Since their inception in 2001, Portland's The Decemberists have channeled a unique and wide-ranging set of influences (be it R.E.M., Irish folkfore, or Russian literature) into classic indie-pop that has found a large and fervent fanbase. The group's 2006 major label debut The Crane Wife both amazed and shocked music critics, who loved the material but could hardly believe the band's audacity, as two 11-plus minute epics were featured on the disc. The bold......

15. Mogwai - Mr. Beast (Matador) As ever, Mogwai manage to blend unadulterated post-rock weight to their shoegazer tendencies with tracks like "Glasgow Mega Snake" and "Folk Death 95," showcasing their ability to create anthems with no words. This is where Mr. Beast really shines, in between blistering chord progressions and gradual swings into corybantic climaxes. In some ways a throwback to earlier (and heavier) Mogwai material, Mr. Beast isn't merely a rock album.......

Easily indie rock's most well-read bunch, The Decemberists returned this year with The Crane Wife, their follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed LP, Picaresque (as well as their bonus EP, Picaresqueties, a nifty collection of b-sides). Frontman Colin Meloy imbues the record with his signature storytelling acumen, narrating esoteric tales of airships, Civil War romances, and Belfast terrorists while managing intricate and often exhilarating rhythm sequences. Produced in part by Death Cab's Chris Walla,......

Last weekend was pretty intense show-wise, if you're like us, you're ready to crawl in bed with your headphones and listen to something new from End of an Ear or Waterloo's new release wall. Well, here's what you've got to choose from: The Decemberists The Crane Wife (Capital) Already being described as the album of the year in some circles, Crane Wife marks the Portland-based Decemberists' major label debut with themes familiar to the......

The Decemberists won't release their new album, The Crane Wife until next Tuesday, but MTVU has an official leak, with the full album available to stream. Roughly the story of a man who marries a woman who turns out to be a crane, Decemberists' latest The Crane Wife (Capitol Records), is a tragic Japanese folktale turned epic Americana-flavored rock-opera, rife with greed, abduction, rape and death. The album, already widely proclaimed a masterpiece, calls......