The legendary Conor Oberst presents 2007’s Cassadaga album, and as sure as night follows day, it’s that textbook combination of poetic genius and camp acoustic accompaniment. Deeper and darker than ‘I’m Wide Awake…’ and infinitely more accessible than ‘Digital Ash,’ it strikes the perfect balance between the melodic and obtuse sides of Conor’s musical persona.
All the
trademarks are there. The curious yet beautiful introspective lyrics, the
alt-country twang of the occasional slide guitar and the off kilter harmonies provided
by the studio cleaner, (although she’s improved massively from her input on ‘I’m
Wide Awake’). Throw in some new quirks like the Susan’s House style vocal
samples, some ethnic wailing and some lovely folky fiddling and you’ve got a
monster of an album on your hands.
It takes a
few listens, but every song is ultimately a winner. ‘No-one Would Riot for
Less’ is straightforward and minimal, ‘Middleman’ is atmospheric old school
folk, and ‘Brakeman’ is strangely anthemic and downcast at the same time. Best
of all is the fiddle-fest of ‘Four Winds’ which combines a jolly bluegrass tune
with lyrics so dark that even Beck would be grudgingly impressed.
It’s
virtually impossible not to like this album if you like music this side of the
Mars Volta. So if you like your folk music with a smattering of Country and
Western and some polished, left of centre lyricism, then Bright Eyes is a
perfect fit. All bow down to the King of camp acoustic!
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