CD Review: ‘Conor Oberst’
By Susan Pugh on Aug. 13, 2008
By Michael Chagnon, The Burg
LABEL: Hollywood Records
REVIEWER RATING: 4 out of 5
American songwriter Conor Oberst, best known for his work with “Bright Eyes” has released his first solo album in 13 years. “Bright Eyes” is Oberst’s material with a rotating cast of musical characters to keep the musical production and arrangements fresh by infusing it with new blood, though there are a few stable members aside from Oberst. He has decided to drop the “Bright Eyes” cast this time around in favor of a solo effort with a sparser sound than that of his previous work.
Oberst is known for his wanderlust and this go-round he recorded in Mexico. It is only the fourth album released under his own name. There are 12 tracks which sound very much like acoustic versions of “Bright Eyes” songs, yet the lyrics this time flow much more gracefully and Oberst doesn’t sound as concerned with the message as he is with the feeling and texture of the songs. The cover of the record is just as telling. Rather than abstract or obscure imagery, as is common with “Bright Eyes,” Oberst is seen relaxing in a hammock.
Often hailed as the new Dylan, Oberst doesn’t stray away from this comparison on songs such as “I Don’t Want to Die in the Hospital” and “Get-Well-Cards.” The best tracks however are “Milk Thistle” and “Moab.” For more information visit http://www.conoroberst.com.
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