Conor Oberst: Artist of the Week

Conor Obesrt doesn’t really need an introduction. His catalogue is prolific (he’s been compared to Bob Dylan), including work and collaborations on various projects. Enter bands: Desaparecidos, Norman Bailer, Commander Venus, Park Ave., and of course, Bright Eyes. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band is his newest project, and it’s awesome.

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band are releasing their first album, Outer South, on May 5. The album features Taylor Hollingsworth (guitar), Nik Freitas (guitar), Macey Taylor (bass), Nate Walcott (keys, trumpet), and Jason Boesel (drums). Oberst has always been a little incestuous with who he works with, which I don’t think is a criticism seeing as Oberst’s friends collaborations with him, and Oberst’s collaborations with his friends usually find success. I mean, I would want to be in his music coterie.

Anyway, the album mixes Oberst’s usual folk-rock sound with a faster, almost southern rock essence — I guess it’s the sound of the outer south. Until May 5, check out tracks from the album on the band’s Myspace page or their website, conoroberst.com, and see what you think. I like it. You can still hear Bright Eyes Conor Oberst, but it’s got a distinct, new sound.

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band

Conor Oberst (vocals, guitar), Taylor Hollingsworth (guitar), Nik Freitas (guitar), Macey Taylor (bass), Nate Walcott (keys, trumpet)

Formed in 2007

Merge Records

www.conoroberst.com



-Erica Schwartz

Currently listening to "Nikorette" by Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band

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