Colin Meloy's band of whimsical, scholarly indie pop-sters are set to release their major-label debut, The Crane Wife (out Oct. 3), which culls its name from a Japanese tale of the same name. It's no surprise, then, this Portland-based collective have as much an affinity for folksy storytelling as ever. "Yankee Bayonet," with its windy, girl-boy oh oh ohs, lifting melodies, and lofty explorations of "true love," is one of the album's most mellifluous, moving ditties.

Now Hear This:
The Decemberists - "Yankee Bayonet" WINDOWS MEDIA HIGH | LOW

Talk: Aren't you happy you don't have to wait until December to hear new tunes from the Decemberists?

On the Web:
decemberists.com