DOWN BY THE WATER

Although they've been playing a few songs off of their upcoming album "The King Is Dead" in concert, this is the first recorded track officially released by the Decemberists, available from their website.

After the absolute beauty that was their last album "The Hazards of Love" and the glory of the prior release "The Crane Wife," I was incredibly excited once their new album was announced. However, based on this track alone, I'm afraid the Decemberists may be taking a slight step backward...

Down By The Water is a pretty basic, catchy, indie-folk/alt-rock song. With a driving beat and and mixed acoustic/arpeggiated elecric guitar, the song is very reminiscent of the style of R.E.M. (guitarist Peter Buck even guests on this track), which is a very pleasant sound, especially for a long time R.E.M. fan like myself. This style blends well with the Decemberists typical sound, and the added harmonica solos and the male/female vocal harmony throughout add something a bit special to this track, at least compared to other Decemberists songs.

But looked at as a part of their whole catalog of songs, Down By The Water pales in comparison to many of the Decemberists' other prog-folk wonders from their past few albums. Although the instruments are played and the song is sung well, there's very little emotion behind it. And from a progressive standpoint, there's really not much to say; despite some slightly elaborate vocal harmonies and some folksy instrumentation, it's just a simple, catchy song. Although it's no masterpiece, it's a great song. If you're a fan of the Decemberists or you just want a nice listen, go to the Decemberists' website and download the song. 3 Stars for quality, but leaning towards 2.5 from a progressive standpoint.

'Down By The Water' - The Decemberists (Single)

The single from an album that sorely disappointed me, 'Down By The Water' feels like a pretty typical track for this album, possibly done a little better than what I generally heard from that album. Showcasing The Decemberists' latest sound, they seem to be returning to the alternative country voice that they had with their first EPs and demos. Unfortunately, this is one step forward and ten steps back for a band I was really getting excited about.

While the past two albums before really impressed me with their progressive tendencies and more rock-leaning elements, 'Down By The Water' shows what the band has become now; back to their basic roots as a cookie cut country act. While the fact that Meloy was going back to a more basic form of songwriting is not necessarily to this song's credit on its own, it is moreso the lackluster and predictable way the song is written and performed.

The song is certainly listenable for its warm acoustics and some decent harmonica work, but the song never feels as if it goes anywhere particularly interesting; instead reprising the same tired chorus. It feels like a track for their first EP, in other words.

Quite a disappointment.

Frankly, this is a very great single, if by great you mean representative of full album. Because this song is everything this album is - return to roots, easy listening folkrock/country. I was anticipating TKID a lot, so when this single was out, I eagerly listened it and, was left a bit disappointed. Well, maybe more than a bit. After all, how couldn't I be disappointed, expecting something bigger than ... this.

2(+), not bad song, but the same as album - it simply isn't what I (and some other fans, even I'm aware that majority of The Decemberists fans wants this style). Not bad, but a bit simple.

This is a GREAT song! The album it comes off of however, not so good. Only this song as well as "Don't Carry It All" held my interest from THE KING IS DEAD. An album of very folksy, country type music that bored me overall. This song is in the vein of an REM tune, especially the singing style of Colin Meloy which has a resemblence to Michael Stipe. And Peter Buck of REM on guitar! Is this an REM song, after all? Whatever, it is a great tune with a good melody. Progressive Folk? Not really. This is NOT "The Crane Wife" or "Hazards of Love". This is more of a return to old-fashioned folk roots with electric background and harmonica. As an individual song this would be a 5. But since it is only a single from a larger set, 3 is fine. Only this and "Don't Carry it All" are on my Ipod from this album.

Down by the Water" has a Louisiana Southern Rock sound that appeals to me, having grown up in the southeast region of North Carolina. The song has a mean harmonica and foot-stomping rhythm. As a country boy, this song has it out for me even if it has nothing to do with progressive rock. Despite any resemblance to The Decemberists of old, this song is straight-up country music made for today. Gillian Welch's vocals are a welcome appearance on this raw country rock tune, and produce a nice contrast to Colin Meloy's familiar inflections. I love the tremolo on the guitar.