Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
Release Date: April 10, 2007
Record Label: Saddle Creek
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.
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).
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!
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!
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.
Browse Reviews
Write a Review
Alphabetized Listing
Popular Reviews
Best New Music
View Artist Profile
View News Articles
Stream the Music
Buy the Album or MP3s
View Profile Picture
View Blog
View Signature
Posts: 6,756
Share This Review
Print This Review
Subscribe to Review
More From This Author