The Decemberists - Hazards of Love

The sometimes folky, sometimes poppy indie rockers from Portland have outdone themselves on their fifth studio release. The Decemberists Hazards of Love ($10-$18) is a 17-track continuous rock drama narrating one cohesive story. Singer/guitarist/songwriter Colin Meloy wrote the piece initially intended as a musical, while spending an entire month in Southern France with his wife and son. Distinguished guests such as Lavender Diamond’s Becky Stark, My Brightest Diamond Shara Worden and My Morning Jacket’s Jim James all make appearances playing other characters within the storyline. Buying options include CD, a deluxe 180-gram gatefold vinyl or digital.