JB-047 - The Decemberists:
The Tain b/w 5 Songs
*180 GRAM VINYL*

 Side A
"The Tain," as Performed by The Decemberists:
Colin Meloy, Jenny Conlee, Rachel Blumberg, Nate Query, Chris Funk
With: Chris Walla

Recorded at the Hall of Justice, Seattle, WA, August, 2003, by Chris Walla

Side B:
"5 Songs," as Performed by The Decemberists:
Colin Meloy, Jenny Conlee, Nate Query, Chris Funk, Ezra Holbrook
With: Jen Bernard, Gus Baum

Tracks 1-5 Recorded at Type Foundry, Portland, OR, Winter 2001, by Jason Powers

Track 6 Recorded at Are You Listening? Studios, Portland, OR, Winter 2002, by Simon Widdowson
This is the vinyl version of The Decemberists EP The Tain. The CD version was originally put out by Acuarela in Spain. We've got one up on them though as this LP happens to also have The Decemberists first EP 5 Songs on the flip side, hot damn! They all have a fabulous insert and are adorned with a lovely painting done by, as you may have guessed, Carson Ellis! It's RAD! We are pleased as punch to be co-releasing this with our pals down the road at HUSH! Viva la PDX!
This release is a combination of new and old. Where the Decemberists have been and where they are headed. The A side is made up of the new, a short form concept record called The Tain. This piece is based on what most consider the Illiad of Irish myth, The Tain. While keeping the signature Decemberists sound intact, the band gives a significant nod to such 70’s progressive rockers as Deep Purple and Iron Butterfly. The Tain was recorded in an intensive 4-day period in which the band actually slept on the floor of the recording studio. It was captured and brought to light with the help of Christopher Walla (Death Cab For Cutie) at the venerable Hall of Justice in Seattle, WA. The B side is a vinyl release of the bands 1st EP 5 Songs. It is simpler, less adorned, but still a marvelous collection of characters trapped in song, clawing and cooing their way out. Think of these pieces as bookends to the last 2 full-length Decemberists releases.