The Decemberists Announce 'The King Is Dead' Album, Offer Free Song

After plenty of time in the studio, the Decemberists have finally revealed plans for their follow-up to 2009's 'The Hazards of Love.' The Portland, Ore. group has confirmed that their new album, 'The King Is Dead,' will be released on Jan. 18 via Capitol.

With the title revealed, there has been speculation that it's a take on the Smiths' 1986 classic, 'The Queen Is Dead.' Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy has long touted the band as a huge influence and has even covered their song 'Ask' in concert.

Fans looking to get a taste of what the new LP can download one of the 10 tracks, 'Down by the Water,' by logging onto the Decemberists' official website. As previously reported, 'The King Is Dead' boasts guitar help from R.E.M.'s Peter Buck.

The track list for 'The King is Dead' is as follows:

1. 'Don't Carry It All'
2. 'Calamity Song'
3. 'Rise to Me'
4. 'Rox in the Box'
5. 'January Hymn'
6. 'Down by the Water'
7. 'All Arise!'
8. 'June Hymn'
9. 'This Is Why We Fight'
10. 'Dear Avery'