VINYL FORMAT. Features both the recent "The Tain" and "5 Songs" on one LP. The A side is a new short-form concept record entitled "The Tain," based loosely on the epic book of the same name (considered the Iliad of Irish mythology). While keeping the signature Decemberists sound intact, the band gives a significant nod to such 70's progressive rockers as Deep Purple and Iron Butterfly. (Once you've heard "The Tain," you'll understand why vinyl is the format of choice for this release.) The B side is a vinyl release of the band's first EP, "5 Songs" (actually six, but who's counting?). It is simpler, less adorned, but still a marvelous collection of characters trapped in song. Think of these EPs as distinct bookends to the last two full-length Decemberists releases.