Does anyone still consider Conor Oberst the best songwriter of his generation?

[everyonesfault]

I remember there was a time when this was the hip opinion, but after the hype surrounding Wide Awake died down, I don't think I've heard anything about him in this context. Which is a good thing, because the people who made the claim were incorrect. But again, is this still a prevalent opinion, particularly on this website?

[The Personist]

He's turning into a caricature of himself.

[Baby for Pree]

He's alright.

[IWasaCamera]

No one who knew what they were talking about held this view then, and they certainly don't now.

[crackedthesky]

He's turning into a caricature of himself.

/discussion

[oddwithoutend]

In the minds of adolescents, yes. No one else, though.

[The Personist]

He's not bad, just not God.

[oddwithoutend]

He frustrates me because I know that if I knew of him when I was younger, he would have easily been my favourite artist. Now I'm a little more desensitized and he doesn't really appeal to me. Pity.

[everyonesfault]

So, in that case, who is?

[Chemical Swirl]

Isaac Brock. Aaron Weiss. Both better.

[oddwithoutend]

So, in that case, who is?

Phil Elverum. Several incredible releases throughout the decade, one being The Glow, Pt. 2. I'm convinced music doesn't get better than that.

[The Personist]

Why does a generation need one songwriter? Isn't that maddeningly reductive? I think different songwriters have different things to say and appeal to different aesthetics. I think John Darnielle and John K. Samson write the most compelling lyrics out there today. That doesn't mean everyone agrees with me; in fact, I can see a case being made for several other artists against Darnielle (I have a personal predilection for Samson that is nigh unimpeachable, so I doubt that would be an easy concession to make). But what does it matter?

[Auals]

Isaac Brock. Aaron Weiss. Both better.

John K Samson and Ben Gibbard. Also better.

Not that I have anything against Conor. Don't get me wrong, the guy changed how I wrote music and lyrics forever when I first heard his stuff at 15 but, as I've grown up his lyrics have seemed steadily less brilliant.

Personally I think that the reason he got that name was because of his age when he was writing. If he'd kept growing as a writer at the rate he started growing at then sure, right now, he would be the best songwriter in the world. But I think he's become... content with his songwriting and doesn't care or try as hard as he used to.

[IWasaCamera]

Three Bs: Beam, Berman, Berninger.

[Chemical Swirl]

John K Samson and Ben Gibbard. Also better.

Samson? Yes.
Gibbard? Yeah, I guess him too.

[Auals]

Samson? Yes.
Gibbard? Yeah, I guess him too.

Gibbards earlier stuff especially. Transatlanticism is one of my favourite albums of all time.

And even though it's highly debatable, I believe that Max Bemis still has the writing edge in him. I don't think he's showing it all that much but Is A Real Boy, and Menorah/Majorah proved that it's there. He's just not letting it take hold.

[The Personist]

Gibbards earlier stuff especially. Transatlanticism is one of my favourite albums of all time.

And even though it's highly debatable, I believe that Max Bemis still has the writing edge in him. I don't think he's showing it all that much but Is A Real Boy, and Menorah/Majorah proved that it's there. He's just not letting it take hold.
Ugh. No. Max Bemis has no place in this thread. The man is a bad writer.

[Chemical Swirl]

Gibbards earlier stuff especially. Transatlanticism is one of my favourite albums of all time.

yes.

And even though it's highly debatable, I believe that Max Bemis still has the writing edge in him. I don't think he's showing it all that much but Is A Real Boy, and Menorah/Majorah proved that it's there. He's just not letting it take hold.

no.

[crackedthesky]

Conor Oberst has some great songs. But I feel like he's incredibly overrated.
I don't think there is simply one best. There doesn't need to be. Whatever is best to me is usually dependant on what I'm feeling, what I need to relate to.

This will probably mean nothing to anyone here, but one of my favorite lyricists is Sawao Yamanaka. A lot of people will probably instantly contest this - he writes almost entirely in Japanese, of which I know next to nothing. But I listen to the songs (the band is the pillows) and they sound very beautiful. And, translated into English, they tend to still be very beautiful. "Hybrid Rainbow" is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful songs ever written, musically and lyrically.

I find it interesting, though, because in a sense, this is looking at it from a strictly aesthetic value. I don't understand the words he's saying, but the way they sound, the way they fit together, sounds good, to me. Finding out that the meaning behind them is just as beautiful is the icing on the cake.

[oddwithoutend]

Oberst isn't really comparable to Elverum, Samson, Berninger, Berman, Beam, etc.

[crackedthesky]

Is anyone in the world comparable to Beam?

[The Personist]

Samson doesn't get enough love.

[oddwithoutend]

Is anyone in the world comparable to Beam?

Lyrically, no.

[oddwithoutend]

Samson doesn't get enough love.

It's true.

[Baby for Pree]

I'd have to give it to Sam Beam.

[The Personist]

Lyrically, no.
I like Samson better than Beam...I'm also a Personist.

[oddwithoutend]

Let's not kid ourselves, David. :-)

[The Personist]

I'm not. I prefer Samson.

[Baby for Pree]

By the time we check this thread tomorrow, someone would have seriously mentioned Jesse Lacey.

[oddwithoutend]

I'm not. I prefer Samson.

haha You don't have to yell, man.

[everyonesfault]

I think that Darnielle is the best, if only because he's so incredibly prolific while still maintaining such poignancy in his lyrics.

[crackedthesky]

By the time we check this thread tomorrow, someone would have seriously mentioned Jesse Lacey.

I kind of view Jesse as a more sincere Oberst, like if Conor had progressed instead of trying too hard to be what everyone wanted him to be. That said, I don't think I'd put him up on a greatest pedestal. He has some great songs, but the greatest... I don't think so.

[The Personist]

haha You don't have to yell, man.
<3
I think that Darnielle is the best, if only because he's so incredibly prolific while still maintaining such poignancy in his lyrics.
Samson is better. This time I'm yelling. I think they do the same thing, but Samson does it with greater grace and a more concrete grounding of his vignettes and images.

[The Personist]

I kind of view Jesse as a more sincere Oberst, like if Conor had progressed instead of trying too hard to be what everyone wanted him to be. That said, I don't think I'd put him up on a greatest pedestal. He has some great songs, but the greatest... I don't think so.
He has zero great songs lyrically.

[crackedthesky]

He has zero great songs lyrically.

I disagree.

Who's this Samson guy everyone's mentioning? I did a quick search and I'm not sure I found the right guy, to be honest.

I think if I had to say someone was the best, I might go with Beam. Not sure.

[Sventhegreat]

I really like Andy Hull's songwriting. Both Manchester and Right Away.

[crackedthesky]

Well, guys, I'd love to continue the discussion, but my computer monitor keeps flickering, and it just turned off for a few minutes. So I think I'd better get off... and get a new monitor.

[Sventhegreat]

He has zero great songs lyrically.

You honestly believe that?

[The Personist]

I disagree.

Who's this Samson guy everyone's mentioning? I did a quick search and I'm not sure I found the right guy, to be honest.

I think if I had to say someone was the best, I might go with Beam. Not sure.
John K. Samson from the Weakerthans...

I think Beam is a great lyricist, but he's not the greatest. I also think it's a style choice; I prefer Darnielle's and Samson's somewhat more wry styles to the halcyon musings of Beam.

[crackedthesky]

John K. Samson from the Weakerthans...

I think Beam is a great lyricist, but he's not the greatest. I also think it's a style choice; I prefer Darnielle's and Samson's somewhat more wry styles to the halcyon musings of Beam.

Yeah, I had the right guy. I'll have to check out some of their stuff.

[oddwithoutend]

Oberst is so much better than Lacey. More consistent, more profound, better singer, better lyricist, etc.

[The Personist]

You honestly believe that?
Yeah. There are some moments of quality, but nothing great.
Yeah, I had the right guy. I'll have to check out some of their stuff.
It is all really good.
Oberst is so much better than Lacey. More consistent, more profound, better singer, better lyricist, etc.
This.

[oddwithoutend]

Yeah, I had the right guy. I'll have to check out some of their stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgJ6soX18R8

[everyonesfault]

I also think that Will Sheff probably belongs in the discussion. At his best, he's incredible.

[theguy77]

why does it matter? cant you just enjoy him without making hyperbolic claims like this?

[theguy77]

Oberst is so much better than Lacey. More consistent, more profound, better singer, better lyricist, etc.

this shouldnt even need to be said. but when you're on AP...

[The Personist]

why does it matter? cant you just enjoy him without making hyperbolic claims like this?
NO. VALIDATE MY ENJOYMENT THIS VERY INSTANT.

Though seeking validation from you is like asking a poor man for money.

[theguy77]

NO. VALIDATE MY ENJOYMENT THIS VERY INSTANT.

Though seeking validation from you is like asking a poor man for money.

nah it's more like asking a rich man for money.

[BananasaurusRex]

My money's on Sheff.

[The Personist]

nah it's more like asking a rich man for money.
But Ryan, you're...

well...

/Evan


EDIT: That is to say, you'll never see that kinda money in real life.

[EchoPark]

Alex Gasgarth is a much better lyricist than Connor Oberst

[doppelganger]

i havent listened to too much by the weakerthans. and im lazy. someone wanna shoot me up some quality lyrics?

[mmmmmpoetry]

Anton Newcombe is the best songwriter from the past twenty years. No question, simple, but so brilliant.

[bandrewes]

I still think he's great, although i am still technically a teen (17)
Mystic Valley band wasn't all it was cracked up to be and i was dissappointed with outer south.
But listening to wide awake and digital ash, I still find myself amazed.
but yes agreed Gibbard is up there.
as well as Delonge............:-p

[xmicxcorex]

I just want to plug a favorite of mine from the my locals....i don't think he's as great as some of the writers out there (Ben Gibbard is definitely up there for me...) but....

www.myspace.com/aaronleemartin (http://www.myspace.com/aaronleemartin)


edit:// as far as Oberst...I was never that inspired or impressed by him, though I do not denounce his cred and/or ability (dude is good, overall)...I am not informed enough on his work to set a valid opinion on the table.

[mmmmmpoetry]

^^dude is good, listening right now.

If we're plugging in local faves. Your friend and mine Matthew Gilbert is simply amazing. He used to be the old lead singer of GoodbyeTomorrow now known as Alive In Wild Paint.

http://www.myspace.com/poemmusic


seriously, everyone should listen to the dude.

[abcdefghijake]

Isaac Brock. Aaron Weiss. Both better.

You're okay with me now.

[ThisIsSuchAPity]

Alex Gasgarth is a much better lyricist than Connor Oberst


For the sake of mankind, I sincerely hope you're kidding.

Conor Oberst is definitely one of the best, but there are many comparable songwriters. AJ Perdomo and Sufjan Stevens really rank up there. Jesse Lacey is just horrible lyrically.

[Inaction]

For the sake of mankind, I sincerely hope you're kidding.

Conor Oberst is definitely one of the best, but there are many comparable songwriters. AJ Perdomo and Sufjan Stevens really rank up there. Jesse Lacey is just horrible lyrically.

I personally prefer Sufjan or Sam Beam to Conor.

Having said that I still think "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" was pretty close to flawless lyrically speaking. Or at least what I remember of it.

[Chemical Swirl]

You're okay with me now.

Woohoo :-)

[everyonesfault]

i havent listened to too much by the weakerthans. and im lazy. someone wanna shoot me up some quality lyrics?
"Memory will rust and erode into lists of all that you gave me: a blanket, some matches, this pain in my chest. The best parts of lonely."
"And I broke like a bad joke somebody's uncle told at a wedding reception in 1972, where a little boy under a table with cake in his hair stared at the grown-up feet as they danced and swayed. And his father laughed and talked on the long ride home. And his mother laughed and talked on the long ride home. And he thought about how everyone dies someday. And when tomorrow gets here where will yesterday be?"

He's great, I suggest you invest in Left & Leaving or Reconstruction Site to start with.

[MADSTA]

He's one of my favourites.

[SlappedActor]

Since it seems like we're mostly talking lyrics, I'm going with John Darnielle and Will Sheff. Samson is up there too, but I thought Reunion Tour was pretty disappointing, we'll see where the next album goes.

[bernie16wb]

Oberst gets sort of blasé after a while.

[brentywat]

a good songwriter is really pretty subjective to whatever you want in a good song. some good songwriters to me: weiss, kensrue, darnielle, bazan, hull, oberst, gibbard. oberst isn't the best of our generation, but you can't deny that he has the ability to be good after listening to some of his stuff.

i dont like sam beam. i just never have.

[pennie]

John Nolan is better.

[everyonesfault]

John Nolan is better.
Haha.

[pennie]

Haha.

eh...

[boxingwithstars]

Oberst is one of my favorite songwriters of the generation, i wouldn't be so quick to call him the best though. i guess i have more of a nostalgic attachment to his lyrics than anything.

[briewer]

Three Bs: Beam, Berman, Berninger.
...Banhart?

[Hyperpower!]

Has Ryan Mentzos been mentioned yet?

[ImTheSheriff]

Conor Oberst is definitely one of the best, but there are many comparable songwriters. AJ Perdomo and Sufjan Stevens really rank up there. Jesse Lacey is just horrible lyrically.

no.

[pennie]

For the sake of mankind, I sincerely hope you're kidding.

Conor Oberst is definitely one of the best, but there are many comparable songwriters. AJ Perdomo and Sufjan Stevens really rank up there. Jesse Lacey is just horrible lyrically.

hmmm you have a brand new avatar though?Are you joking or trying to get your indie cred up to an all time high?

[Regards]

I'm surprised only one person mentions Sufjan

[Kman223]

Im surprised nobody has mentioned Josh Ritter. I think hes the most talented singer/songwriter right now.

[oddwithoutend]

...Banhart?

I wish he was more consistent.

[DejaNew]

Pretty much everyone I consider to be a great lyricist has been mentioned. I guess liking Oberst doesn't give people indie cred around here anymore, because not too long ago alot of you would have been calling him one of the best writers of all time. Conor Oberst, along with Aaron Weiss, Frank Turner, Sam Beam, Dustin Kensrue and Andy Hull are my favorites. Other honorable mentions would include Ben Gibbard, Nate Reuss, Mike Kinsella and Jeff Mangum(if you can consider him to be part of our generation)

[oddwithoutend]

You still need to give The Weakerthans a chance, Dom. I think you'd really like them.

[11:11]

I don't think it's very fair to name just one person as the best songwriter of a generation. Many individuals contribute to that title.

[DejaNew]

You still need to give The Weakerthans a chance, Dom. I think you'd really like them.
I'm listening right now actually, seeing all the recommendations here. They're right up my alley?

[inthemidst]

Samuel Beam also, is better than Conor, in my opinion.

[lesto17]

I'm not. I prefer Samson.

Agreed.

[IWasHerHorse]

He's turning into a caricature of himself.

This is completely true.


Also, personally, when I was first listening to Bright Eyes I thought he was a genius because I was young and had nothing else to compare his music with. Now my tastes have matured, and even though I still like a large chunk of his discography, I know better than to give him undeserved praised.

[geebee889]

I don't think he's the best, but he's not awful by any means.

[oddwithoutend]

I'm listening right now actually, seeing all the recommendations here. They're right up my alley?

The punk rock influences should appeal to you.

[DejaNew]

The punk rock influences should appeal to you.
They definitely do. I'm actually quite surprised that you, of all people, like them. Are you at home right now?

[oddwithoutend]

They definitely do. I'm actually quite surprised that you, of all people, like them. Are you at home right now?

Yeah man, leaving for St. Catharines tomorrow morning.

[everyonesfault]

eh...
That was a joke, right?
I'm sorry, but John Nolan might be the single most overrated musician on this website. Even more than Jesse Lacey. He was marginally decent on TAYF, and everything he's done after that is absolute dog shit.

[pennie]

That was a joke, right?
I'm sorry, but John Nolan might be the single most overrated musician on this website. Even more than Jesse Lacey. He was marginally decent on TAYF, and everything he's done after that is absolute dog shit.

Did John say something mean to you?You seem upset.

[everyonesfault]

Did John say something mean to you?You seem upset.
No, it would just be nice if we could limit this thread to the discussion of lyricists that actually have talent.

[pennie]

No, it would just be nice if we could limit this thread to the discussion of lyricists that actually have talent.

Would you like a cuddle?You really seem upset.

[jbaseball44]

Never knew it was commonly argued he was the best of his generation.

[oddwithoutend]

Is there anyone you would give that label, Joe?

[DCFCutie]

Ben Gibbard and Sam Beam.

[jbaseball44]

That's a huge label, not sure if i'd want to give that out to anyone. Beam is probably the one i like the most though

[oddwithoutend]

Yeah, Beam is obviously a solid answer.

[jbaseball44]

Also like Berninger a lot but i think that the follow up to Boxer has to come out for me to consider that label for him

[oddwithoutend]

I agree. Though Beam hasn't put out a 'Boxer' yet, he has demonstrated more consistently great songwriting throughout his career.

[Formatfun]

My favorite songwriter is Amanda Palmer.

[Burn_Burn_Burn]

I like Anthony with his Circa work..I often find that when people break off into solo projects, their lyrics become very cliched and overdone.
I'd have to agree with Beam as being great, but not perfect.
Mangum is fantastic..not a single song by him I haven't enjoyed.
Mark Everett also known as E from the EELS has hit some rough patches. However, there are some songs by him that make me doubt my own existence.
Also, whoever said Jesse Lacey is a shit writer: listen to Play Crack the Sky. You serious?
I do agree that the guy isn't perfect, but please.

[Matt Chylak]

conor's efforts after 2005 were...

-good, if sometimes ridiculously ambiguous (cassadaga)
-solid, though not spectacular (self-titled)
-dogshit except for politics (outer south)
-undewhelming (mof)

[oddwithoutend]

I quite enjoyed Cassadaga.

[boxingwithstars]

Pretty much everyone I consider to be a great lyricist has been mentioned. I guess liking Oberst doesn't give people indie cred around here anymore, because not too long ago alot of you would have been calling him one of the best writers of all time. Conor Oberst, along with Aaron Weiss, Frank Turner, Sam Beam, Dustin Kensrue and Andy Hull are my favorites. Other honorable mentions would include Ben Gibbard, Nate Reuss, Mike Kinsella and Jeff Mangum(if you can consider him to be part of our generation)

i'm surprised it took so long for someone to mention these two, definitely two of my favorite's. i was going to suggest Mangum, but since he probably influenced a lot of the other songwriters mentioned in this thread and he hasn't released new material in quite sometime, i don't think i would consider him part of this generation.

[concernedparent]

If he kept putting out music at the caliber of "Wide Awake" I'd probably consider him the best songwriter. But that clearly isn't how shit happened.

[CoreyHeat]

some of my favs

Dustin Kensrue, Michael Angelakos and Thom Yorke (all which are better than bright eyes lyrically and musically)

[theguy77]

I quite enjoyed Cassadaga.

wheeeee :highfive: musically, it's his best accomplishment to date. gotta give lots of credit to mike mogis for that though.

[theguy77]

some of my favs

Dustin Kensrue, Michael Angelakos and Thom Yorke (all which are better than bright eyes lyrically and musically)

dude in my opinion there is no way dustin kensrue is better than conor oberst lyrically. dustin's alright but his writing is too boxy for me; it seems like he chooses a context to write in and then tries to force every line to fit within it's rigid parameters, it's not given enough space to breathe and/or be applicable elsewhere. his rhyme/rhythm patterns are the same way too.

also radiohead is my favorite band but lyrics are not their strong point whatsoever; i couldnt name one song lyrically that trumps ANY of the songs on cassadaga, which isnt even conor's best lyrics in the first place.

you're entitled to think differently though, of course.

[CoreyHeat]

dude in my opinion there is no way dustin kensrue is better than conor oberst lyrically. dustin's alright but his writing is too boxy for me; it seems like he chooses a context to write in and then tries to force every line to fit within it's rigid parameters, it's not given enough space to breathe and/or be applicable elsewhere. his rhyme/rhythm patterns are the same way too.

also radiohead is my favorite band but lyrics are not their strong point whatsoever; i couldnt name one song lyrically that trumps ANY of the songs on cassadaga, which isnt even conor's best lyrics in the first place.

you're entitled to think differently though, of course.


Dustin's lyrics are far from just confined lyrics to a set structure (in my opinion) and I respectfully disagree that dustins lyrics are worse than conors, the lyrics on artist/illusion trump even Lifted! And if we are just talking straight lyrics then I'd have some more names to throw in but if we are talking song writing + lyrics, thom yorke can craft a song like no one else. Dustin's lyrics just hit you so hard while being so articulate and symbolic.

[theguy77]

Dustin's lyrics are far from just confined lyrics to a set structure (in my opinion) and I respectfully disagree that dustins lyrics are worse than conors, the lyrics on artist/illusion trump even Lifted! And if we are just talking straight lyrics then I'd have some more names to throw in but if we are talking song writing + lyrics, thom yorke can craft a song like no one else. Dustin's lyrics just hit you so hard while being so articulate and symbolic.

i'll agree that hes very symbolic, but as far as "articulate" goes, its really hard for me to consider ANYONE to be truly articulate when i listen to the decemberists. colin meloy... now THATS a guy who has a way with words. such grandiloquence that it's actually humorous -- and you can tell thats exactly what hes going for with it too, more for being amusing than for impressing anybody.

as far as thom, im just not a fan of his disconnected jigsaw puzzle/stream of consciousness lyrical style. if anything though i do give him credit for writing lyrics in a way that enables him to be very, very expressive and varied with his vocals.

[CoreyHeat]

i'll agree that hes very symbolic, but as far as "articulate" goes, its really hard for me to consider ANYONE to be truly articulate when i listen to the decemberists. colin meloy... now THATS a guy who has a way with words. such grandiloquence that it's actually humorous -- and you can tell thats exactly what hes going for with it too, more for being amusing than for impressing anybody.

as far as thom, im just not a fan of his disconnected jigsaw puzzle/stream of consciousness lyrical style. if anything though i do give him credit for writing lyrics in a way that enables him to be very, very expressive and varied with his vocals.

decemberists are great, unfortunately they have become a band that reminds me of a certain time ha - it doesn't get much play anymore. hey I might be in maryland later this month for a show, come out and hang, we will play 'deadbolt' then 'dont know when but a days gonna come' and fight about it haha

[theguy77]

decemberists are great, unfortunately they have become a band that reminds me of a certain time ha - it doesn't get much play anymore. hey I might be in maryland later this month for a show, come out and hang, we will play 'deadbolt' then 'dont know when but a days gonna come' and fight about it haha

oh yeah? where are you stopping? whats your band called?

[CoreyHeat]

oh yeah? where are you stopping? whats your band called?

I won't hijack this thread but it's teenheat, you can check us out at myspace.com/officialteenheat (http://myspace.com/officialteenheat) - we actually are signed with Nick from Before Their Eyes/Rise Records, it's like electronic pop rock stuff (think like innerparty/tbs/passionpit stuff)! I think the maryland date isn't up there but ill msg you when i find out, could be fun hang out sesh. On with the discussion ha!

[theguy77]

I won't hijack this thread but it's teenheat, you can check us out at myspace.com/officialteenheat (http://myspace.com/officialteenheat) - we actually are signed with Nick from Before Their Eyes/Rise Records, it's like electronic pop rock stuff (think like innerparty/tbs/passionpit stuff)! I think the maryland date isn't up there but ill msg you when i find out, could be fun hang out sesh. On with the discussion ha!

alright i'll check it out when its not 4 AM lol. but yeah, shoot me a message.

[ThisIsSuchAPity]

hmmm you have a brand new avatar though?Are you joking or trying to get your indie cred up to an all time high?

I said lyrically; Brand New is a decent band alltogether though. I can enjoy the music, I'm just not going to listen to it when I want something with lyrical depth.

Vinnie > Jesse

[ThisIsSuchAPity]

no.

What makes you say this?

[haywire robot]

I love how the Thrice boner always presents itself in every "the best is..." topic.

[blebbio]

lol Thrice

[ImTheSheriff]

What makes you say this?

the dangerous summer are a fun poppy band. his lyrics are nothing special.

[boxingwithstars]

the dangerous summer are a fun poppy band. his lyrics are nothing special.

while i don't think The Dangerous Summer is a prime example of this, just because a band is "fun" and "poppy" it does not mean they can't write meaningful and well crafted lyrics.

[jbaseball44]

Oberst is better than Kensrue.

[bard]

aaron weiss.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Never really enjoyed anything he ever released.

[ImTheSheriff]

while i don't think The Dangerous Summer is a prime example of this, just because a band is "fun" and "poppy" it does not mean they can't write meaningful and well crafted lyrics.

i agree, but the dangerous summer's lyrics aren't that meaningful or well crafted.

[Wedge]

John Darnielle. Anyone see the Mountain Goats on Colbert? Aweeessoommmee

[DejaNew]

i'm surprised it took so long for someone to mention these two, definitely two of my favorite's. i was going to suggest Mangum, but since he probably influenced a lot of the other songwriters mentioned in this thread and he hasn't released new material in quite sometime, i don't think i would consider him part of this generation.
Ah, glad to see another Reuss and Kinsella fan. Although The Format and fun. get plenty of publicity here, but Owen, not so much. I love the new album.

[ThisIsSuchAPity]

the dangerous summer are a fun poppy band. his lyrics are nothing special.

The Dangerous Summer may fall under pop-punk, but are NOT a fun and poppy band by any means.

[Viva Sonata]

chris moulton.

[Br&nizzle]

I still find myself believing almost everything he says.
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v75/56/31/1261950122/n1261950122_30016614_1782.jpg

[Br&nizzle]

Why does a generation need one songwriter? Isn't that maddeningly reductive? I think different songwriters have different things to say and appeal to different aesthetics. I think John Darnielle and John K. Samson write the most compelling lyrics out there today. That doesn't mean everyone agrees with me; in fact, I can see a case being made for several other artists against Darnielle (I have a personal predilection for Samson that is nigh unimpeachable, so I doubt that would be an easy concession to make). But what does it matter?

:thumbup:

[erik910]

I still find myself believing almost everything he says.
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v75/56/31/1261950122/n1261950122_30016614_1782.jpg

is that a tramp stamp!?

[Br&nizzle]

is that a tramp stamp!?

I suppose technically, though I feel it sits too far up and is far too classy for the 'tramp stamp' title.

[popdisaster00]

Hate him/bright eyes. always have.

[KingsCrossing]

I love Conor/Bright Eyes, but I don't think I'd consider him the greatest of our generation.

[erik910]

I suppose technically, though I feel it sits too far up and is far too classy for the 'tramp stamp' title.

Caverns and love, hm. I don't know if I agree with the placement of the tattoo. If I were happening to be in a position with a girl, and I saw that, I may be a little turned off. Get what I'm saying, with like "cavern" and all?

[Br&nizzle]

Caverns and love, hm. I don't know if I agree with the placement of the tattoo. If I were happening to be in a position with a girl, and I saw that, I may be a little turned off. Get what I'm saying, with like "cavern" and all?

However, if I had finished the lyric, it would have said "we must plunge, we must plunge, we must plunge" directly above my ass, which would have been decidedly worse.

I'm sure I could have found a better place to put it, but I also wanted a place I could easily cover.

You're actually the first person I've encountered to comment on "cavern" in that way. Creeper.

[erik910]

However, if I had finished the lyric, it would have said "we must plunge, we must plunge, we must plunge" directly above my ass, which would have been decidedly worse.

I'm sure I could have found a better place to put it, but I also wanted a place I could easily cover.

You're actually the first person I've encountered to comment on "cavern" in that way. Creeper.

Ahahahaha at the "plunge plunge plunge". That would have been fucking hysterical. I'm not being a creeper, I'm just saying.

[liquideasy]

I don't know if I'd say he's the best song writer of thus generation, but I would definitely say he's among the most ingenius.

[Broclee]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[NateFoundGlory]

Just started getting into his work. He's definitely not the savior of his genre, but I really do enjoy him.

[imahoodlum]

I don't care who's better, to a degree. I like Bright Eyes, goddammit. I like a lot of the artist people mentioned as "better lyricist" and can admit they are great at it as well. :shrug:

[AlkalineAshes]

owen.

[JustinSxE]

Tomas Kalnoky of Streetlight Manifesto. A lyrical genius.