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Posted on July 22, 2009 | tags

 
 

Music: Conor Oberst ≠ Bright Eyes. In fact, Bright Eyes might just die.

  • I think that’s his line of thinking at this point — closing the chapter on that moniker. I think he feels like Bright Eyes has a certain association, for better or worse. I think he’s trying to distance himself a little bit from what that means to people.
  • Saddle Creek Records President Robb Nansel • On Conor Oberst’s desire to retire the Bright Eyes name once and for all. Nansel says that Oberst plans to record a final album as Bright Eyes for the label (which Oberst co-founded, by the way) next year. But while you’re waiting, don’t forget about the Monsters of Folk, the supergroup he’s co-founding with like-minded indie guys M. Ward and Jim James (along with fellow Bright Eye guy Mike Mogis). They release an album in September. • source

Posted by Ernie Smith • Permalink


 
  • Joe M

    Sad day. I really do like Bright Eyes. To be honest, I really liked their earlier work than the more folky stuff in Cassadega and in Conor’s debut self-titled (although I did really like I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning, and his folky stuff off of Lifted). I guess it’s just a new direction he feels as right, but I do miss the older, more experimental stuff though (Letting Off the Happiness, Fevers and Mirrors, Digital Ash…), and it kind of sucks that Bright Eyes is going to end, but I can’t say that I didn’t see it coming. But I’m still looking forward to what Connor has planned for his solo career. Conor’s self-titled album has been starting to grow on me, so I’m not too worried about his new stuff. Anyways, he’s a great talent in the music field and I’m glad he’s still making music.

  • http://shortformblog.com shortformblog

    Totally in your camp. “Fevers & Mirrors” is one of those albums we’ll always associate with college and defend to the death, even if it did mean the guys from the frat house would possibly give me swirlies for liking something so … emo.

    The truth of the matter is, though, Bright Eyes had a rep that went with it. A couple years ago, he played in Norfolk, and when I asked friends if they were going, it was so split between “I’m there” and “can’t stand him” that I didn’t know what to think. Here’s another thing to keep in mind, though: Nobody seemed excited about his solo shows. Which is a shame. That first solo album is pretty good.

    He might be in the same camp as Ryan Adams – years of a certain kind of release have diluted the brand, so he’s just starting over. Though in the case of Ryan Adams, it’s because half the releases he’s made since “Heartbreaker” have been kind of laughable, and he’s hoping a backing band as solid as The Cardinals can help his cred.

    Can’t wait for the Monsters of Folk album, though.

  • Joe M

    I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m actually listening to Fevers & Mirrors right now. Yeah, like you said, it’s a shame that he’s not getting as noticed for his self-titled album is pretty amazing stuff. It’s kind of crazy to see what a change Conor has made with his music career in the past few years, but he still comes out with great work.

    Anyways, I really like your blog. I’ve been following it since the site practically started. Keep up the great work!

  • Joe M

    I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m actually listening to Fevers & Mirrors right now. Yeah, like you said, it’s a shame that he’s not getting as noticed for his self-titled album is pretty amazing stuff. It’s kind of crazy to see what a change Conor has made with his music career in the past few years, but he still comes out with great work.

    Anyways, I really like your blog. I’ve been following it since the site practically started. Keep up the great work!

  • Joe M

    I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m actually listening to Fevers & Mirrors right now. Yeah, like you said, it’s a shame that he’s not getting as noticed for his self-titled album is pretty amazing stuff. It’s kind of crazy to see what a change Conor has made with his music career in the past few years, but he still comes out with great work.

    Anyways, I really like your blog. I’ve been following it since the site practically started. Keep up the great work!

 

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