Dukes of Hazard…

(photo: Myspace)

The Decemberists have announced their latest disc, The Hazards of Love , is to be released on March 24th. It is a 17-song suite that is based on a tale of a woman named Margaret who is ravaged by her shape-shifting animal/lover William, and features a forest queen, and a cold-blooded, lascivious rake, whose tale is told in the album's first single, "The Rake's Song".

If you thought The Crane Wife was high-concept, this will surely do your head in. I expect nothing but big and bold surprises from The Decemberists, as "The Rake's Song" sets expectations for this album pretty high. It's less melodic than the pop pearls they released on the Always The Bridesmaid single series last year, but it's most definitely a Decemberists song, with Meloy's distinctive voice lending the heavy-handed arrangement a light counterpoint. The song is available as a free download from the band's website, in exchange for joining their mailing list.

Tour plans are taking shape for this Spring, and promise to feature older material in the second half, with the first half dedicated to The Hazards of Love .

MP3: The Decemberists "The Rake's Song"
Facebook: The Decemberists
Myspace: The Decemberists