The Decemberists announce new tour dates, cover art

First of all, the cover art for The Decemberists' new album, Hazards of Love, has changed since the last time we told you about it. The new art is above.

Second of all, The Decemberists have never been afraid of a little ambition. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that for their upcoming U.S. tour, they've decided to eschew typical rock-band protocol and present their recent release in a slightly different format.

When the Portland-based group hits the road in support of their March 24 release, Hazards of Love, they'll be presenting it as a 17-song suit. It seems fitting for an album that tells the tale "woman named Margaret who is ravaged by a shape-shifting animal; her lover, William; a forest queen; and a cold-blooded, lascivious rake (straight from the horse's mouth, I promise).

Pre-sale tickets are now available here. General tickets go on sale on Feb.13. Still more dates are to be announced, so check back.

May

19 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Hollywood Palladium

20 - Oakland, Calif. @ Fox Theatre

21 - Eugene, Ore. @ McDonald Theater

24 - Missoula, Mont. @ Wilma Theatre

26 - Denver, Colo. @ Fillmore Auditorium

27 - Kansas City, Mo. @ Uptown Theater

29 - Milwaukee, Wisc. @ Riverside Theater

31 - St. Louis, Mo. @The Pageant

June

1 - Columbus, Ohio @ Lifestyle Communities Pavilion