CD REVIEW _ Conor Oberst – Outer South (From Daily Echo)

CD REVIEW _ Conor Oberst – Outer South

12:32pm Friday 8th May 2009 in

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Conor continues his post-Bright Eyes adventures with his first album alongside his Mystic Valley Band.

A poetic singer/songwriter, Oberst’s distinctive vocals bellow over instrumentals any guitarist would love to put his name to.

This album’s influences range from far and wide. From Newton Faulkner to The Animals, to Hendrix, Oberst has touched upon many of the great musicians of the last century (and this) to complete a fulfilling album.

At one hour long, it is another of those albums whose length is risky. You have to be able to hook your listener from start to finish. Unfortunately this doesn’t quite happen but the album is a great listen nonetheless.

Some of the tracks drag slightly, droning on in a manner the album could have done without. Had it been about six songs lighter it would have been brilliant.

Roosevelt Room is a barnstormer of a track with gritty guitar complimented by keys. Although you may be reaching for the ‘next’ button on some tracks there is enough here to please everyone.

LEIGH SANDERS Rating: 4/5