PRINTAlbum review: Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band – Outer South
Merge Records
Courtesy of Merge Records
May 14, 2009 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Forget trying to pick a favorite member of the Mystic Valley Band. Although Conor Oberst might be the obvious choice, he is not the only one with talent that stretches beyond one musical instrument. The group’s debut album, Outer South, provides a mix of genres for people with short attention spans.
Oberst is known for his emo crooning layered with acoustic guitars and the occasional banjo, but the Mystic Valley Band pushes him beyond that. Combining with the band has pumped up the country and folk twang in Oberst’s voice; the group’s album sounds straight out of the South.
This new album might not be what fans expect. The Mystic Valley Band brings out another side of Oberst. The band’s debut has strong folk influences mixed with country, pop and indie rock. This 16-track album provides a range of songs because Oberst isn’t the sole songwriter this time. Taylor Hollingsworth, Nik Freitas, Macey Taylor, Nate Walcott and Jason Boesel back Oberst and create a lineup most hipsters would go crazy for.
Oberst isn’t the conceited, famous musician that many would assume; he lets other band members sing lead on a couple tracks. “Big Black Nothing,” sung by Freitas, proves the choice to be a reasonable one, but songs such as “Eagle on a Pole” by Boesel and “Worldwide” by Taylor make the listener wish that Oberst was more egotistical.
The group shines on “Roosevelt Room,” and the song shows why these musicians decided to come together. Heavy guitar riffs and opinionated lyrics cater to rock fans, and Oberst does what he does best and criticizes society. Oberst takes Kanye West’s lead on condemning Bush’s handling of Hurricane Katrina though he makes no mention of Bush hating black people.
Buying 16 more tracks with Oberst’s name on them might seem a little overwhelming, but the Mystic Valley Band does not let his standard music formula guide yet another album. Although the band will not see awards for each individual song, the few gems make the whole thing worthwhile.
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Has the writer heard the first album Conor and the Mystic Valley Band put out last year (titled Conor Oberst)? Although it's title might draw one to think of it as a solo album, he was backed the entire time by the band...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conor_Obers...)
Also, the band is playing in Columbia on the 29th of June, yet no mention? Otherwise, a great article and I'm looking forward to hearing "Roosevelt Room".
Posted by Sean Coder on May 24, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. (Report Comment)