2007-05-08
To be honest, there's nothing tackier then declaring that a singer\songwriter has matured in his new album. Unfortunately, regarding the subjects Conor Oberst relate to on "Cassadaga", it seems like no other expression will be more accurate.
Conor Oberst, who writes and records since the age of 14, switches from personal confessions to contemplating on the ways of the world. The kid who's all grown up wonders about the world around him- religion, capitalism, and the ways of the modern world in general.
Oberst, who's probably finished writing three new albums and a rarities bonus CD from all threes out-takes while I was writing\you were reading this review, manages to stay sharp and creative in his lyrical content while delivering his massages, though not as witty and genuine as he did on his previous albums.
The textual level on "Cassadaga" is constantly shifting, from good to blurry or used. The attempt to expand his writing horizons from a personal level to a wider view and judgment of the world sometimes finds Oberst lacking. It exports some great moments, but none the less, some emptier sentences with no actual impact. As an example you've got "I had a lengthy discussion about the power of myth with a post-modern author who didn't exist"
Production and soundwise speaking, this is the tightest Bright eyes album to date. The balancing vocals on "Plan to love me", the excellent strings arrangements on "Hot knives" and more. They all fit together into the best Bright eyes sound mixture yet.
The opening track "Clairaudients", also functions as an opening paragraph to the albums tone. "Corporate or colonial the movement is unstoppable" is the highmarked vibe on the album, Roger Waters's "The final cut" cynicism seems to be in the atmosphere. "Four winds" gives a none-conformative kick in religion's guts in a new country-rock mood accompanied by standing out fiddle parts. "Classic cars", for a few minuets at least, sounds like the sweetest of modern Americana ballades, mixed with Conor's well-known self-criticism and self-awareness.
The writing in the latest "Bright eyes" album can be taken as his weakest one yet, but can also be seen as a step forward into a more mature way of thinking. And like every new skill, it takes some time and practice to perfect it. You must remember, what's weak for Conor is still in high standards comparing to the others around him. And even if this album doesn’t come through for the original expectation- it is far from being a disappointment.
Roy Povarchik
