The Decemberists | January Hymn 7” | Capitol Records | Black

Here’s an interesting method of album promo. The Decemberists dropped this 7” today featuring another new track from their upcoming album, The King Is Dead. On the B-side is a cover of The Grateful Dead’s “Row Jimmy”. What’s interesting is that the single only cost $2. And attached to it was a coupon for $2 off the purchase of The King Is Dead when it releases next month.

I wonder what the production cost versus return ratio is for this project? The 7” most likely appeals to a large portion of their fanbase. But a large enough portion to be profitable? Maybe the Capitol Records/Record Store Day partnership helped subsidize the cost. It’s an interesting project and I look forward to seeing their first week numbers.

In the meantime, I’m really digging the new song. It’s more liken to the Decemberists you already know. At least compared to the more rockin’ first song they released, “Down By The Water”. I’ll be grabbing a copy of this record when it drops. I only wish I could spare the coin to pick up the deluxe box set.