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Album Details
- Artist: Conor Oberst
- Album: Conor Oberst
- Label: Merge
- Year of Release: 2008
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: lekwon on 2008-08-10
RecommendWe haven't heard a solo project from Omaha's "indie prince" since his prepubescent days crooning on his album Water, but Conor Oberst returns 13 years later with his self-titled album. Embrace yourself: the record takes a minimalist approach to music, but more surprisingly, it seems to show that Oberst has a pretty lighthearted side to his usually somber personality.
The opening song, "Cape Canaveral," lulls its listeners with its mellow and understated presence...before the album zips into fast-paced folk rock with "Sausalito." The influence of the Mexican town in which Conor Oberst was written and recorded is evident through the bouncy country vibe of almost all the tracks. "I Don't Want to Die (In a Hospital)" is full of much joy and beat, which is a delightful irony down to the very title, considering Oberst has always been one to craft the saddest songs of suicide. With such catchy tracks that range from the single "Souled Out!!!" to the chant-heavy "NYC - Gone Gone," it is evident that the Bright Eyes layer has been shed (at least for a while). One aspect of Oberst's former entity is here to stay, and that is the very distinctive, nonsensical lyrics. Try "Get Well Cards," where Conor playfully sings, "I wanna be your bootlegger, I wanna mix you up something strange, braid your hair like your sister, maim you like a hurricane." Nonetheless, Oberst does not fail to remind us why he has been deemed "Indie Rock's Dark Prince" by Time Magazine in 2005. This record blends the lighthearted moments with the very lonely and hopeless ones, exemplified by the beautiful lyrics and simplicity in "Lenders in the Temple."
Conor takes us on a new journey with yet another deep album. Here is another success to latch under his belt as he proves to us that he harbors a multifaceted personality. Conor Oberst is a great album for the road and for the quiet days in the house.
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on 2008-09-22 dadair Said:
Conor Oberst; Souled Out (Wichita 25/08/08)
Its always a blunt edged sword when someone is regularly labelled the new Bob Dylan. In the case of the prolific Bright Eyes leader, Mr Conor Oberst you just hope that it doesnt limit his ability to explore his range?
Using twining guitars and an acid folk vibe, Oberst gives his vocals a more playful and carefree kick to lighten up the searching pious topic that is delved into. Souled Out, is a tasty little tit-bit from his first solo album in nigh on thirteen years. The Dylan comparison wont go away, though.
Rating: 8/10
Review:
on 2008-09-06 kev_stev Said:
After many listens, I've come to the conclusion that this album is a major step up from "Cassadaga." Yes, this is new territory for Mr. Oberst and Co., a far cry from 2005's "Digital Ash..." or early Bright Eyes' work, however, it works. It is catchy, passionate, and still emphasizes Oberst's lyrical ingenuity. Although it is not perfect (listen to "Moab" for further proof), this was the logical continuation from "Cassadaga;" a stronger, more focused relase, intent on musically exploring one genre--rather than futilely trying to put all of the world's sounds into one album again.
Rating: 8/10
on 2008-08-18 kev_stev Said:
I'm still not liking the country/narrative feel Oberst is putting in his music, but some songs are all right. I'm excited to see if this album sticks or grows on me, but right now it's just a so-so release to my ears.
Rating: 8/10
on 2008-08-12 SolitaryMan Said:
Solid review. Just checking this album out on Conor's myspace, really enjoying it. His voice has really come a long way, no longer appealing to just a niche audience and now containing more universal appeal. The music isn't much different than the last couple of Bright Eyes albums I've heard, but there is more structure and a more down-home feel to this record.
Rating: 7/10
