Bright Eyes - Cassadaga

[Drew Beringer]

Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
Release Date: April 10, 2007
Record Label: Saddle Creek (http://www.saddle-creek.com)

Conor Oberst sure knows how to get people talking. Whether it’s angering Conservatives with his tunes (“When The President Talks To God”), being compared to Springsteen and Dylan, or being the first artist in seven years to hold the number one and two positions on Billboard’s Hot 100 Single Sales (“Lua” and “Take It Easy (Love Nothing)” in 2004), Oberst and his band Bright Eyes are a mainstay in any discussion about modern music. After the wild success of his two releases in 2005, Oberst is back with a new album (Cassadaga) and two new permanent members (Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott), but still loaded with the same attitude.

Oberst and company whetted our appetites in early March with the release of Four Winds EP, which contained the first single from Cassadaga (“Four Winds”) and 4 phenomenal b-sides featuring the likes of M. Ward and Ben Kweller. After listening to the EP, countless fans (including this very reviewer) were giddy for what was in store with Cassadaga. What we received is an album that does not follow in the foot steps of previous releases, rather the Mogis-produced Cassadaga is tinged with countless country and blues influences. One of the best-produced albums in the Bright Eyes discography, Oberst’s vocals has never sounded better and the album is very rich in sound.

A woman reciting a story over the haunting sound of what seems to be Oberst raising his cohorts out from deep and dark places begins “Clairaudients (Kill Or be Killed), the first track of the album. After two minutes of this, Oberst begins his storytelling over an eerily plucked guitar note. The country flavored “Four Winds” follows, which is heavy with the violin and Oberst’s vocals are as urgent as ever. “If The Brakeman Turns My Way” and “Make A Plan To Love Me” are two delicate pieces with very precise instrumentation. “Hot Knives” is one of my standout tracks, as each guitar pluck stings and the strings are poignant. The chorus sweeps you off your feet, and Oberst’s lyrics are as honest as ever (So I’ve made love/yeah I’ve been fucked./So What?”).

“Middleman” has swooning horns throughout, while “Soul Singer In A Session Band” has a breezy flair to itself. “Cleanse Song” has Oberst rediscovering himself and overcoming his past haunts. “Coat Check Dream Song” is very dreamy, as the song title insists. The track is free flowing from the very beginning, with the placement and usage of the minimal instruments making the song the great. The twangy “I Must Belong Somewhere” will please fans of I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning. “Lime Tree” closes out Cassadaga stunningly, as the pacing and placement of each melody and instrument engrosses your auditory senses.

While it’s somewhat difficult to pick out flaws in such an excellent record, the obvious one, as in past releases, is Oberst’s voice. While it has gotten better over time, it is still the weakest link in an otherwise solid chain of production, musicianship, and instrumentation. Mogis does a great job of production throughout the album, carefully constructing the orchestration of each track, making sure that the listener is never over or under whelmed.

Finally, it’s nearly impossible to pick out a favorite or best track on Cassadaga, as each song is unique and possesses different directions, themes, and vibes. My first few listens of Cassadaga hit me in the same way Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois hit me: its beauty and cohesiveness draw me in and never lets go, as this album is the perfect road trip album. In the end, if you’re just a fan of music, you will appreciate and come to adore Cassadaga, no matter what type of music you’re into.

Track Listing:
1. Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed)
2. Four Winds
3. If The Brakeman Turns My Way
4. Hot Knives
5. Make A Plan To Love Me
6. Soul Singer In A Session Band
7. Classic Cars
8. Middleman
9. Cleanse Song
10. No One Would Riot For Less
11. Coat Check Dream Song
12. I Must Belong Somewhere
13. Lime Tree
Produced by: Mike Mogis

Bright Eyes are:
Conor Oberst - voice, guitar, synthesizer, piano
Mike Mogis - bass, glockenspiel, pedal steel, vibraphone, mandolin, 12-string, baritone, lap steel, percussion, dobro, ukelele, voice
Nate Walcott - orchestra arrangement, strings arrangement, woodwinds arrangement, organ, piano, electric piano, trumpet

Official Website (http://www.saddle-creek.com/cassadaga); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/brighteyes)

[Scott Irvine]

Good review. While I think you followed too closely in trying to throw out a description for every song, you touched on some key points.

While I dislike people concentrating on the scores, I must disagree on your ranking of the lyrical and musicianship aspect. While this catches BE at their best, I don't think they're .25 away from being perfect (a la 10).

Good review, though.

[Dr. Acula]

Good review Drew. I loooooove this album.

[Tom Good]

Good review Drew. I personally don't like this album as much as Lifted... but it is still decent.

[Jason Tate]

My favorite album so far this year .. I think the lyrics are 9.75 worthy. I'm especially fond of the "I've got a cricket for a conscious" line.

[ImAsian5]

i recently got into brighteyes when my roommate had me listen to Lifted, i fell in love with his lyrics and unique sound, good review. i also agreed with just about every description of conner and the band, i am feeling compelled to buy it!

[YourMusicSucks]

In the end, if you’re just a fan of music, you will appreciate and come to adore Cassadaga, no matter what type of music you’re into.

Most convincing line ever. I'm sold.

[TylerDurden911]

This actually surpassed "I'm Wide Awake..." as my favorite Bright Eyes record. I definitely think it's Oberst's best work yet. My favorite song on the album is definitely "Middleman". That song is absolutely beautiful!

[meeotch]

Extremely excited to pick this up tomorrow. I know Conor will never dissapoint.

[Iamhome]

From the bits and pieces I've heard, this album is another win from BE.

[1Roth4]

this album is gold.

good review

[captainamazing4]

this is an amazing album, and you did it much justice.

*applause*

[Colin Farrell]

whetted?

[mortal soldier]

This album blew me out of the water. Seriously, I was expecting something okay; but Conor proves he's nowhere near done releasing great records. Props to the Eisley girls as well, they are haunting as ever in the second verse of Hot Knives.

[Chemical Love]

I love the CD.

[...generic...]

Good review Drew! I think that soul singer is my least favorite song...the lyrics just don't seem to fit and the vocal melodies are pretty annoying. But, maybe my views will change. You did fail to talk about one of the most honest songs on the record though: No One Would Riot for less. That song gives me the chills.

[hollywoodchase]

I have to say that you appear to be in way over your head with this review. I got nothing from it. There were very little comparisons to his older works and his lyrical growth (despite the 9.75 score), spelling errors (whetted), and overrall a very, very glossed review that gives the reader absolutely nothing about the CD. I love this CD, and hate elitism, but I think a review of it needs to be on the level of maturity that the CD itself is on. I would recommend reading Pitchforkmedia.com's review.

[JunkBondTrader]

good review drew. the only thing i have never really liked about your reviews is the track by track analysis. i think you should cover like maybe 3 or 4 songs but thats it, and spread it throughout the review, not just centered over paragraph. leave some things up to the imagination.

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

amazing album.

[Jason Tate]

I have to say that you appear to be in way over your head with this review. I got nothing from it. There were very little comparisons to his older works and his lyrical growth (despite the 9.75 score), spelling errors (whetted), and overrall a very, very glossed review that gives the reader absolutely nothing about the CD. I love this CD, and hate elitism, but I think a review of it needs to be on the level of maturity that the CD itself is on. I would recommend reading Pitchforkmedia.com's review.
I heard nothing except "whine whine whine ... whine whine whine ... I hate elitism yet recommend Pitchfork, I obviously don't know what I'm talking about."

[Drew Beringer]

I have to say that you appear to be in way over your head with this review. I got nothing from it. There were very little comparisons to his older works and his lyrical growth (despite the 9.75 score), spelling errors (whetted), and overrall a very, very glossed review that gives the reader absolutely nothing about the CD. I love this CD, and hate elitism, but I think a review of it needs to be on the level of maturity that the CD itself is on. I would recommend reading Pitchforkmedia.com's review.
Wow, I spelled one word wrong and it's automatically a horrible review. An album review is not about comparing it to older work, it's about critiquing the album at hand. If you can't get anything about the album from this review, I think it's more of a reading comprehension problem than my writing.
good review drew. the only thing i have never really liked about your reviews is the track by track analysis. i think you should cover like maybe 3 or 4 songs but thats it, and spread it throughout the review, not just centered over paragraph. leave some things up to the imagination.

Eh, it's just always been my style. I know that when I read reviews I need the review to cover more than 3-4 songs to convince me to buy it. Sure, 3 songs are good, what about the others? That's my philosophy.

[1Roth4]

I have to say that you appear to be in way over your head with this review. I got nothing from it. There were very little comparisons to his older works and his lyrical growth (despite the 9.75 score), spelling errors (whetted), and overrall a very, very glossed review that gives the reader absolutely nothing about the CD. I love this CD, and hate elitism, but I think a review of it needs to be on the level of maturity that the CD itself is on. I would recommend reading Pitchforkmedia.com's review.

go back to pitchfork then

I've read numerous reviews here, and several have made me go out on a whim and buy the album, or at least look them up on myspace or pv.


If you're not getting anything from the reviews, then find another place to get your reviews from.

And I'm so sure you call him on a spelling error, are you kidding me?

[TyroneShoolaces]

yea i really wasnt expecting this album to outdo any of his previous releases, but i'm very impressed. probably one of this best.

[iwasahero]

Good review Drew.

I'm visting family right now in Illinois and the Walmart here had this out today, picked it up and enjoyed it much more then I thought I would.

Great album.

[_kate]

good review.
so incredibly stoked to go pick this cd up tomorrow!




and guys, "whetted" is spelled correctly.

[Mitch]

I love this album.

[astaticvendetta]

this cd is amazing,

[Chris Fallon]

I've never been able to get into Bright Eyes, but damn I love this disc! I think this may be one of my favorites of the year actually. Like Jason, I just really love the lyrics.

Oh and by the way, well-written review Drew. A+, A+ :-)

[surfwaxsideshow]

Pitchfork, however elitist you may believe they are, has generally the most well written reviews and features of any popular music site. Not that this review was bad. It is just that there is no need to trash pitchfork, their writers generally can, at the very least, put their money where their mouth is.

With that said, I don't think this album is that spectacular. It's good, and I do love bright eyes, but just about everything he has released from Fevers on is more consistent than this album. The production definitely doesn't suit his style well, either. I like the album, but considering the potential it had and the way it turned out, I'm a bit disappointed.

[Branevember31]

great, great cd

[hollywoodchase]

Wow, I spelled one word wrong and it's automatically a horrible review. An album review is not about comparing it to older work, it's about critiquing the album at hand. If you can't get anything about the album from this review, I think it's more of a reading comprehension problem than my writing.


By the way, I spelled overall wrong. :-p Jason you really have some thinly veiled insecurities about Pitchfork. I'm a loyal reader of AP, but Pitchfork writes better. And for someone who criticizes my elitism, you're pretty in love with yourself and your tastes. Just chill out man.

[Jason Tate]

By the way, I spelled overall wrong. :-p Jason you really have some thinly veiled insecurities about Pitchfork. I'm a loyal reader of AP, but Pitchfork writes better. And for someone who criticizes my elitism, you're pretty in love with yourself and your tastes. Just chill out man.
Of course they write "better" they live off the thesaurus. Everyone knows big words means better writers!

And I wasn't criticizing your "elitism" I was criticizing your hypocrisies.

[Steve Henderson]

Of course they write "better" they live off the thesaurus. Everyone knows big words means better writers!

And I wasn't criticizing your "elitism" I was criticizing your hypocrisies.
Haha when we DO write like Pitchfork, we get bitched at for being too flowery :shrug:

[Jason Tate]

Haha when we DO write like Pitchfork, we get bitched at for being too flowery :shrug:
Very, very, very true. Examples: Your latest and Julia's latest.

Can't please everybody.

[johnarc]

album sucks.

[FreshyFresh23]

like the review, agree this is just a music lovers cd

[FreshyFresh23]

Haha when we DO write like Pitchfork, we get bitched at for being too flowery :shrug:

Nah, thats the point you're better than Pitchfork and do not need to write like that shit. Id much read these kind of reviews than their reviews which seem like some work of fiction that happens to have a cd review inside of it.

[Steve Henderson]

Nah, thats the point you're better than Pitchfork and do not need to write like that shit. Id much read these kind of reviews than their reviews which seem like some work of fiction that happens to have a cd review inside of it.
I'll be the first to admit I am nowhere near as talented as those guys, but thanks anyways amigo. I agree that people come here for no-nonsense reviews. Or at least less nonsense :piano:

[FreshyFresh23]

I'll be the first to admit I am nowhere near as talented as those guys, but thanks anyways amigo. I agree that people come here for no-nonsense reviews. Or at least less nonsense :piano:
Haha, yeah. While that may be true, I'm standing by the reviews here. No/less nonsense is what its all about. :beerbros:

[fnkyfreshman]

the best track is clearly "No One Would Riot for Less." haunting and honest in the best ways.

[_kate]

i just started poking around on pitchfork this weekend (i read all of their bright eyes reviews, ironically enough) and i was very impressed by the ability of their writers. however, in fevers & mirrors, they completely missed the joke about the faux-interview and they didn't have reviews for ANY other bands i looked up. so overall, i'm still sticking with AP.

[xerovision1]

meh...

[MasonR5]

Hot Knives, Classic Cars, Middleman, Cleanse Song, and Brakeman are my favs

[terrrrrible]

I haven't listened to Bright Eyes in forever, I kind of skipped over their last 2 releases. I will definitely give this one a shot though.

[Wakinglife35]

"orberst’s vocals has never sounded better and the album is very rich in sound."


kind of funny he said that but rated the vocals the lowest for his ratings

[Drew Beringer]

"orberst’s vocals has never sounded better and the album is very rich in sound."


kind of funny he said that but rated the vocals the lowest for his ratings

How is that funny? His vocals do sound the best on this release than any of his other releases, but it still doesn't warrant a rating of 8+.

[EvilZeppelin]

It's good but I would say The Decemberists Crane Wife is still better. if we compared to indie album that was posted for the past few months.

[littlebeav]

Amazing review, like, fucking always. While I love everyone here, I do believe you have my style of Music reviews, and as such, I will be picking this album up ASAP.

Godspeed

[karmapolicia]

Solid review.

I haven't had the chance to listen to this album as I told myself to wait until the release date.

As I type, KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic (http://www.kcrw.com) is about to feature a re-recorded session of Conor & Co. performing a set in their studios. I'm going to finish up their session before I head out for lunch and hunt down Cassadaga on vinyl.

[karmapolicia]

Amazing review, like, fucking always. While I love everyone here, I do believe you have my style of Music reviews, and as such, I will be picking this album up ASAP.

Godspeed

I'm a Paul Tao type of guy. :shrug:

Not to say, I wouldn't pass up on anything Drew recommends :-)

[GAD_guy]

i gotta disagree on the voice. i have always loved it, and i think it sounds worse on this record than ever before. sure, from a professional standpoint, it may be "better," but we've lost all that emotion that typified the old bright eyes records. nothing beats those moments when he just screams his lungs out, not caring whether he is on key or not.

this is a watered-down, radiofied version of bright eyes, not the innovative, soul-baring genius found on letting off the happiness, fevers and mirrors and lifted.

[12:46AM]

Of course they write "better" they live off the thesaurus. Everyone knows big words means better writers!if you honestly think that their reviews are better because of their vocabulary, you're way off base. they are extremely talented writers over there. i rarely agree with the scores, but they always offer an in-depth analysis and they always effectively explain why they may have given out a low score.

pitchfork's reviews are better than ap's because, let's face it, that's what they do. you know it, they know it, your own writers know it. you've got some sensational writers on this website, but if they were good enough to be writing for pitchfork, they'd be writing for pitchfork.

back to the review.... it was a good review, drew, but i think you missed a few things as well. i'm also not a fan of the "mention every song" style reviews, but i do the same thing, so who am i to judge?

[karmapolicia]

Set just finished up. Amazing in-studio session. Looking forward now to picking up Cassadaga.
:-)

Aired on: April 10, 2007
KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic
Live Session with Bright Eyes

01. Soul Singer
02. Smoke Without Fire
03. Yellow Datsun
[interview]
04. Tourist Trap
05. Middleman
06. Lullabye in Exile
07. June on the West Coast

Conor Oberst: Acoustic Guitar/Vocals/Harp
Mike Mogis: Guitar/Mandolin/Pedal Steel/Dobro
Nate Walcott: Trumpet/Nord/Piano
Jake Bellows: Guitar/Bass/Vocals
Rayche Bloomberg: Drums/Ukelelaele/Vocals
M. Ward: Guitar/Acoustic/Harp/Vocals
Anton Patzner: Fiddle
Jason Finberg: Band Engineer

[Jason Tate]

if you honestly think that their reviews are better because of their vocabulary, you're way off base. they are extremely talented writers over there. i rarely agree with the scores, but they always offer an in-depth analysis and they always effectively explain why they may have given out a low score.

pitchfork's reviews are better than ap's because, let's face it, that's what they do. you know it, they know it, your own writers know it. you've got some sensational writers on this website, but if they were good enough to be writing for pitchfork, they'd be writing for pitchfork.

back to the review.... it was a good review, drew, but i think you missed a few things as well. i'm also not a fan of the "mention every song" style reviews, but i do the same thing, so who am i to judge?
It was sarcasm.

[LPMagic]

I don't understand why people invest so much time in the following:

1. Defending staff reviewers just because they're on staff, too.

2. Discussing Pitchfork, or acting like there is a war between the 2 websites. It's not a crime to read and appreciate both for what they are, stop acting like one site is taking hits away from another site. The same people who cry about elitism and insult others (however subtle their means) are the same people who can't take criticism or the notion that other reviews / websites covering this kind of music exist.

3. Trashing AP or Pitchfork reviews. Reviews are bullshit to begin with because every work is subjective. If you're that fickle that you need to come on AbsolutePunk.net or MusicBlahBlah.com and read a review to gather an opinion on it, then I feel sorry for you. It's neat to draw comparisons or to call out someone for saying something that's opposite of what you think for discussion / killing time purposes, but don't mold your own thoughts to what someone else says.

4. Internet sarcasm.

- Jeff

[watchthesky07]

This is a fantastic album. Plus, the "spectral decoder" kept me entertained for a good 10 minutes :-)

[Steve Henderson]

I don't understand why people invest so much time in the following:

1. Defending staff reviewers just because they're on staff, too.

2. Discussing Pitchfork, or acting like there is a war between the 2 websites. It's not a crime to read and appreciate both for what they are, stop acting like one site is taking hits away from another site. The same people who cry about elitism and insult others (however subtle their means) are the same people who can't take criticism or the notion that other reviews / websites covering this kind of music exist.

3. Trashing AP or Pitchfork reviews. Reviews are bullshit to begin with because every work is subjective. If you're that fickle that you need to come on AbsolutePunk.net or MusicBlahBlah.com and read a review to gather an opinion on it, then I feel sorry for you. It's neat to draw comparisons or to call out someone for saying something that's opposite of what you think for discussion / killing time purposes, but don't mold your own thoughts to what someone else says.

4. Internet sarcasm.

- Jeff

Don't assume everyone uses reviews for the same means as you.

[SoCoSquid4]

i bought this this morning, i put it in, and i got a boner from the first noises until the end of the album. it is amazing.

[GAD_guy]

Of course they write "better" they live off the thesaurus. Everyone knows big words means better writers!

And I wasn't criticizing your "elitism" I was criticizing your hypocrisies.

pitchfork's reviews are often intentionally long-winded and occasionally pointless, but they ARE better than the reviews here (or pretty much any other site that uses non-professional writers). and it's not becuase they use big words, as you've said, it's becuase it's clear that they spend so much time with an album before they review and it really pour their heart into each review. reading a pitchfork review is like reading a work of art in intself, not just a track-by-track rundown of an album.

this isn't to say that i don't appreciate the writing here, becuase i do, but to say that it is even on the same level as pitchfork is just foolish, becuase the writers here simply don't have the time or energy to write reviews like theirs. i don't even get how anyone does. add to the fact that pitchfork employs professionally trained writers with mounds of experience and you've got a pretty solid case.

bottom line: saying one is "better" than the other is the most foolish thing of all, becuase you can't compare them to the same standard. the purpose of a pitchfork review is entirely different from that of an AP review.

[Drew Beringer]

lol I know I'm a mediocre writer at best and that Pitchfork writers destroy me in every sense of writing.

[Steve Henderson]

Pitchfork writers -- PAID
AbsolutePunk writers -- UNPAID

This fact alone makes any comparisons pointless.

[LPMagic]

Don't assume everyone uses reviews for the same means as you.
Don't assume I'm assuming.

- Jeff

[LPMagic]

Pitchfork writers -- PAID
AbsolutePunk writers -- UNPAID

This fact alone makes any comparisons pointless.
Please tell me you're joking.

- Jeff

[Steve Henderson]

Please tell me you're joking.

- Jeff
Um, no. Tell me you are.

If we were paid to review, you know damn well the quality of work would take a quantum leap upwards. Not saying we slack now, because we don't, but there's a reason they call pay "incentive."

[LPMagic]

Interesting that you can say that I'm making assumptions when you just put your foot in your mouth by saying that AbsolutePunk.net's staff is driven by money, therefore we're not getting the best possible reviews.

- Jeff

[Steve Henderson]

Interesting that you can say that I'm making assumptions when you just put your foot in your mouth by saying that AbsolutePunk.net's staff is driven by money, therefore we're not getting the best possible reviews.

- Jeff
Don't be an idiot. For us, writing is a hobby. For them, it is a paid job. Do the fucking math.

[garlicgirl1210]

no mention of the awesomeness that is "I Must Belong Somewhere"?
it is reminiscent of "Waste of Paint" because the lyrics paint beautiful pictures and just seem to fit so well.
awesome album.

[The Database]

Reviews on this site are good but there is a tendency to overrate but i guess that is just my opinion. Obviously the reviews arent the best on the web because it is amauter reviewers but they are respectable.

Album is good but not Fevers or Lifted good.
I wouldn't say the writer's for this site are amatuer reviewers.
(why have my last like 5 posts all used italics? eeek!)

[morphine boy]

Um, no. Tell me you are.

If we were paid to review, you know damn well the quality of work would take a quantum leap upwards.

So... you sit there and think "I could make this review better by doing 'a', 'b' and 'c', but since I'm not getting paid for it, I'm not going to bother"?

Or do you think that if you were getting paid your reviewing skills would automatically improve?

Your argument makes no sense at all.

[Drew Beringer]

I wouldn't say the writer's for this site are amatuer reviewers.
(why have my last like 5 posts all used italics? eeek!)

Well, we are amateur writers, not in the sense that our reviews are immature, but rather we just don't get paid for doing it, thus the term amateur is used, just like in college athletics.

[whyte39]

i love the casing/artwork that this cd comes in. uber cool

[CodyWeber]

I love Bright Eyes.
But this album is just a country album.
Not a fan of it at all.
Biggest disappointment for me this year.

I miss the days when it was just him and a guitar.

:(

[LPMagic]

Don't be an idiot. For us, writing is a hobby. For them, it is a paid job. Do the fucking math.
You think there's math to writing quality? I hope Jason fires you immediately then.

So... you sit there and think "I could make this review better by doing 'a', 'b' and 'c', but since I'm not getting paid for it, I'm not going to bother"?

Or do you think that if you were getting paid your reviewing skills would automatically improve?

Your argument makes no sense at all.
Exactly. You just exploited yourself, Steve. I will never read one of your reviews again and will publically urge others not to whenever the issue comes up online. You have no business reviewing albums, reviews which obviously sway opinion and album sales (as minor an impact as they may or may not have).

I have never once been paid to write, but as a member of newspaper staffs and in my own personal reviews and blogs, I can say with absolute confidence that I have NEVER slacked off or thought "I'm not getting paid, so I'm going to try / write less." You are an embarrassment to this site and, really, critics everywhere.

- Jeff

[The Database]

You think there's math to writing quality? I hope Jason fires you immediately then.


Exactly. You just exploited yourself, Steve. I will never read one of your reviews again and will publically urge others not to whenever the issue comes up online. You have no business reviewing albums, reviews which obviously sway opinion and album sales (as minor an impact as they may or may not have).

I have never once been paid to write, but as a member of newspaper staffs and in my own personal reviews and blogs, I can say with absolute confidence that I have NEVER slacked off or thought "I'm not getting paid, so I'm going to try / write less." You are an embarrassment to this site and, really, critics everywhere.

- Jeff
:chill:

[The Database]

Well, we are amateur writers, not in the sense that our reviews are immature, but rather we just don't get paid for doing it, thus the term amateur is used, just like in college athletics.

I suppose you could say that, but I don't think that not getting paid for it makes you an amateur, (like in the case of an amateur porn star, haha)

[1Roth4]

wow people. its a fucking review. if you don't like it. stay away from drews reviews from now on. Go to pitchfork and read the poetry they put out.

its a review, and i think thats all that needs to be said.

[ThatGuy]

i think with the advent of things like myspace and purevolume and the ability to hear an entire album before it's released, the album review is really something that isn't needed as a means for deciding whether or not you should buy it. in my opinion

[GAD_guy]

Pitchfork writers -- PAID
AbsolutePunk writers -- UNPAID

This fact alone makes any comparisons pointless.

it's not so much that they are paid, it's what they are paid FOR. they have the tools/skills necessary to write an excellent review each time (and a professional editor to boot), whereas writers here are untrained amateurs. there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it's the truth. so you've got the right idea, but you're looking at it from the wrong angle. the payment is merely a symptom of the larger issue. if AP suddenly became the most respected site for reviews, as pitchfork is now, tate would eventually be forced to pay his writers. it's a cycle.

also, to those complaining about steve's comment, settle. you'd be shocked at how much better writing can be if it's a JOB rather than a HOBBY. the reviewers on AP are juggling their album reviews with school, a job, sports, clubs, whatever. a professional reviewer makes a LIVING writing reviews, and that is all he has to do. that pushes each review much higher on the priority list. it may not be "right," but it's a fact.

I suppose you could say that, but I don't think that not getting paid for it makes you an amateur, (like in the case of an amateur porn star, haha)

check the definition, man.

[Steve Henderson]

it's not so much that they are paid, it's what they are paid FOR. they have the tools/skills necessary to write an excellent review each time (and a professional editor to boot), whereas writers here are untrained amateurs. there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it's the truth. so you've got the right idea, but you're looking at it from the wrong angle. the payment is merely a symptom of the larger issue. if AP suddenly became the most respected site for reviews, as pitchfork is now, tate would eventually be forced to pay his writers. it's a cycle.

also, to those complaining about steve's comment, settle. you'd be shocked at how much better writing can be if it's a JOB rather than a HOBBY. the reviewers on AP are juggling their album reviews with school, a job, sports, clubs, whatever. a professional reviewer makes a LIVING writing reviews, and that is all he has to do. that pushes each review much higher on the priority list. it may not be "right," but it's a fact.
Exactly.

[Steve Henderson]

You think there's math to writing quality? I hope Jason fires you immediately then.


Exactly. You just exploited yourself, Steve. I will never read one of your reviews again and will publically urge others not to whenever the issue comes up online. You have no business reviewing albums, reviews which obviously sway opinion and album sales (as minor an impact as they may or may not have).

I have never once been paid to write, but as a member of newspaper staffs and in my own personal reviews and blogs, I can say with absolute confidence that I have NEVER slacked off or thought "I'm not getting paid, so I'm going to try / write less." You are an embarrassment to this site and, really, critics everywhere.

- Jeff
Dude, I do not slack off one bit - don't pretend to have a clue what my life is like. I juggle AP reviews and interviews with an engineering job, grad school, house work, and all the other fun shit that comes with being an adult. I still crank out a review a week with quality that I am more than happy with. I do this all because I enjoy music, reviewing, and everything else.

Think of it this way. If I get home from work late one night, and I still have more to do for work, then I am going to do that - since it is my paying job. If reviewing paid me, then I would work to crank out another review or dress up/edit the shit out of the reviews I have written. However, since I have to pay the bills, the reviews keep a bit of a rough edge, and THAT is my point.

But hey, good luck on your crusade...

-Steve

[LPMagic]

:chill:
No thanks, I'll leave them for angsty 17-year-olds.

wow people. its a fucking review. if you don't like it. stay away from drews reviews from now on. Go to pitchfork and read the poetry they put out.

its a review, and i think thats all that needs to be said.
I hope this wasn't directed at me. I'm the one who originally said I don't understand why people invest time in trashing reviews or discussing Pitchfork.

if AP suddenly became the most respected site for reviews, as pitchfork is now, tate would eventually be forced to pay his writers. it's a cycle.
Pitchfork is hardly overwhelmingly respected. As I hear it, even people involved with music journalism typically think their writing is a pretentious waste of space. Just saying.

also, to those complaining about steve's comment, settle. you'd be shocked at how much better writing can be if it's a JOB rather than a HOBBY. the reviewers on AP are juggling their album reviews with school, a job, sports, clubs, whatever. a professional reviewer makes a LIVING writing reviews, and that is all he has to do. that pushes each review much higher on the priority list. it may not be "right," but it's a fact.
You think the average journalist writing reviews for major publications gets by on just that?

I hate how opinions and random thoughts get thrown around as universal facts.

- Jeff

[1Roth4]

No thanks, I'll leave them for angsty 17-year-olds.


I hope this wasn't directed at me. I'm the one who originally said I don't understand why people invest time in trashing reviews or discussing Pitchfork.


Pitchfork is hardly overwhelmingly respected. As I hear it, even people involved with music journalism typically think their writing is a pretentious waste of space. Just saying.


You think the average journalist writing reviews for major publications gets by on just that?

I hate how opinions and random thoughts get thrown around as universal facts.

- Jeff

it definitly wasn't jeff.

[LPMagic]

Dude, I do not slack off one bit - don't pretend to have a clue what my life is like.
Show me where I pretended to have a clue what your life is like. I responded to words you said.

Blah blah blah about my life.
No kidding. We're all juggling our lives, you're no different than me or the next guy / gal.

However, since I have to pay the bills, the reviews keep a bit of a rough edge, and THAT is my point.
If you feel that you can't put out a quality review just because money isn't being brough to the table, why do it? Free CDs? Free tickets? I just don't understand why you'd put out something subpar. I understand what you're saying (not enough time = rough drafts, essentially).

My problem isn't with you, personally, but your original attitude. You have to understand that as a writer myself, I was highly offended by the ideas and notions that this staff is writing half-assed reviews because, in comparison to Pitchfork, this is just some hobby. It sounds passionless when you put it like that. I went off on a crusade, you're right, and I apologize. To be honest with you, I don't give a fuck about 99% of the reviews on here, I simply read them to gather another perspective and to agree / disagree once I've made my own opinion on an album, or sometimes a fact or background info on a song or the album at hand is made that I didn't know prior. I'm not going to tell anyone not to read your reviews, and in all honesty, I rarely notice who is making a review unless I go read it and then look. I was just worked up and in shock based on everything I've tried to explain in this thread.

- Jeff

[1Roth4]

it's not so much that they are paid, it's what they are paid FOR. they have the tools/skills necessary to write an excellent review each time (and a professional editor to boot), whereas writers here are untrained amateurs. there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it's the truth. so you've got the right idea, but you're looking at it from the wrong angle. the payment is merely a symptom of the larger issue. if AP suddenly became the most respected site for reviews, as pitchfork is now, tate would eventually be forced to pay his writers. it's a cycle.

also, to those complaining about steve's comment, settle. you'd be shocked at how much better writing can be if it's a JOB rather than a HOBBY. the reviewers on AP are juggling their album reviews with school, a job, sports, clubs, whatever. a professional reviewer makes a LIVING writing reviews, and that is all he has to do. that pushes each review much higher on the priority list. it may not be "right," but it's a fact.





i agree with you. BUT

i hope thats not all they do for their living... im sure it doesnt pay well.

[Steve Henderson]

No kidding. We're all juggling our lives, you're no different than me or the next guy / gal.
If you lived a day in my shoes, you would know that quote is far from the truth. My life is far different from your or anyone else's.

If you feel that you can't put out a quality review just because money isn't being brough to the table, why do it? Free CDs? Free tickets? I just don't understand why you'd put out something subpar. I understand what you're saying (not enough time = rough drafts, essentially).
I feel that my reviews are more than high enough quality or it would not go up on this site with my name attached to it. Free CDs and tickets are nominal payments for my work. I never meant my reviews are not quality, but if I was paid to review, I could devote all my time to writing and improving my craft. Hence, the improvements.

My problem isn't with you, personally, but your original attitude. You have to understand that as a writer myself, I was highly offended by the ideas and notions that this staff is writing half-assed reviews because, in comparison to Pitchfork, this is just some hobby. It sounds passionless when you put it like that. I went off on a crusade, you're right, and I apologize. To be honest with you, I don't give a fuck about 99% of the reviews on here, I simply read them to gather another perspective and to agree / disagree once I've made my own opinion on an album, or sometimes a fact or background info on a song or the album at hand is made that I didn't know prior. I'm not going to tell anyone not to read your reviews, and in all honesty, I rarely notice who is making a review unless I go read it and then look. I was just worked up and in shock based on everything I've tried to explain in this thread.

- Jeff
For someone who doesn't give a proverbial fuck about the reviews on here, you are awfully quick to throw your opinion around. And as for the comparisons to PF they are just silly. Two WAY different target markets.

[LPMagic]

If you lived a day in my shoes, you would know that quote is far from the truth. My life is far different from your or anyone else's.
I'm not saying that your life isn't different than mine, the point is that we're all juggling shit.

For someone who doesn't give a proverbial fuck about the reviews on here, you are awfully quick to throw your opinion around.
Even if I don't read 99% of the reviews on here, I would like to think the 1% I do read aren't done in a quick, passionless way. I still do read reviews from time to time, as I stated. There's no speed of throwing an opinion around, even though I know you're using a figure of speech, I have just as much a right to respond and discuss my thoughts and opinions as you or Jason or the next guy. Just because I don't click on every review or am passive in the way I read the words written doesn't mean my reactions mean less or should be judged differently.

- Jeff

[GAD_guy]

I hate how opinions and random thoughts get thrown around as universal facts.

- Jeff

I say this from the experience of going from a volunteer to a paid music/film critic for my college newspaper, so it's not exactly a "random thought" (though i am not saying writing for a college paper is the same as for a "professional" one).

also, as i said, pitchfork can be intentionally long-winded and pretentious, but to say it isn't good writing is just downright ignorant. it is a different KIND of review, and being different isn't necessarily a bad thing.

lots of musicians out there probably dislike your favorite band, but does that make it any worse? ultimately, it is up for you decide what you like. that is subjective. however, just as it is a FACT that the late-period beatles had more talent than the early-period beatles (regardless of which you prefer), it is a FACT that pitchfork writers have more talent than AP writers. it's just up to you to decide if you prefer to read writers who are good and like to flaunt that or writers who are average but don't make you wade through a bunch of bullshit.

[LPMagic]

I say this from the experience of going from a volunteer to a paid music/film critic for my college newspaper, so it's not exactly a "random thought" (though i am not saying writing for a college paper is the same as for a "professional" one).
I didn't mean to direct that at you, your quote was just the last one in the post. I think it happens all the time and it frustrates the hell out of me.

- Jeff

[ktcaaa]

kudos conor.

[Don Trump]

Someone should gather data and see how much stuff on here gets a 9+.

I'd say the good majority...

[wellhello]

ive never been much of a fan but maybe i'll get this because i actually respect drews musical views.

[Ruggiero2oo8]

good CD. good review.

[OveriseFan]

My favorite album so far this year .. I think the lyrics are 9.75 worthy. I'm especially fond of the "I've got a cricket for a conscious" line.

Yeah, definately.

That song is one of, if not my favorite, of the year.

[moonlights]

i haven't read quite the whole thread, but over half...no mention of the album packaging? i mean, i know it should be about the music and all, but this packaging deserves a mention....iiiiit's pretty damn amazing.

[shtjames]

brilliant matured album. weak, safe review

[reductiondesign]

Good review, great album.

[Blake Solomon]

Someone should gather data and see how much stuff on here gets a 9+.

I'd say the good majority...



you are very wrong.

[Jason Tate]

Someone should gather data and see how much stuff on here gets a 9+.

I'd say the good majority...
Hahahaah, well, for starters you can can run the stats to see yourself. However, running the numbers on just the main page leaves an average score of: 76.9% (and that includes one of our users given an album a 99%; something that rarely ever happens).

[1Roth4]

Someone should gather data and see how much stuff on here gets a 9+.

I'd say the good majority...

Well, I must say, I did think like you at one point. But then, one reviewer said to me that they usually only review stuff that they somewhat enjoy, unless they're asked to review something. This could lead to what seems like an overwhelming amount of high scores.

I wouldnt read too much into it. Reviews are meant to be bias, because not everyones musical tastes are identical. Strange.. i know.;-)

[LiquidHeaven]

Oberst and company whetted our appetites in early March with the release of Four Winds EP, which contained the first single from Cassadaga (“Four Winds”) and 4 phenomenal b-sides featuring the likes of M. Ward and Ben Kweller. After listening to the EP, countless fans (including this very reviewer) were giddy for what was in store with Cassadaga. What we received is an album that does not follow in the foot steps of previous releases, rather the Mogis-produced Cassadaga is tinged with countless country and blues influences. One of the best-produced albums in the Bright Eyes discography, Oberst’s vocals has never sounded better and the album is very rich in sound.

First off the b-sides from Four Winds were certainly not phenomenal. They were good songs fine and the EP is something I’ll continue to listen to over time because Bright Eyes is my favorite band but Stray Dog Freedom is one of the most divisive songs he’s put out recently. I actually like the completely out-there guitar line but the lyrics are kind of lame. I don’t want to get into the other songs because if you liked them that much then ok you liked them but as a reviewer you need to be subjective not just say they entire EP was phenomenal because you are a fan.




A woman reciting a story over the haunting sound of what seems to be Oberst raising his cohorts out from deep and dark places begins “Clairaudients (Kill Or be Killed), the first track of the album. After two minutes of this, Oberst begins his storytelling over an eerily plucked guitar note. The country flavored “Four Winds” follows, which is heavy with the violin and Oberst’s vocals are as urgent as ever. “If The Brakeman Turns My Way” and “Make A Plan To Love Me” are two delicate pieces with very precise instrumentation. “Hot Knives” is one of my standout tracks, as each guitar pluck stings and the strings are poignant. The chorus sweeps you off your feet, and Oberst’s lyrics are as honest as ever (So I’ve made love/yeah I’ve been fucked./So What?”).

The opening is not a woman reciting a story, it is a clairvoyant (possibly on the telephone) guiding someone (who we assume is to be Conor) in a journey the caller is interested in. She goes on about how he needs to take a trip and visit some places with extraordinary energy.

Make a Plan to Love Me could be the worst Bright Eyes song ever and you don’t even address this. It’s completely ridiculous, adds nothing to the album and you just breeze on by it as though it’s another great song.

Hot Knives you call one of your favorite songs. Why not be a little subjective here and speak to the audience and explain what makes the song great so that others can understand what makes it so great. It being a favorite of yours doesn’t really matter in an album review. In addition, the lyric I’ve made love/I’ve been fucked is not Oberst being ‘as honest as ever’ the lyric is spoken from the perspective of a housewife who has just been cheated on. It has nothing to do with Conor.

That actually leads me to my biggest problem with the album which is that the lyrics are not very personal. I’ve read a bunch of reviews and I’ll give yours credit for at least naming the songs on the album because most of the reviews don’t even talk about the individual songs but one thing that I read that really made sense is that the lyrics need to be refocused through the lens of Oberst. His best writing is done through his perspective and this worldly ‘I’m just here to observe and talk about what I see’ style isn’t doing it for me.




“Middleman” has swooning horns throughout, while “Soul Singer In A Session Band” has a breezy flair to itself. “Cleanse Song” has Oberst rediscovering himself and overcoming his past haunts. “Coat Check Dream Song” is very dreamy, as the song title insists. The track is free flowing from the very beginning, with the placement and usage of the minimal instruments making the song the great. The twangy “I Must Belong Somewhere” will please fans of I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning. “Lime Tree” closes out Cassadaga stunningly, as the pacing and placement of each melody and instrument engrosses your auditory senses.

Again, why not talk about Middleman, Soul Singer or Cleanse Song (which I happen to love). I just don’t think I’m learning about the songs, I want to know more about them. Breezy flair, dreamy, and swooning horns are the only words you offer to describe three entire songs. Come on! Those are some of the best songs on the album! You could also mention how Lime Tree could possibly be the one deeply personal song about a girl who has recently aborted a baby we are led to perceive was Oberst’s. That’s some pretty deep stuff.




While it’s somewhat difficult to pick out flaws in such an excellent record, the obvious one, as in past releases, is Oberst’s voice. While it has gotten better over time, it is still the weakest link in an otherwise solid chain of production, musicianship, and instrumentation. Mogis does a great job of production throughout the album, carefully constructing the orchestration of each track, making sure that the listener is never over or under whelmed.
This paragraph is the entire reason I decided to dissect this review. You said in the first paragraph “Oberst’s vocals has never sounded better…” but then you decide that the weakest link is Oberst’s voice? First, it is ‘vocals have,’ and second, pick a stance! You gave vocals the lowest grade out of any of the sections but you opened the review saying his vocals have never sounded better. If you are going to argue that whole they do in fact sound better than ever they still aren’t good you should address that instead of leading the reader to believe that they are one of the strongest aspects of the album.



Finally, it’s nearly impossible to pick out a favorite or best track on Cassadaga, as each song is unique and possesses different directions, themes, and vibes. My first few listens of Cassadaga hit me in the same way Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois hit me: its beauty and cohesiveness draw me in and never lets go, as this album is the perfect road trip album. In the end, if you’re just a fan of music, you will appreciate and come to adore Cassadaga, no matter what type of music you’re into.

1. It’s Illinoise!
2. We’d rather know more about the album in a subjective manner not that it hit you and you loved it
3. You switched perspective: My first few listens of Cassadaga hit me in the same way Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois hit me: its beauty and cohesiveness draw me in and never lets go. I think you meant ‘its beauty and cohesiveness drew me in and never let go.’
4. I do agree it is difficult to pick out a favorite but you didn’t even mention Classic Cars which is easily top 3 on the album. Boooooooooooo!

Lastly, props on not mentioning Conor’s age, it is about time people gave that up!

[LPMagic]

Oh, LiquidHeaven, give him a break. He's not getting paid, why would he write a good review?

Yeah, I guess sometimes sarcasm is called for.

- Jeff

[Drew Beringer]

First off the b-sides from Four Winds were certainly not phenomenal. They were good songs fine and the EP is something I’ll continue to listen to over time because Bright Eyes is my favorite band but Stray Dog Freedom is one of the most divisive songs he’s put out recently. I actually like the completely out-there guitar line but the lyrics are kind of lame. I don’t want to get into the other songs because if you liked them that much then ok you liked them but as a reviewer you need to be subjective not just say they entire EP was phenomenal because you are a fan.

A review is my personal opinion. If you don't think it's phenomenal that's fine, but don't tell me I can't write about it.





The opening is not a woman reciting a story, it is a clairvoyant (possibly on the telephone) guiding someone (who we assume is to be Conor) in a journey the caller is interested in. She goes on about how he needs to take a trip and visit some places with extraordinary energy.
Technically, she is is a woman still.

Make a Plan to Love Me could be the worst Bright Eyes song ever and you don’t even address this. It’s completely ridiculous, adds nothing to the album and you just breeze on by it as though it’s another great song.
I never said it was great, I was just merely mentioning because I felt like it.

Hot Knives you call one of your favorite songs. Why not be a little subjective here and speak to the audience and explain what makes the song great so that others can understand what makes it so great. It being a favorite of yours doesn’t really matter in an album review. In addition, the lyric I’ve made love/I’ve been fucked is not Oberst being ‘as honest as ever’ the lyric is spoken from the perspective of a housewife who has just been cheated on. It has nothing to do with Conor.
Not everyone wants to read a long paragraph dedicated to the one song I like. It being a favorite of mine does matter in a review because some people trust my taste and when they read that I really like it, then it's more likely they'll check out that song moreso than the others.







Again, why not talk about Middleman, Soul Singer or Cleanse Song (which I happen to love). I just don’t think I’m learning about the songs, I want to know more about them. Breezy flair, dreamy, and swooning horns are the only words you offer to describe three entire songs. Come on! Those are some of the best songs on the album! You could also mention how Lime Tree could possibly be the one deeply personal song about a girl who has recently aborted a baby we are led to perceive was Oberst’s. That’s some pretty deep stuff.
Listen to the songs and make your own damn opinion on them. Why do I need to "teach" you about a song when you can do it yourself? If I mentioned every damn thing on the album and go real deep into each song, this review would have been 10 paragraphs long.




This paragraph is the entire reason I decided to dissect this review. You said in the first paragraph “Oberst’s vocals has never sounded better…” but then you decide that the weakest link is Oberst’s voice? First, it is ‘vocals have,’ and second, pick a stance! You gave vocals the lowest grade out of any of the sections but you opened the review saying his vocals have never sounded better. If you are going to argue that whole they do in fact sound better than ever they still aren’t good you should address that instead of leading the reader to believe that they are one of the strongest aspects of the album.
I've explained this once in this thread. Yes, his voice has sounded better than past releases, BUT it is still a weak point COMPARED to the excellence in the other categories. The vocals are good but could still use improvement.




1. It’s Illinoise!
2. We’d rather know more about the album in a subjective manner not that it hit you and you loved it
3. You switched perspective: My first few listens of Cassadaga hit me in the same way Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois hit me: its beauty and cohesiveness draw me in and never lets go. I think you meant ‘its beauty and cohesiveness drew me in and never let go.’
4. I do agree it is difficult to pick out a favorite but you didn’t even mention Classic Cars which is easily top 3 on the album. Boooooooooooo!
1. False http://asthmatickitty.com/music.php?releaseID=16
2. Um, all reviews are personal opinion.
3. How is a grammatical error switching perspectives?
4. Write your own review.

Lastly, props on not mentioning Conor’s age, it is about time people gave that up!
thanks

[Jason Tate]

First off the b-sides from Four Winds were certainly not phenomenal. They were good songs fine and the EP is something I’ll continue to listen to over time because Bright Eyes is my favorite band but Stray Dog Freedom is one of the most divisive songs he’s put out recently. I actually like the completely out-there guitar line but the lyrics are kind of lame. I don’t want to get into the other songs because if you liked them that much then ok you liked them but as a reviewer you need to be subjective not just say they entire EP was phenomenal because you are a fan.





The opening is not a woman reciting a story, it is a clairvoyant (possibly on the telephone) guiding someone (who we assume is to be Conor) in a journey the caller is interested in. She goes on about how he needs to take a trip and visit some places with extraordinary energy.

Make a Plan to Love Me could be the worst Bright Eyes song ever and you don’t even address this. It’s completely ridiculous, adds nothing to the album and you just breeze on by it as though it’s another great song.

Hot Knives you call one of your favorite songs. Why not be a little subjective here and speak to the audience and explain what makes the song great so that others can understand what makes it so great. It being a favorite of yours doesn’t really matter in an album review. In addition, the lyric I’ve made love/I’ve been fucked is not Oberst being ‘as honest as ever’ the lyric is spoken from the perspective of a housewife who has just been cheated on. It has nothing to do with Conor.

That actually leads me to my biggest problem with the album which is that the lyrics are not very personal. I’ve read a bunch of reviews and I’ll give yours credit for at least naming the songs on the album because most of the reviews don’t even talk about the individual songs but one thing that I read that really made sense is that the lyrics need to be refocused through the lens of Oberst. His best writing is done through his perspective and this worldly ‘I’m just here to observe and talk about what I see’ style isn’t doing it for me.





Again, why not talk about Middleman, Soul Singer or Cleanse Song (which I happen to love). I just don’t think I’m learning about the songs, I want to know more about them. Breezy flair, dreamy, and swooning horns are the only words you offer to describe three entire songs. Come on! Those are some of the best songs on the album! You could also mention how Lime Tree could possibly be the one deeply personal song about a girl who has recently aborted a baby we are led to perceive was Oberst’s. That’s some pretty deep stuff.




This paragraph is the entire reason I decided to dissect this review. You said in the first paragraph “Oberst’s vocals has never sounded better…” but then you decide that the weakest link is Oberst’s voice? First, it is ‘vocals have,’ and second, pick a stance! You gave vocals the lowest grade out of any of the sections but you opened the review saying his vocals have never sounded better. If you are going to argue that whole they do in fact sound better than ever they still aren’t good you should address that instead of leading the reader to believe that they are one of the strongest aspects of the album.




1. It’s Illinoise!
2. We’d rather know more about the album in a subjective manner not that it hit you and you loved it
3. You switched perspective: My first few listens of Cassadaga hit me in the same way Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois hit me: its beauty and cohesiveness draw me in and never lets go. I think you meant ‘its beauty and cohesiveness drew me in and never let go.’
4. I do agree it is difficult to pick out a favorite but you didn’t even mention Classic Cars which is easily top 3 on the album. Boooooooooooo!

Lastly, props on not mentioning Conor’s age, it is about time people gave that up!
Dear lord that's a lot of whining.

[Steve Henderson]

I'm surprised it took so long for the wordy Conor snobs to get in here.

[LiquidHeaven]

The opening is not a woman reciting a story, it is a clairvoyant (possibly on the telephone) guiding someone (who we assume is to be Conor) in a journey the caller is interested in. She goes on about how he needs to take a trip and visit some places with extraordinary energy.
Technically, she is is a woman still.

Just because she is a woman doesn’t mean you gave an accurate description of the first two minutes that sets the tone for the entire base of the album.


Make a Plan to Love Me could be the worst Bright Eyes song ever and you don’t even address this. It’s completely ridiculous, adds nothing to the album and you just breeze on by it as though it’s another great song.
I never said it was great, I was just merely mentioning because I felt like it.

If you want to mention titles go ahead and offer a tracklist at the end, what you wrote offered nothing about the album.


Hot Knives you call one of your favorite songs. Why not be a little subjective here and speak to the audience and explain what makes the song great so that others can understand what makes it so great. It being a favorite of yours doesn’t really matter in an album review. In addition, the lyric I’ve made love/I’ve been fucked is not Oberst being ‘as honest as ever’ the lyric is spoken from the perspective of a housewife who has just been cheated on. It has nothing to do with Conor.
Not everyone wants to read a long paragraph dedicated to the one song I like. It being a favorite of mine does matter in a review because some people trust my taste and when they read that I really like it, then it's more likely they'll check out that song moreso than the others.

Well who you are means nothing to me, I’m reading a review I’d like to know about the music.


Again, why not talk about Middleman, Soul Singer or Cleanse Song (which I happen to love). I just don’t think I’m learning about the songs, I want to know more about them. Breezy flair, dreamy, and swooning horns are the only words you offer to describe three entire songs. Come on! Those are some of the best songs on the album! You could also mention how Lime Tree could possibly be the one deeply personal song about a girl who has recently aborted a baby we are led to perceive was Oberst’s. That’s some pretty deep stuff.
Listen to the songs and make your own damn opinion on them. Why do I need to "teach" you about a song when you can do it yourself? If I mentioned every damn thing on the album and go real deep into each song, this review would have been 10 paragraphs long.

You write reviews to provide readers/consumers a basis on which they can decide whether or not they want to purchase the album. If you aren’t writing reviews to provide information and analysis of the songs what exactly are you writing for? Basically that entire review was a waste of time. I didn’t learn anything about any song other than Hot Knives was your favorite and that the vocals have never sounded better and were also the weakest point of the album. That review is a waste.


This paragraph is the entire reason I decided to dissect this review. You said in the first paragraph “Oberst’s vocals has never sounded better…” but then you decide that the weakest link is Oberst’s voice? First, it is ‘vocals have,’ and second, pick a stance! You gave vocals the lowest grade out of any of the sections but you opened the review saying his vocals have never sounded better. If you are going to argue that whole they do in fact sound better than ever they still aren’t good you should address that instead of leading the reader to believe that they are one of the strongest aspects of the album.
I've explained this once in this thread. Yes, his voice has sounded better than past releases, BUT it is still a weak point COMPARED to the excellence in the other categories. The vocals are good but could still use improvement.

That’s fine that you’ve decided to completely contradict yourself –even though I now understand what you are trying to say you just aren’t clear. It makes no sense to have those two sentences in the same review I don’t care how you want to justify it. It’s bad writing and confuses the reader. We shouldn’t have to ask what you meant.


1. It’s Illinoise!
2. We’d rather know more about the album in a subjective manner not that it hit you and you loved it
3. You switched perspective: My first few listens of Cassadaga hit me in the same way Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois hit me: its beauty and cohesiveness draw me in and never lets go. I think you meant ‘its beauty and cohesiveness drew me in and never let go.’
4. I do agree it is difficult to pick out a favorite but you didn’t even mention Classic Cars which is easily top 3 on the album. Boooooooooooo!

1. False http://asthmatickitty.com/music.php?releaseID=16 (http://asthmatickitty.com/music.php?releaseID=16)

Dude LOOK at the album cover. The album is about Illinois but it is called Illinoise.2. Um, all reviews are personal opinion.

You can call them personal opinion because you are choosing the direction you want to go but at the same time --as a reviewer-- it is your job to be subjective and to provide information about the songs that either support the album or not. You gave the album this incredibly high score with absolutely no explanation of what made it great. Why even write the review?3. How is a grammatical error switching perspectives?

Sorry, you got the tense wrong.4. Write your own review.

I don’t write reviews. If I did you could bet your ass that it would actually let you know what was good or bad about the album so people could make an informed decision based on the information I provided.

[LiquidHeaven]

Dear lord that's a lot of whining.

That's what a shit review can get you.:bow:

[LiquidHeaven]

There's something I need to say because I think it's been missed. I like this album quite a bit and I'm not arguing over the score I just think that it is entirely possible that the reviewer is a fan of Bright Eyes and assumes he puts out good records so he gives it a good review.

I'm not even sure this person knows why the album is good. And that's a bad thing for an album review so before you talk about me whining why you don't you open your fucking eyes and look at this review for the piece of shit it is and start making sure album reviews are about the fucking album you twat.

[Jason Tate]

There's something I need to say because I think it's been missed. I like this album quite a bit and I'm not arguing over the score I just think that it is entirely possible that the reviewer is a fan of Bright Eyes and assumes he puts out good records so he gives it a good review.

I'm not even sure this person knows why the album is good. And that's a bad thing for an album review so before you talk about me whining why you don't you open your fucking eyes and look at this review for the piece of shit it is and start making sure album reviews are about the fucking album you twat.
Well ... that's one hell of a run-on sentence. Guess I'm just glad Drew's reviewing the album instead of you.

[Jason Tate]

T
You can call them personal opinion because you are choosing the direction you want to go but at the same time --as a reviewer-- it is your job to be subjective and to provide information about the songs that either support the album or not. You gave the album this incredibly high score with absolutely no explanation of what made it great. Why even write the review? I'm going to address one thing and one thing only in this entire shit-stain of a post: Album reviews (especially on this website) are subjective. I'm assuming the word you meant to use was objective seeing as that's the definition you implied.

[Drew Beringer]

Dude LOOK at the album cover. The album is about Illinois but it is called Illinoise.[/LIST]

No, the album is about Illinois and called Illinois. And if you really want to get technically, the cover says "Come on and feel the Illinoise."

[Jason Tate]

No, the album is about Illinois and called Illinois. And if you really want to get technically, the cover says "Come on and feel the Illinoise."
Correct:

llinois, also known as "Come on feel the Illinoise", is a 2005 concept album (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concept_album) by American (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States) songwriter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songwriter) Sufjan Stevens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufjan_Stevens), with songs referencing places and people related to the U.S. state (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state) of Illinois (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois).

An engrossing musical road trip, "Illinois" takes you through ghost towns, grain mills, hospital rooms, and the City of Broad Shoulders, with guest appearances by a poet, a president, a serial murderer, UFOs, Superman, the goat that cursed the Cubs, and Decatur's famous Chickenmobile.
http://asthmatickitty.com/music.php?releaseID=16

Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Illinois is huge, a staggering collection of impeccably arranged American tribute songs.
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/22059-illinois

[Blague]

Alright, I'm a constant lurker on this site, have been for years, and this is my first post ever.

I must say that I enjoy the reviews and admire the work that the reviewers put into their craft. It's highly appreciated.

For those that have a problem with a review, there's a pretty clean-cut solution: Write one yourself and quit being a 9 year old about it.

[Jason Tate]

Alright, I'm a constant lurker on this site, have been for years, and this is my first post ever.

I must say that I enjoy the reviews and admire the work that the reviewers put into their craft. It's highly appreciated.

For those that have a problem with a review, there's a pretty clean-cut solution: Write one yourself and quit being a 9 year old about it.
Thank you for the kind words ... it really makes me feel good to know people do enjoy the reviews our staff spends hours writing!

[Steve Henderson]

Thank you for the kind words ... it really makes me feel good to know people do enjoy the reviews our staff spends hours writing!
Like the Cassino review! :fighting:

[Jason Tate]

Like the Cassino review! :fighting:
Pretentious flowery linguistic gymnastics!

[Steve Henderson]

Pretentious flowery linguistic gymnastics!
:dunce:

Hahaha...jk - I must say, I am gaining a newfound appreciation for the use of the emoticons. :inlove:

[Jason Tate]

:dunce:

Hahaha...jk - I must say, I am gaining a newfound appreciation for the use of the emoticons. :inlove:
:ok:

[Praetor]

Why do reviews on this site get so much crap? You all act like they can be pulled out of one's ass, but the reality is that they are very hard to write correctly. And you all act like the reviews are supposed to be from a 100% objective standpoint. Well, guess what? We're all human, and we are all biased. I was working on a Postmark Twain review just now, but I'm kind of afraid to submit it for fear of somebody disagreeing with me. People really need to chill out.

Back on the topic of the review, this is a good review for a good album. This might just be my favorite Bright Eyes album.

[LiquidHeaven]

Well ... that's one hell of a run-on sentence. Guess I'm just glad Drew's reviewing the album instead of you.

If the reviewer ends up writing reviews 10 years from now that person will (hopefully) look back at old reviews like this one and realize that they were almost pointless as reviews. The words here are not going to deter or influence anyone to purchase this album. I just read in another post that all reviews are approved or denied before they are posted. This waste of space needed a closer look. All I'm saying is that this review should talk about the songs, the strong points, weak points, a new direction in the songwriting, a more mature voice without the quavering, the focus on less personal songwriting etc...

As a reader I want to know why I should get this album if its going to have such a high score.

[Jason Tate]

If the reviewer ends up writing reviews 10 years from now that person will (hopefully) look back at old reviews like this one and realize that they were almost pointless as reviews. The words here are not going to deter or influence anyone to purchase this album. I just read in another post that all reviews are approved or denied before they are posted. This waste of space needed a closer look. All I'm saying is that this review should talk about the songs, the strong points, weak points, a new direction in the songwriting, a more mature voice without the quavering, the focus on less personal songwriting etc...

As a reader I want to know why I should get this album if its going to have such a high score.
Stop talking.

[Steve Henderson]

Stop talking.
http://akurei.firepaw.com/images/roflcopter_1.gif

[LiquidHeaven]

Stop talking.

Sucks to hear that your writers aren't really making a difference in the community right? Sorry to bruise your ego. You act like asking for information about the record is such a weird thing in a review. The only reason you are standing up for this is because this is your site. If this same review was on decoy you'd not have a word to say. Or actually you'd probably make yourself look like a petty bitch like usual in those arguments.

[buterflinrvrse3]

I agree with everything said in this review. Cassadaga is just all-around wonderful, especially Conor's lyrics.

[fatabbot1]

bought it today. really getting into it. packaging is amazing

[Chazzzzz]

Bleh.

I've only found a few of Conor's songs to appeal to me,
and this country shit just hurts my ears.

Horrible horrible horrible.

[LiquidHeaven]

^You registered to make that post? Well then.

[TenderV]

I have never liked Conor in person I always feel he is pretenious etc ... but his albums are always amazing ... this record is no exception ... I guess he has the right to feel like he is awesome.

[joshy hizzle]

Damn how'd I miss this review?

[konstantine008]

My favorite song on this solid and amazing record is lime tree it is a perfect close to a great cd