Yes, Portland folk-rockers The Decemberists are coming through town again. But for the first time in a few long years, Colin Meloy and company arent backing 2009s atrocious The Hazards of Love. (Hallelujah!) Whereas that 17-part rock opera was missing even one memorable song, the bands latest last months Billboard chart-topping The King Is Dead acts as a redemption story. Full of rootsy, honky-tonk stompers like All Arise! and reliable R.E.M. imitations such as Dont Carry It All and lead single Down by the Water, its fair to say The Decemberists have their groove back. BRYDEN MCGRATH
Fri., Feb. 18, 8 p.m., 2011