The Decemberists' wonderful new album is out today, channeling Reckoning-era REM (with Peter Buck along for the ride) and classic Americana with a charming, stripped-down, optimistic, chiming set of songs. Gillian Welch adds harmonies and there's a guest fiddler too. Mainman Colin Meloy exudes the air of someone who has successfully got over himself, with the overcomplication and look-at-me cleverness of some of the band's earlier efforts forgotten. You may get the impression that I'm a convert...
More to follow, but their concert at the De La Warr on 12 March already looks one not to be missed.