The Tain is an EP by The Decemberists released in 2004 by Acuarela Discos and in 2005 by Kill Rock Stars. The single 18-plus minute track is the band's take on the Irish mythological epic Táin Bó Cúailnge which is often simply called The Táin. With production help from Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie, the Decemberists recorded the EP over four days during which the musicians reportedly slept on the floor between sessions.[citation needed]
The album cover was made by Portland artist Carson Ellis, girlfriend and then wife of Colin Meloy, who has created artwork for each of their albums.