Nice REM-type vibe.
I misread the title at first and thought someone had done another remake of the old spiritual.
Interesting note on the resemblance to REM: The Decemberists, particularly band leader Colin Meloy, freely acknowledge REM as one of their major influences. Additionally, Peter Buck played for several songs on the King is Dead album, including this one.
Regarding the similarity of the song’s title to a spiritual, I’m assuming you’re referring to Down to the River (to Pray). The scene in the movie was a bit strange. But the song as rendered by Alison Krauss in “O Brother Where Art Thou” is one of my all-time favorites — any genre, any era.
Regardless of what happened to you during the day, if you listen to that in the evening, you’ll feel better. Won’t cure the problem, but you’ll feel better.