The Decemberists on their new album, 'As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again'

Death and agriculture. That is what The Decemberists' latest record is all about, according to frontman Colin Meloy.

He said it — in jest — during the indie rock band's performance in Philly in May, but it's true. There's no shortage of death to be found in The Decemberists' catalog and on their new album, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again.

In this session, Meloy talks about how the record marks a new chapter for the band, why producer Tucker Martine is the "sixth Decemberist," and the pros and cons of the great vinyl resurgence.

And, yes, Meloy also explains how agriculture is a part of the new album.

This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Miguel Perez. Our senior producer is Kimberly Junod and our engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.