It ain’t easy trying to make it out in the lonesome crowded West, especially if you are a young twentysomething from Nebraska. But sometimes you gotta grin and bear it, roll with the punches, and just do it. This period of transition from child to adult is wonderfully documented by the indie wunderkid Conor Oberst, also known as Bright Eyes on this stirring and highly detailed collection of alt-country tunes steeped in emotion and realism. I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning presents Oberst at his most focused and confident, maintaining his lyrical, musical, and vocal strengths throughout the duration of the album. ‘Old Soul Song (For The New World Order)’ is sung in a controlled manner until the very end when Oberst’s emotion rings through, rising with the drums and guitars til all is brought home sweetly. It’s an emotional device/dramatic effect that breathes life to Oberst’s highly detailed lyrics. In ‘Lua’ Oberst guides us through the trials and tribulations of roaming the streets of New York bouncing from parties to parties at “actor’s westside lofts” with a girl whose late night antics are hard to keep up with. Such trysts remind Oberst that “what’s so simple in the moonlight/by the morning never is.” 2 songs later on the bare acoustic number ‘First Day Of My Life’ Oberst is once again standing by his woman, reminding her of the joy she’s brought into his life, urging here to consider him for” maybe this time will be different” and she may really like him, a sentiment we feel and know is dear to him for he nearly strains his voice stretching out the word me with yearning sincerity. Tracks such as these [especially those featuring Emmylou Harris on backing vocals] find Oberst channeling his Heartbreaker era Ryan Adams with conviction and gusto. It’s a fitting comparisson and all the more proof that Bright Eyes is ready to move beyond the realm of being an acquired taste.
Key Tracks: Lua, We Are Nowhere (And It’s Now), First Day of My Life
No comments:
Post a Comment