In Our Spotlight- The Decemberists - Down by the Water

Is the Decemberists new song Down by the Water comparable to R.E.M? I certainly think so. The song is from the bands new alblum "The King is Dead." set to be released January 18th 2011. If the rest of the album is anything like this song I am anxious and curious all at the same time for it! The song starts out with a little bit of the harmonica and then cuts in to lead vocalist Colin Meloy's singing. Instead of the "Ben Gibarrd like" vocals we are used to, we have the pleasent surprise of a vocal tone comparable to that of Mike Stipe (lead vocalist for R.E.M). I also hear a litte Modest Mouse influence as well. The song has a mellow southern folk sound that I actually wasn't sure about when I first listened. After several times listening to it I finally understood what the band was going for with this song. And I really like it. The song is simple, which is sometimes all a band needs to make a quality song. With less emphasis on the instruments and more emphasis on the vocals, result (for The Decemberists) is a solid beautiful rich sound that is also very unquie. On top of being put together very well musically the song lyrics are very well written. They are very catchy and enjoyable. Cutting it alittle short here all in all I would say this is a surprising yet very solid song by The Decemberists. Click below to listen!!!!