The Decemberists Ready "Singles Series," "Conan" Appearance

Starting October 14th, the Decemberists will begin releasing their three-volume Always The Bridesmaid: A Singles Series. The first installment, available both digitally and on 10'' vinyl, will feature "O New England" and "Valerie Plame," an ode to the former CIA operative that was outed by Dick Cheney's Chief of Staff "Scooter" Libby. Additionally, the band will hit Late Night with Conan O'Brien the eve of Election Day and the other two volumes in the collection will be released on November 4th and December 2nd.

Always The Bridesmaid: A Singles Series:

Volume I. "Valerie Plame" / "O New England"
Release date: October 14, 2008

Volume II. "Days of Elaine" / "Days of Elaine (long)" and "I'm Sticking With You"
Release date: November 4, 2008

Volume III. "Record Year" / "Raincoat Song"
Release date: December 2, 2008

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Song Stories

“Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nirvana | 1991

"Smells Like Teen Spirit," named after a brand of deodorant marketed to girls, was Kurt Cobain's attempt to "write the ultimate pop song," he said, using the soft-loud dynamic of his favorite band, the Pixies. Cobain "had that dichotomy of punk rage and alienation," the song’s producer, Butch Vig, told Rolling Stone, "but also this vulnerable pop sensibility. In 'Teen Spirit,' a lot of that vulnerability is in the tone of his voice." Sadly, by the time of Nirvana's last U.S. tour, in late '93, Cobain was tortured by the obligation to play "Teen Spirit" every night. "There are many other songs that I have written that are as good, if not better," he claimed.

More Song Stories entries »

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