Conor Oberst: Outer South
 While touring in support of last year's debut "Conor Oberst", Conor and The Mystic Valley Band began writing new songs. The result is the first album credited to this group. Oberst's songwriting and delivery remain an engaging presence, but the addition of songs by Taylor Hollingsworth, Nik Freitas, and Jason Boesel make for a multi-textured and colorful collaboration. The Mystic Valley band also includes Macey Taylor and Nathaniel Walcott. There is abundant evidence on all Bright Eyes album that Conor Oberst is one of the grand songwriters of our days. Outer South contains some of his finest songs and, surprisingly, pearls sung by various Mystic Valley Band members that are virtually at par with his. Ten Women is a masterpiece as well. Conor sings about the thrill and shame of short-lived relations and "that he is biding his time like a seller of wine" while his band excels as background vocalists. In To All The Lights In The Window Conor speaks to both leaders and followers and accurately describes "that's the thing about charisma, it makes everyone believe that there is nothing impossible..."
Guitarist Taylor Hollingsworth, bassist Macey Taylor, drummer Jason Boesel, and keyboarder Nathaniel Walcott impress as well, both with their instrumental and Vocal performances. They enrich Conor's oeuvre with songs that sound more like the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Difference Is Time) and the Ramones (Air Mattress) than Bright Eyes.
Song List | 1. | Slowly (oh so slowly) | | | 2. | To all the Lights in the Windows | | | 3. | Big Black Nothing | | | 4. | Air Mattress | | | 5. | Cabbage Town | | | 6. | Ten Women | | | 7. | Difference is Time | | | 8. | Nikorette | | | 9. | White Shoes | | | 10. | Bloodline | | | 11. | Spoiled | | | 12. | Worldwide | | | 13. | Roosevelt Room | | | 14. | Eagle on a Pole | | | 15. | I got The Reason #2 | | | 16. | Snake Hill | |
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