Long Live the King
The Decemberists · 2011
25 min · 6 tracks · art rock
An eclectic mix of art rock sounds, blending intricate storytelling with melodic experimentation and a touch of whimsy.
Top tracks — play these first
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E. Watson Start here — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its intricate storytelling and rich instrumentation, encapsulating the EP's artful spirit.
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Burying Davy — This song combines haunting melodies with vivid imagery, showcasing the band's ability to weave compelling narratives into their music.
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Row Jimmy — A reinterpretation of a classic song, it highlights the band's versatility while maintaining their signature lyrical style and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases strong storytelling and varied arrangements but lacks the cohesion of their full-length works.
What we noticed
- The EP opens with a narrative-driven song that sets a whimsical tone, followed by two tracks that maintain a similar lyrical depth.
- The final track, 'Sonnet', employs a more traditional structure with a clear melodic line, contrasting with the preceding experimental pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with depth
- short tracks for quick engagement
- gradual build to satisfying closure
- for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — An eclectic EP that showcases continued evolution but lacks mainstream recognition.
- Themes
- intricate storytelling· theatrical narratives
- Career context
- Long Live the King marks The Decemberists' first release after their widely acclaimed album, The King Is Dead, which solidified their status in the indie rock scene. By 2011, they were recognized for their literary lyrics and theatrical performances, positioning this EP as a bridge between their commercial success and ongoing artistic exploration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Fleet Foxes
Tracklist
- 1 E. Watson Start here 3:32
- 2 Foregone 4:07
- 3 Burying Davy 4:22
- 4 I4U & U4Me (home demo) 3:38
- 5 Row Jimmy 6:40
- 6 Sonnet 2:56
What to play next
The King Is Dead
2011
It continues the blend of storytelling with a more focused sound, building on themes from the current EP.
The Hazards of Love
2009
This album sets up a similar narrative style and musical experimentation, leading into the current EP.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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