Conor Oberst - Souled Out

Words: Craig Wilson

I'm not sure what to make of the latest offering from the cute Nebraskan singer-songwriter. Early in his career, with Bright Eyes, I was quite excited about where he might go - his songs were off-kilter, mysterious, memorable for their hooks and their insistent strangeness. But as time's gone on, Oberst's songwriting seems to have become more commercial, even mainstream. Which may be a thing that comes with being in the music business - you spend more time on the road with musicians, you learn more about the limitations of your voice and your instrument, you learn little tricks and licks. But I think Souled Out, although loose and funky and fun, is a bit like an early-Springsteen song.  Only problem is that early Springsteen was trying to sound like late-seventies Dylan, when Dylan was wishing he was Johnny Cash backed by the Jeff Beck Group. Untangle that and you're left with more questions about Oberst than answers.

Released: 25.08.08