New Decemberists Album Coming in February?

Image via REMHQ.com

Not too long ago, we told you that R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck would be collaborating with The Decemberists for their sixth album. Now, though the band’s publicist cannot confirm a release date for the album, R.E.M.‘s official website says Colin Meloy & Co.’s next record could drop as soon as February 2011.

Buck is teaming up with the band for three of the new songs, which are currently being recorded in a barn on the outskirts of Portland, Ore. Frontman Colin Meloy (who we Scott Pilgrim-ized last week) recently tweeted a photo of the barn (below) with a caption reading: “To recap: we’re making a record. in a barn. festooned with wicker.”

Here’s a picture of said barn (click to enlarge):

A few days ago, Meloy also used his Twitter account to share some insider information on R.E.M.‘s legendary guitarist: "The secret to Peter Buck’s inimitable 12 string guitar playing? He uses the fingernails of ancient mummified monarch children for picks."

One of our favorite producers of the past decade, Tucker Martine, who is credited with producing The Hazards of Love and The Crane Wife, has signed on for the band’s latest effort, which will be released via Capitol.

Although The Decemberists have been focusing on the new album this year, they played an April 30th benefit show for Jessica Schleif, a solo artist and longtime friend of the band who is struggling to pay off insurmountable debts resulting from a medical emergency. Members of the band also contributed to Black Prairie’s debut album. They recently added two more dates to their tour itinerary, listed below:

September
4 – Seattle, Wash. @ Bumbershoot
11 – Portland, Ore. @ Musicfest NW

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