New Decemberists Album Out Jan. 18

The Decemberists new album The King is Dead comes out Jan. 18, but the band is taking pre-orders on its Web site now.

There are some pretty cool packages available, including a whopping $165 deluxe box edition that features a one-of-a-kind Polaroid photograph by Autumn de Wilde, a 72-page book, DVD, a limited-edition print, the album on white vinyl, and lots more. This package is limited to 2,500.

A standard vinyl album goes for $19.

When visiting my local indie record store last week, I picked up the new single from the band, which was prominently displayed on the counter. It features the original "January Hymn" backed by a cover of the Grateful Dead's "Row Jimmy." The 45, which cost $2, also came with a $2 coupon for the upcoming full-length release.

To learn more, visit The Decemberists Web page here.

Bright Eyes Album Due in February

Saddle Creek is taking pre-orders for the new Bright Eyes release The People’s Key, which hits stores Feb. 15. It's the much-anticipated follow-up to 2007's Cassadaga.

The vinyl album comes packaged with a CD and album download for $18.

As usual, Saddle Creek has prepared some special bundles as well. The Music Plus package features the album, a T-shirt, and a poster for $31.

The super deluxe package comes with the album pressed on colored vinyl, a seven-inch record with two extra tracks, the T-shirt and two posters. Limited to 2,000, this bundle is $50.

For more information, visit Saddle Creek.