKID". If you enjoyed the previous record, you'll like this one, even if Gillian Welch isn't there to provide the amazing backing vocals.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Stuff, January 7, 2012

By 

Mark S. Anderson "Poobah" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Long Live the King (Audio CD)

I'm a 67 year old musician and cut my teeth in the folk music wave of the 60's and the transition into electric music. I call this contenporay folk music. It is the music of our time. It's great to see music evolve back to having something to SAY. I believe the Decemberists are right at the top of this new wave of musical consciousness. Wonderful blend of instruments and styles, supporting interesting vocal work and unique melodies. No song better than another. They're all great. Great Stuff. The musical prophets have been quiet for a long time. Now, open up your ears, they speaking again.