Pitchfork

Tracking's done, and mixing has just begun on the latest album from Portland prog-folk powerhouses the Decemberists. It's called Hazards of Love, and dollars to donuts, that's probably what it will be about.

The disc will likely emerge in the wake of the band's previously reported Always the Bridesmaid singles series, the first of which drops in a variety of formats October 14 from Capitol/Jealous Butcher/Rough Trade/the band's own Y.A.B.B. Records.

There's also word that Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, and Jenny Conlee will take the stage at Portland's Doug Fir Lounge October 12 for a benefit show in support of Oregonian Democratic Senatorial candidate Jeff Merkley. The three Decemberists will be joined by locals China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini and Laura Veirs, who will be billed for the occasion as Two-Beers Veirs. A testament to Merkley's (reasonably) sober judgement, perhaps?

Speaking of civic duties and such, Colin Meloy would like very much to come play at your institution of learning, but only if you're eligible to pull the lever on November 4. Mr. Meloy will participate in "The Ultimate College Bowl", a contest that will earn a free Meloy solo show at some point during the academic year for the school with the highest percentage of its student body registered to vote this fall. And, hey, even if you don't win, there's that whole "new president" thing to think about.

Once John Moen sobers up from his time with Bob Pollard and his Boston Spaceships, the Decemberists will hit the road for a few weeks' worth of fall dates, including a couple new ones they've thrown on the front end of the jaunt. Things now kick off October 30 in Georgetown, Texas.

Bonus! Chris Funk put in a guest appearance with Viva Voce offshoot Blue Giant last night (October 7) at Portland's Holocene, as did (once again) Sleater-Kinney's Corin Tucker. Check out some shots from the show below, courtesy of Pitchfork reader Megan Holmes.

Blue Giant [ft. Corin Tucker and Chris Funk]








The Decemberists:

10-30 Georgetown, TX - Southwestern University
10-31 Wheaton, IL - Edman Chapel at Wheaton College
11-05 New York, NY - Terminal 5 *
11-06 Boston, MA - The Orpheum *
11-07 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory *
11-08 Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head Live! *
11-09 Ithaca, NY - Cornell University, Barton Hall *
11-11 Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theatre *
11-12 East Lansing, MI - Wharton Center *
11-24 Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern *
11-25 San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre *
11-29 Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom *
11-30 Seattle, WA - The Moore Theatre *

* with Loch Lomond