Pitchfork

It's been a whole summer since we've heard from the Decemberists. Besides drummer John Moen's Perhapst project, the last time we checked in with Colin Meloy's Portland crew, they were raising the ire of conservative critics over their appearance at an Obama rally. We're sure those critics are going to love the band's new digital/vinyl singles series, the first installment of which features a tune called "Valerie Plame". According to a press release, "Valerie Plame" is "an amorous tribute to the onetime CIA operative...written from the point-of-view of one of Plame's inside contacts upon discovering her true identity." [Hey, doesn't that sound like it's the sequel to "The Bagman's Gambit" from Picaresque?- Ed] We'd expect nothing less labyrinthine from the makers of The Crane Wife.

Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series comes in three volumes. Volume I features "Valerie Plame" and "O New England" and comes out October 14. Volume II features "Days of Elaine", "Days of Elaine [Long]", and "I'm Sticking With You" and comes out November 4. Volume III features "Record Year" and "Raincoat Song" and comes out December 2.

In the U.S., Capitol will release Always the Bridesmaid digitally, and the Decemberists' own Y.A.B.B. Records, in conjunction with Jealous Butcher Records, will handle the 12" releases via the band's online store and select independent shops. In the UK, Rough Trade will release Always the Bridesmaid digitally and as a series of 7"s.

The Decemberists are planning some yet-to-be-announced U.S. shows for November, but for now, their only date is an Election Day Eve (November 3) appearance on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" to perform "Valerie Plame". They're also working on a full-length follow-up to The Crane Wife with Always the Bridesmaid producer and The Crane Wife co-producer Tucker Martine.