On March 24, 2009, “Capitol” label released “The Hazards of Love”, the fifth Decemberists (The) album. It was recorded in 2009, and was produced by Tucker Martine, Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Nate Query and John Moen. “The Hazards of Love” is written and recorded as a rock opera.

Personnel:

• Colin Meloy- vocals (voice of William, The Rake, first voice, second voice), acoustic and electric guitar, percussion
• Chris Funk- electric guitar, tenor guitar, baritone guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, autoharp, hurdy-gurdy, hammered dulcimer, marxophone, piano, synthesizer, percussion
• Jenny Conlee- piano, harpsichord, Hammond organ, Wurlitzer, synthesizer, accordion, marxophone, drums
• Nate Query- bass guitar, upright bass, bowed bass, synthesizer
• John Moen- drums, hand drums, percussion, backing vocals
• Robyn Hitchcock- electric guitar
• Becky Stark- vocals (voice of Margaret), backing vocals
• Shara Worden- vocals (voice of the Forest Queen), backing vocals
• Natalie Briare – vocals (voice of Charlotte)
• Clara Ell – vocals (voice of Dawn)
• Joseph Ell – vocals (voice of Isaiah)
• Jim James – backing vocals
• Rebecca Gates- backing vocals
• Keiko Araki -violin
• Greg Ewer – violin
• Adam Hoornstra -viola
• Collin Oldham -cello
• Jenny Conlee and Nate Query – string arrangements
• Roger Seibel – mastering
• Carson Ellis, Colin Meloy, and Mario Hugo for Hugo & Marie – design
• Carson Ellis – illustrations
• Autumn de Wilde – band photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Colin Meloy, except where noted.

1. Prelude – Jenny Conlee
2. The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won’t Wrestle the Thistles Undone)
3. A Bower Scene
4. Won’t Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga)
5. The Hazards of Love 2 (Wager All)
6. The Queen’s Approach
7. Isn’t It a Lovely Night?
8. The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid
9. An Interlude
10. The Rake’s Song
11. The Abduction of Margaret
12. The Queen’s Rebuke/The Crossing
13. Annan Water
14. Margaret in Captivity
15. The Hazards of Love 3 (Revenge!)
16. The Wanting Comes in Waves (Reprise)
17. The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned)