The Tain

In the last two years, Portland's Decemberists burst onto the scene with "Castaways And Cutouts", wowed critics, gained legions of fans with "Her Majesty", and then continued the trend with "Picaresque". In the wake of all this, Kill Rock Stars is re-releasing last year's highly acclaimed concept EP, "The Tain" (originally released on Acuarela). The record's cornerstone is a cycle of Celtic mythology under the same name and is a one epic song divided into five parts. A bit of a rock opera, it's a live favorite among fans. "The Decemberists have made two albums of literate, crackling songs, but 'The Tain' is the best entry into their high-rock theater. [They] vividly conjure the clang of battle and the stench of ruined flesh in this mini-epic of marching guitars, bowed upright bass, and artful contradiction" - David Fricke, Rolling Stone.