2008 Woodie Awards
A more mature Conor Oberst
In his new release, the 27-year-old indie rocker of Bright Eyes
Mary Pelletier '09
Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Cassadaga
Bright Eyes
Saddle Creek
If there is one word to describe the Conor Oberst of 2007, it is mature. Evident in his smoother voice, more comforting pitch, and all-around range, the new Bright Eyes collaborative effort Cassadaga is a folk-indie gem. Definitely a step in a different direction than his last double release, 2006's Digital Ash in a Digital Urn, and I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, Oberst and his ensemble have progressed in numerous ways on this collection of 13 string-infused tracks.
Oberst's seventh album is named for the town of Cassadaga, Fla., which is known for being home to a large population of psychics and mediums. It is aptly titled, as most of the tracks lend themselves to some pretty spiritual and existential topics and lyrics-departing from the anti-Bush feelings or angry lover's angst of past releases. If you find it hard to imagine a Conor Oberst who is 27 years old, however, Cassadaga is the album to get you out of the Letting off the Happiness mindset-that, or his newer, longer, Elliott Smith-esque haircut.
Though the album is clearly different from his previous efforts, there are still definitive Bright Eyes traits that are recognizable. Right off the bat, "Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed)" begins with the spoken words of a woman about the town of Cassadaga, with a very eerie message, much like the intro tracks in his previous albums. The lyrics that follow set the stage for a question he elaborates on for the rest of the tracks: "Would you agree times have changed?"
Guest appearances were expected and Oberst does not disappoint. Although previous cameos have included the impressive likes of Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Feist, and Emmylou Harris, Cassadaga is breeding ground for some newer names. M. Ward, Sherri and Stacy DuPreee, and Rachel Yamagata all contribute nicely to the harmonics.
The second track of the album, "Four Winds," was the first single released, although the album version has a longer introduction than the radio version. It has a distinctly folk sound that is quite accessible for listeners who may not be attuned to some of the quirkier, brasher aspects of the album. The album prominently features strings throughout; therefore, despite some of Oberst's biting lyrics, the rhythm remains upbeat and toe-tapping.
The lyrics on the remaining tracks are, impressively, less whiny and more insightful than some of Oberst's previous attempts at being "deep." "Cleanse Song" is a short, melodic track that is reminiscent of the songs that make up Lifted . . . Raw lyrics paired with nice upbeat winds make for a toe-tapping yet introspective tune that leaves a smile on your face. "Classic Cars" is a somewhat depressing-but-catchy tune I could not stop playing from the moment I heard it. "Lime Tree" ends the album on a very mellow note, a calm reflection of the unknown that the earlier tracks address.
Older and wiser, Oberst and his ever-changing cast of backup characters have ventured into some newer territory, but I could not have expected anything less-after all, he is almost 30.
GRADE: A-
Download: "Classic Cars", "Four Winds"
Bright Eyes
Saddle Creek
If there is one word to describe the Conor Oberst of 2007, it is mature. Evident in his smoother voice, more comforting pitch, and all-around range, the new Bright Eyes collaborative effort Cassadaga is a folk-indie gem. Definitely a step in a different direction than his last double release, 2006's Digital Ash in a Digital Urn, and I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, Oberst and his ensemble have progressed in numerous ways on this collection of 13 string-infused tracks.
Oberst's seventh album is named for the town of Cassadaga, Fla., which is known for being home to a large population of psychics and mediums. It is aptly titled, as most of the tracks lend themselves to some pretty spiritual and existential topics and lyrics-departing from the anti-Bush feelings or angry lover's angst of past releases. If you find it hard to imagine a Conor Oberst who is 27 years old, however, Cassadaga is the album to get you out of the Letting off the Happiness mindset-that, or his newer, longer, Elliott Smith-esque haircut.
Though the album is clearly different from his previous efforts, there are still definitive Bright Eyes traits that are recognizable. Right off the bat, "Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed)" begins with the spoken words of a woman about the town of Cassadaga, with a very eerie message, much like the intro tracks in his previous albums. The lyrics that follow set the stage for a question he elaborates on for the rest of the tracks: "Would you agree times have changed?"
Guest appearances were expected and Oberst does not disappoint. Although previous cameos have included the impressive likes of Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Feist, and Emmylou Harris, Cassadaga is breeding ground for some newer names. M. Ward, Sherri and Stacy DuPreee, and Rachel Yamagata all contribute nicely to the harmonics.
The second track of the album, "Four Winds," was the first single released, although the album version has a longer introduction than the radio version. It has a distinctly folk sound that is quite accessible for listeners who may not be attuned to some of the quirkier, brasher aspects of the album. The album prominently features strings throughout; therefore, despite some of Oberst's biting lyrics, the rhythm remains upbeat and toe-tapping.
The lyrics on the remaining tracks are, impressively, less whiny and more insightful than some of Oberst's previous attempts at being "deep." "Cleanse Song" is a short, melodic track that is reminiscent of the songs that make up Lifted . . . Raw lyrics paired with nice upbeat winds make for a toe-tapping yet introspective tune that leaves a smile on your face. "Classic Cars" is a somewhat depressing-but-catchy tune I could not stop playing from the moment I heard it. "Lime Tree" ends the album on a very mellow note, a calm reflection of the unknown that the earlier tracks address.
Older and wiser, Oberst and his ever-changing cast of backup characters have ventured into some newer territory, but I could not have expected anything less-after all, he is almost 30.
GRADE: A-
Download: "Classic Cars", "Four Winds"