Long Live the King [EP]
by The Decemberists
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Nov 1, 2011
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Pitchfork
    Oct 31, 2011
    68
    This isn't the sound of a band closing up shop so much as tidying up the workbench before stepping out for a while.
  2. Rolling Stone
    Nov 1, 2011
    70
    On this six track EP, the Decemberists stick to the sound that made this year's The King Is Dead so tasty, leaning into rustic Americana like they're settling into an old chair.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Nov 1, 2011
    91
    Any of these songs could've fit on The King Is Dead; instead, they've come together to form another excellent record.
  5. Paste Magazine
    Oct 31, 2011
    80
    Intellectual? Yes. Visceral? Absolutely. Accessible? Oddly.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 31, 2011
    70
    Long Live the King serves as a supplemental EP worthy of a glance from the casual listener, and most certainly from every fan.
  7. Prefix Magazine
    Nov 1, 2011
    65
    So while it can't really stand alone, it plays awfully well with its musical sibling.
  8. The Telegraph (UK)
    Nov 3, 2011
    80
    Those who loved The King Is Dead should certainly enjoy the EP--a sort of CD extras from a fine main production.
  9. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Nov 17, 2011
    85
    Overall, the EP works wonders, given largely to the fact that it contains unreleased tracks from sessions of the band's greatest, most straightforward work to date.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. allanvanvliet
    Nov 7, 2011
    7
    Good, not great. There's a reason these are the B-sides, and there's a reason they weren't on "The King Is Dead." But all that said, the EP isGood, not great. There's a reason these are the B-sides, and there's a reason they weren't on "The King Is Dead." But all that said, the EP is fun and spirited, and the music is plenty enjoyable. "Foregone" is a great song.… Full Review »
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