Album: The Decemberists, The King is Dead (Rough Trade)

Kicking off with a Dylanesque blast of harmonica, the Decemberists reveal their new intent right up-front.

A retreat from the adventurousness of 2009's much-loved Hazards of Love, their sixth effort sees the Oregon collective enjoying the comforts of country-rock. With its chiming guitars, pedal steel and mandolins, it's reminiscent chiefly of the Byrds and R.E.M., whose Peter Buck guests here (as does Gillian Welch).

It's lovely to fall asleep to. Which is a compliment, not a complaint.