Conor Oberst sets his bright eyes on a country tune
Sonny Giordano
Issue date: 5/15/09 Section: Entertainment
Over-exposed indie golden boy Conor Oberst returns again. This time, as Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band. Their second LP, 'Outer South' lives up to its name as a solid alt-country album. Quite outside of typical southern music, it's a well rounded alternative folk/country album.
After recording one full length album with his backing group, Oberst finally gave them second billing. Many of the songs on 'Outer South' became staples in the bands live set while touring for their first record. After that tour they gathered at Sonic Ranch Studios in Texas and recorded more than a dozen of the tracks on this disc.
They emerged with a more put-together and fleshed-out album than many of Oberst's past ventures. 'South' has an almost country-jam-band element without being inaccessible.
Despite its hang-ups, 'South' is a fine album. It manages to uphold indie sensibilities, while venturing into older, more developed musical traditions. Sometimes danceable, often pure country emotion, most of this is record is spot-on.
The irrepressible front-man does show some familiar tendencies, which translate well into this newer, broader venture.
Oberst occasionally makes seemingly accidental foray into juvenile territory, even more so than the recordings of his youth. At times on the album some silly, childish lyrics and almost shrill vocals detract from the otherwise smooth vibe on this record.
Oberst's unique and noticeable sound has benefited from sharing the writing and singing duties with his band members. At least for the most part.
'Air Mattress' is the most trite and annoying track on the record, sung by guitarist Taylor Hollingsworth. His whiny vocals and the absolutely bored-child-in-love lyrical content really interrupt the matured flow of the other songs.
Oberst wrote the track 'Worldwide' to be sung by his bassist Macey Taylor. It's a classic sounding easy-country track. As if The Eagles had an indie vocalist.
The best tracks on the record belong to drummer Jason Boesel. 'Eagle on a Pole' and 'Difference is Time' are the standouts. Genuine country tunes, from the deep-voiced drummer, really hold the record together.
The odd-titled 'Cabbage Town' is actually one of Oberst's own shining gems. A full-fledged country-pop love song that employs his signature styles with a more fluid, mature song writing technique. It's the track most indicative of the overall album.
For fans of Oberst, 'Outer South' will be something different, and maybe better, than what he's done before. For the unfamiliar, this record will make a fine first impression.
After recording one full length album with his backing group, Oberst finally gave them second billing. Many of the songs on 'Outer South' became staples in the bands live set while touring for their first record. After that tour they gathered at Sonic Ranch Studios in Texas and recorded more than a dozen of the tracks on this disc.
They emerged with a more put-together and fleshed-out album than many of Oberst's past ventures. 'South' has an almost country-jam-band element without being inaccessible.
Despite its hang-ups, 'South' is a fine album. It manages to uphold indie sensibilities, while venturing into older, more developed musical traditions. Sometimes danceable, often pure country emotion, most of this is record is spot-on.
The irrepressible front-man does show some familiar tendencies, which translate well into this newer, broader venture.
Oberst occasionally makes seemingly accidental foray into juvenile territory, even more so than the recordings of his youth. At times on the album some silly, childish lyrics and almost shrill vocals detract from the otherwise smooth vibe on this record.
Oberst's unique and noticeable sound has benefited from sharing the writing and singing duties with his band members. At least for the most part.
'Air Mattress' is the most trite and annoying track on the record, sung by guitarist Taylor Hollingsworth. His whiny vocals and the absolutely bored-child-in-love lyrical content really interrupt the matured flow of the other songs.
Oberst wrote the track 'Worldwide' to be sung by his bassist Macey Taylor. It's a classic sounding easy-country track. As if The Eagles had an indie vocalist.
The best tracks on the record belong to drummer Jason Boesel. 'Eagle on a Pole' and 'Difference is Time' are the standouts. Genuine country tunes, from the deep-voiced drummer, really hold the record together.
The odd-titled 'Cabbage Town' is actually one of Oberst's own shining gems. A full-fledged country-pop love song that employs his signature styles with a more fluid, mature song writing technique. It's the track most indicative of the overall album.
For fans of Oberst, 'Outer South' will be something different, and maybe better, than what he's done before. For the unfamiliar, this record will make a fine first impression.
Be the first to comment on this story