The Decemberists - "The Hazards of Love"

*MP3: The Decemberists - "The Queen's Rebuke / The Crossing"
*MP3: The Decemberists - "The Rake's Song"

The Decemberists' new album, "The Hazards of Love" (Capitol), plays like a rock opera rather than a string of hits like I've grown accustomed to when it comes them. "The Rake's Song" is the easy standout that I expected, however, the album's intention is clear to be that it must be taken in as a whole; start-to-finish, beginning-middle-and-end. With multiple refrains and steady themes throughout the album, the album has a life of its own. In fact, Colin Meloy stays true to his story-line so strictly that he has specific parts for specific singers as the story develops. "The Queen's Rebuke/The Crossing" is deep into the story (the 12th track) and is exactly what the title suggests. However, context is everything when it comes to this album, so be sure to pick up the whole thing.

I couldn't stop listening to "The Hazards of Love" for the same reason I can never put down a good book: I need to know how the story ends.

This seventeen-track epic album is going to find its way onto the top of many top ten lists for 2009.

Buy "The Hazards of Love" on iTunes HERE.

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(Ian Anderson)