I honestly wasn't expecting a second album from Conor Oberst's latest project, The Mystic Valley Band, any time soon after their 2008 debut. Although Oberst has been prolific with Bright Eyes, he does have a habit of abandoning his random one-off projects (Desaparecidos, etc) from time to time. Nevertheless, Oberst has decided to plow forward with the Mystic Valley Band's next album,
Outer South, due out on May 5th. This time around though, Oberst has decided to let other members of the band contribute songs, including Nik Freitas, Taylor Hollingsworth, and Jason Boesel (Rilo Kiley). While their songs bring a new sound to
Outer South, it's Oberst's songs that really stand out--specifically for the fact that they don't sound anything like his past work in Bright Eyes (or even the Mystic Valley's self-titled debut, for that matter). Alt-country twang and bluesy guitar riffs are inescapable on
Outer South, making it sound like a lost Whiskeytown album, save for Oberst's recognizable voice. This new musical direction may seem like a natural route for Oberst to take, but it also buries his normally descriptive lyrics and folk sensibilites, trading them in for over-the-top choruses and a collection of mostly forgettable melodies.
As far as the contributions from other band members go, Nik Freitas' "Big Black Nothing" is a handclap-infested country gem, Taylor Hollingsworth's "Air Mattress" would be better without the cheesy synths in the background, and Jason Boesel's "Difference Is Time" pretty much bored me to tears. Overall,
Outer South represents a new approach by Oberst, checking his folk singer reputation at the Bright Eyes door and carrying on as an alt-country band leader. It's not the strongest record he has ever put out, but it's still worth multiple listens if you prefer your Oberst with a little more country swagger and a little less sensitive singer/songwriter schtick.
DOWNLOAD:
Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band - Outer South [
Merge]
Recommended Tracks: "Big Black Nothing," "Ten Women," "Nikorette," "Bloodline," "Spoiled."
3 comments:
It'd be great if you could mention the quality of the files in your posts. Perhaps just noting when they're under 192kbps.
Just a suggestion! :)
Beggars can't be choosers. I'm just happy to have it this early. I can always find a better copy once it's officially released.
Growing up on Conor Oberst makes this one essential. Am i a nerd?
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