I’ve been listening to Over the Rhine albums since their debut, Til We Have Faces, arrived almost 20 years ago.

I’ve grown to love them more every year since then, but my favorite of their albums has been 1996’s Good Dog Bad Dog

… until now.

The Long Surrender is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of their career as songwriters, performers, and recording artists. They turned to the best producer working today – Joe Henry – and he, in turn, brought out the best in them.

I’ll have an epic-length full review soon, after I finish revising my manuscript (which is currently taking all of my time).

The album has been streaming this weekend for those who contributed to the cause. It will go on sale January 11, 2011. (Yep… 1/11/11.)