This is proof that signing to a major label doesn't mean your band starts making bad pop music. This sprawling, folk-prog story about fantastical love gone bad (or good? I lose track) seems like a bad idea and ends up a fine listen. Their producer/engineer, Tucker Martine, is one of my favorite record-makers out there for his sounds and aesthetics. Recorded by Tucker (with Rich Hipp assisting) at his home-based studio, Flora, in Portland, Oregon, and produced by him and the band. Mixed by Tucker at Supernatural Sound (on their fantastic API Legacy) in Oregon City (outside of Portland) and mastered by Roger Seibel at SAE. (www.decemberists.com, www.capitolrecords.com)

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