The web release of The King is Dead was this week (CD won't be released until January 18, 2011). After two spins I can say it's everything I hoped it would be, which was sort of a surprise after being disappointed with the Always the Bridesmaid EP and The Hazards of Love album. Fans of their first several albums will be happy with this one. This is full of short, poppy songs and clocks in at a just-right-length of just under 41 minutes. No epic high concept pap here.

It's so good in fact I think I'm gonna play it again right now