Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - Outer South

[Travis Parno]

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band – Outer South
Record Label: Merge
Release Date: May 5, 2009

“I have learned that to be with those I like is enough.” –Walt Whitman

The above quote is tucked inside the dust jacket of Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band’s latest LP, Outer South. It’s superimposed over a few pictures of the band wearing matching band logo jackets, hanging out, and generally looking cool. Now I didn’t know the man personally, but I’m pretty sure what Whitman didn’t mean was “I have learned that to get high and write a shitty record with those I like is enough.” Of course, that didn’t bother Oberst, whose 16 year musical career has defined prolific. Somewhere during the move out of Omaha basements to the helm of one of the Midwest’s most influential labels, it appears that Oberst has grown a bit bored.

Roughly nine months ago, the conscience of indie darlings Bright Eyes released a self-titled gem. It was tight, well-crafted, and utterly impressive. It was also the polar opposite of Outer South. Featuring dismal guest vocals and stumbling, half-baked lyrics, the latter album can’t seem to find its pace or identity despite tripping through sixteen tracks. Most of the tunes range from tolerable but forgettable (“To All the Lights in the Windows,” “Ten Women”) to sheer disappointments (“Bloodline,” “Cabbage Town”), with a few high and low notes in between. For instance, “Air Mattress” is an utter abomination. It’s unfortunately exactly what it sounds like: a song about sleeping on an inflatable bed (“I want to sleep on the air mattress with you/ And let the air leak out the whole night through/ And as we sleep, our bodies can slowly meet/ I like to feel it when your heart beats, I do”). Taylor Hollingsworth lends, or rather slathers, his insipid vocals all over the track in a perfectly obnoxious fashion. Somewhere Elvis Costello threw up in his mouth a little. “Eagle on a Pole,” a song which shares its name with a far more interesting track from Oberst’s self-titled album, is equally terrible. This time the vocals are slowly bludgeoned by Jason Boesel, whose drunken caterwauling is reminiscent of a karaoke rendition of David Bazan’s greatest hits. Boesel offends throughout the album, also pausing to butcher “Difference is Time.”

As an unequivocal Conor Oberst Fanboy, I feel supremely qualified, indeed overqualified, to point out that Oberst doesn’t have it in him to release an album full to the brim with waste. “I Got a Reason #2” and “Nikorette” come pretty close to fitting the mold of neo-Oberst country, the likes of which were seen on Bright Eyes’ Cassadaga and Oberst’s solo effort. “White Shoes” is sufficiently sparse to chill and “Snake Hill” proves that the guest vocal experiment wasn’t a total bust (Hollingsworth manages to redeem himself here). The crunching sizzle of “Roosevelt Room” is, at first glance, a thrilling distraction until the lyrics sink in. Rather than complex and biting wit, we’re given aimless anger that seems to be alternatively directed at the National Park Service and some evil, disembodied notion of Government. The target-less acidity is exhausting, rather than effective.

In fact, as but one in the long line of Oberst devotees, a full listen of this album is simply tiresome. It seems that the haters finally have some true grist in which to sink their teeth, throttle, and present as a trophy on the scene’s front porch. I’d love to say that with some pruning, this album could stand up with previous Oberst releases, but unless it was trimmed from 16 tracks to 4 or 5, it just wasn’t going to happen. I’m not asking for more Bright Eyes material or really even another Conor Oberst; all I’m asking for is something that sounds complete and thoughtful. Sure, it’s great that he loves to hang out with his friends and write a little music, but if the next effort is going to resemble Outer South in the slightest, I for one hope Oberst just keeps it to himself.

1. Slowly, Oh So Slowly
2. To All the Lights in the Windows
3. Big Black Nothing
4. Air Mattress
5. Cabbage Town
6. Ten Women
7. Difference is Time
8. Nikorette
9. White Shoes*
10. Bloodline
11. Spoiled
12. Worldwide
13. Roosevelt Room
14. Eagle on a Pole
15. I Got the Reason #2*
16. Snake Hill*

*- recommended tracks
Conor Oberst; Elvis Costello; Bob Dylan; Bright Eyes
Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/conoroberst) | Official Website (http://www.conoroberst.com/)

[DonnerParty666]

yeah, definately a bit of a letdown

[CellarGhosts]

Yeah, I agree. Really disappointing. I wasn't big on his solo album either though.

[sleeplessdance]

i liked the last solo effort more, but this definitely grew on me after a couple of listens. there really are some great songs on this album even though its not as strong.

[eleven eleven]

I think it is really quite good. Don't see any negative points about it really. I like all of the other member's songs, and Conor's songs are not even a bit of a letdown. I like the direction he went in with the band, although I do hope his next Bright Eyes release is more like his usual material.

I'd have given it an 84%.

[eleven eleven]

Also, I think Roosevelt Room is awesome, lyrics and all.

[lesto17]

This review is pretty awful.

[lesto17]

I think it is really quite good. Don't see any negative points about it really. I like all of the other member's songs, and Conor's songs are not even a bit of a letdown. I like the direction he went in with the band, although I do hope his next Bright Eyes release is more like his usual material.

I'd have given it an 84%.
This is pretty much my take on it.

Conor's self-titled release was definitely more focused and poignant, but this is still a pretty solid and quite enjoyable record.

[eleven eleven]

By the way, does anyone know when he'll be coming out with a new Bright Eyes album?

[sleeplessdance]

I think it is really quite good. Don't see any negative points about it really. I like all of the other member's songs, and Conor's songs are not even a bit of a letdown. I like the direction he went in with the band, although I do hope his next Bright Eyes release is more like his usual material.

I'd have given it an 84%.
agreed. "bloodline" is my favorite track on the album.

[Broden Terry]

I still haven't heard this but I'm really looking forward to it. Sounds like it has a few negative issues though which is a bit shame. :-(

[Uwe Blab]

I like it. :shrug:

[Keagan Ilvonen]

I didn't really dig this album.

[hockeyguitar99]

I enjoyed his solo album last year, but I was disappointed with this.

[sargentlgfuad]

i don't understand the hate for this album, but i can understand being a little disappointed.
i wasn't expecting it to be up to Bright Eyes' stuff, i just expected it to be a nice album that i'd enjoy listening to on repeat, and so far i do enjoy it.
i actually enjoyed the new Eagle on a Pole, and i thought "Spoiled" was great. actually some of the middle, from Nikorette to Spoiled i think is so great.
i can't fully say i dislike any song. maybe it's just my personal infatuation with Conor and anything he does is golden?

[mike l]

it is also the way they went about making this album -- writing it during their world tour off the self-titled record and at the completion of tour recording it live in the studio. it fits the weather well and it grew on me a lot once i was able to accept it for what it was.

for those who were a bit let down, research for the song "one of my kind," or just download the documentary for free and he plays it at the end, i am almost positive those who have interest in him but not outer south will be singing a different tune.

[denissuxx]

Quite a low rating. Not heard this yet..

[brenByah]

I really hope the 5.5 on lyrics is due more by the guest vocalists than Conor. He's easily one of my favorite lyricists. I like the album for the most part, though it pales in comparision to his previous work.

[sargentlgfuad]

I really hope the 5.5 on lyrics is due more by the guest vocalists than Conor. He's easily one of my favorite lyricists. I like the album for the most part, though it pales in comparision to his previous work.
i don't know. i thought the lyrics were good. not bright eyes standard, but nothing that stuck out to me as being awful in anyway.

[eleven eleven]

Quite a low rating. Not heard this yet..
Doesn't deserve the low rating.

[brenByah]

i don't know. i thought the lyrics were good. not bright eyes standard, but nothing that stuck out to me as being awful in anyway.
Won't disagree there, his lyrics aren't as strong as they are on Bright Eyes records. In my book, lyrically speaking, it's hard to touch Bright Eyes lyrics. I must admit that I could never honestly review any of Conor's work. I'm terribly biased and convinced that everything he does is amazing.

[Gregory Robson]

This album is dreadful, save for a few songs. This review is spot on.

[eleven eleven]

^ boooo.

Incorrect.

[Ryzenfall]

"GIATIYL..." lol.

[thatwasamoment]

Haven't heard the album, but they are great live.

[dat scene kid]

I think it is really quite good. Don't see any negative points about it really. I like all of the other member's songs, and Conor's songs are not even a bit of a letdown. I like the direction he went in with the band, although I do hope his next Bright Eyes release is more like his usual material.

I'd have given it an 84%.
I second this too. This is one of my favorite releases of 2009 so far and while it isn't as great as some of his other albums, I still think it's solid Definitely not a D+ album.

[Liter-O-Cola]

Also, I think Roosevelt Room is awesome, lyrics and all.
I completely agree.

I actually really enjoy this album, and "Cabbage Town" is definitely not a disappointment -- one of my favorite tracks off of this.

[RonStoppable]

I love Conor, but this record was disappointing.

[sargentlgfuad]

Won't disagree there, his lyrics aren't as strong as they are on Bright Eyes records. In my book, lyrically speaking, it's hard to touch Bright Eyes lyrics. I must admit that I could never honestly review any of Conor's work. I'm terribly biased and convinced that everything he does is amazing.

haha, i know. http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=481121 the first half is just me worshipping him.

[FaceLixeMurder]

Eh its ok

[aolsux]

People don't like this? Bullshit. Conor kicks up his second try with the Mystic Valley band continuing a string of excellence from Bright Eyes.

[arson]

This review pretty much resembles everything I've been thinking about this record. Idk why, but I guess the pronounced presence of the rest of the Mystic Valley Band really brought this album down. It doesn't sound complete or thought out at all. It was definitely nice to see a new Oberst record coming out so soon but maybe a little bit of time was necessary to do something as amazing as his S/T. I keep listening to and it's getting better so maybe I'll eventually like as much as I've liked his past efforts.

[uglystar03]

This album is too long. It is hard to get through.

[salmarnirecho]

I actually really like this album, Oberst's songs at the very least. Freitas' are good too.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Good review. Accurate.

[p00nd0ggy]

I honestly do not see where all the hate for this is. I think its a great feel good album. Watch the documentary "One of My Kind" for more of an explanation of this CD.

[Mens]

bashing on David Bazan is not cool!

[AMAAS]

I 100% agree, I'm a huge fan of Conor's work but this has to be his worst CD to date (and I loved his s/t album that came out last year), only songs i like are "white shoes" and "nikorette"

[Jet Set Paul]

So wait. A new Bright Eyes album is supposed to be coming out this year? I hope it's better than Outer South. Unlike some folks here, I didn't absolutely hate it, I was just let down (especially after his incredible self-titled solo album). Hopefully Mike Mogis and crew can bring out his best songwritng.

[xjoex]

hipster garbage

[Gunwalls]

I agree with the review. This one is a let down. And not even in a "Well he's so talented that everything is held to a new standard" let down. Just, "Wow, this album isn't that good" let down.

[Deadbolt01]

Very good review, well written and in line with my opinion.
I want some new Bright Eyes.

[joshy hizzle]

Very low in my opinion, I love this album.

[etheritcher]

This review makes me sad. I thought (and still think) that Outer South was a solid record.

[itsbusinesstime]

agreed. "bloodline" is my favorite track on the album.
also agree. the last solo album was ok at first listen, then became one of my favorites. some great songs on here.

[thisgetupkid]

I really like it and can't stop listening to it.

I'm still excited to see if there will be anymore bright eyes.

[Who's Chris?]

i was kinda bummed about this album too

[Machu505]

What? This album is great and surpasses his self-titled, imo.

[Joel Ion]

I hated his solo album.

[TomAce]

This review is pretty awful.
agreed 110%...i have the feeling most of the songs just kinda floated over your head. Everyones knocking Conors approach to this band, but really what we need is more people doing this. He doesn't give a fuck about anything said, weather it be good or bad, he's doing what he wants to do, and that is beyond admirable in a world catering to the crowd.

[nickstetina]

I like it. :shrug:
Haha, that's exactly what I was going put.

[TomAce]

I really like it and can't stop listening to it.

I'm still excited to see if there will be anymore bright eyes.
...probably not :-(

[notthesunnn]

Honestly, after what he did on Cassadaga, he can make all the "bad" albums he wants.

[HometownHero]

Boring as hell. Bright Eyes album please

[Mochem]

My friend told me that this album "brought back rock n roll". I listened to it. I was disappointed.

[itsbusinesstime]

agreed 110%...i have the feeling most of the songs just kinda floated over your head. Everyones knocking Conors approach to this band, but really what we need is more people doing this. He doesn't give a fuck about anything said, weather it be good or bad, he's doing what he wants to do, and that is beyond admirable in a world catering to the crowd.
Yep. The Boss never let the E. Street Band sing half the songs on his albums...Conor will always do it the way he wants to. If anyone hasn't checked out his documentary, that he is showing for free, I highly recommend checking it out.

[xBértox]

You guys don't know shit and terrible review.

[play.tragic]

i agree wholeheartedly with this review. i want to love this album, i really really do. he is not making it easy though.

for anyone disappointed with this album, i recommend the EP "gentlemen's pact" that he released on tour in the fall. it was up to the standard of the first mystic valley band album.

[linky182]

I enjoyed his solo album last year, but I was disappointed with this.
agreed. but a month after it leaked, it's grown on me.

[xxmannequin]

"Bloodline" was actually my favorite.
I agree about "Air Mattress" though, it might have had the possibility of being a decent song if I could get past the atrocious vocals. Sometimes different-sounding voices like that can be charming, but it was really nothing but annoying.

[Lovewaslove]

i love conor, but this album is garbage. And is now one of my fav coasters

[BestBuddies]

Yeah, not feeling this so much.

[BalancingacT]

I couldn't disagree with this review more. How could you possibly hate "Air Mattress" but enjoy "Snake Hill"? "Snake" was easily, far and away the worst song on the album for me. It's cheesy, badly sung, and pointless, with terrible lyrics.

Almost everything else on the album I've loved.

[stealthpeng]

I think the reviewer really misses the point--- this is NOT Bright Eyes.
you may be a Bright Eyes fan, but that doesn't automatically make you a Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band fan.

hell, Bright Eyes isn't really appealing to the same listener as this band. Whereas hipsters in their teens and 20s may like Bright Eyes better, this record has a bit of timeless appeal to it--I can enjoy it as much as I'm sure my parents could.

My only complaint of this disk is that it runs a bit long. 2-3 tracks probably could, and should, have been cut. I'm sorry, but this is just an embarrassing staff review. Your recommendations seemed pretty off as well. Why not suggest the Eagles, or Bread, or other similar bands? This record has a laid back, southern feel to it, after all.

I don't mind if your opinion is different that mine... it just seems that in a review, you should be a bit more objective.

[chris22]

The reviewer is retarded there is no way this album is garbage!

[the blues]

the only thing that sucks about this record is the asshead who wrote this review. the fact that you gave fucking conor oberst a 5.5 for his lyrics just further proves you are a goddamn idiot. jesus christ

[SockMonkeyRiot]

I really like both of Jason Boesel's songs, he is the only other vocalist on it that is any good besides Conor. "Ten Women" and "To All The Lights In The Windows" are fantastic.

I do find my self skipping quite a few tracks, I would probably prefer it be cut down to:
1. Slowly (Oh So Slowly)
2. To All The Lights In The Windows
3. Cabbage Town
4. Ten Women
5. Difference Is Time
6. Nikorette
7. White Shoes
8. Spoiled
9. Roosevelt Room
10. Eagle On A Pole
11. I Got The Reason #2

[sargentlgfuad]

...probably not :-(

he's working on one this year, and it should be out this year.

[sargentlgfuad]

why's everyone yelling at Mr. Parno?
jeeeeze. he's obviously not the only one who doesn't like it.

[jimboj917]

I like the song "Air Mattress" a lot, but everything else is just kinda 'meh.' Oh well, it is what it is.

[ArTkY_]

Your review makes it sound like it should be way lower than a 6.6. A 6.6 is a decent score, haha.

[harveyn590]

This is a pretty good album

[brenByah]

Sure it's not Conor's finest, but I like what he did on this album. The Mystic Valley Band's a talented group, why not showcase them for once?

[Twikki]

wow, i didn't realise everyone hated this album
i personally love it

[BearTheMan]

hipster garbage
typical. :rolleyes:

[poison oak]

I do agree that many of the songs on here that were written by other band members were not so good (other than snake hill) but this album is definitely not bad. I am confused as to how air matress ended up on this album. but then again, conor doesn't give a shit-- "I do not read the reviews. No, I am not singing for you."

[brenByah]

After seeing them live, my love for this album is much higher.