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Anyway, the approach I took with Oberst is that I’d take my experience with the Bright Eyes. I wouldn’t say I’m a big Bright Eyes fan but enough of one to easily like Oberst. I love his singing and songwriting… (what a crappy statement) but as a singer-song writer he does an amazing job. His singing not everyone likes but it’s an acquired tasted. His song writing is unparalleled by most and is usually held in high regard by fans. Dropping comparisons such as referring to him as the modern day Dylan. I don’t know enough to make such a statement.

Nonetheless, Oberst is playing with a backing band referred to as the Mystic Valley Band. Is it just Conor Oberst now or will it forever be referred to Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley band. I think I’m used to my reaction to any Bright Eyes record. It always takes me a while to enjoy any record to get accustomed to his new “style”. In this case Oberst leans toward the more country side of things though he has never been very far from it in the first place.

The first song I dug off this record is the quick one and off song, NYC-Gone, Gone. It’s not a great song at all, it’s a poppy 1 minute track. I’m a sucker but before long it abruptly ends. It’s a good filler song that I wished I had more of but it isn’t indicative of Oberst’s style so I just move on. The first track on the album Cape Canaveral is well, great. You get Oberst’s style singing and lyrics mixed in with some great soft background music. At times they pull out the mandolin which could steal the song. (I may be wrong on my instruments here but I think it’s a mandolin)

Sausalto the 2nd track kicks in to a more, country style intro. It’s an alright track, nothing great in my opinion. Before long this song is forgotten. Get-Well Cards takes up a step at least but I’m still having trouble how to interpret each song. Danny Callahan is a more explicit sadness expressed by Conor that I’ve been accustomed to. He basically gives away his message near the end of the song. It’s a little odd to hear Oberst not in a sad like voice. This song could have me fooled. I Don’t Want To Die In A Hospital is a simple fun song with an upbeat piano which some help on backing vocals. It’s almost related and again ironic that the song is an upbeat manner where the title shows the upcoming death…there’s a lack of fear.

After a few listens, this ends up being exactly what you expect out of Bright Eyes album. It isn’t to the point where there’s the emotion of sadness expressed like in other songs but Oberst brings more to the table musically. He remains a lyric master and still has me scratching my head on the meaning of some of these songs.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Cape Canaveral by Conor Oberst

NYC-Gone, Gone by Conor Oberst

Buy this album from: CD Universe ** Insound ** Amazon

Tags: album