Post by Zapp Brannigan on Feb 11, 2011 16:32:47 GMT -5
www.lifessweetbreath.com/reviews/albums/31-the-peoples-key.html
Bright Eyes - The People's Key
[Saddle Creek]
84%
An organ drones as a spoken word, stream of consciousness introduction begins. A number of topics are quckly addressed, ranging from reptilian aliens landing on earth to the importance of negative and positive forces maintaining balance in our universe.
And with that, the new Bright Eyes album begins.
The latest effort from Conor Oberst and pals has an overall tone of a slightly stripped down Cassadaga, the group’s previous full-length back in 2007. Oberst tries out a number of different intensities while staying in a familiar, americana-esque territory. It's hard to feel like there is much here that is going to convert any Bright Eyes haters, but if this is indeed their last release as has been rumored that probably isn't necessary to focus on anyway.
As always, there are some outstanding lyrical couplets from Conor and fine musicianship from Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott. What's become more apparent over their last few releases is Oberst's ability to write a complete song melodically. This allows his words to become more balanced with the music when listening and less overbearing.
There is an aspect of most of the group’s past records here. Tracks like "Jejune Stars" and "Triple Spiral" should appeal to the fans of his recent Bright Eyes albums as well as his solo work with the Mystic Valley Band, whereas "One for You, One for Me" and the first single "Shell Games" sprinkle in some subtle dance music touches that he briefly touched on in 2004's Digital Ash in a Digital Urn.
Best of all is "Ladder Song" a somewhat predictable piano ballad saved by one of Oberst's best vocals to date and some wonderfully written verses. When he sings "No one knows where the ladder goes/You're gonna lose what you love the most/You're not alone in anything/ You're not unique in dying" it's easy to understand the praise he gets in the lyrics category.
With all ten songs taken into account, The People's Key is nothing out of the ordinary for a Bright Eyes record. Well written, played, and produced. While probably not the best they have ever made, it's a more than respectable entry into an already strong canon. The album comes to an end by going full circle with another spoken word piece by fellow musician Denny Brewer. If this is it for the band, it's fitting to end it with words. Just words: "Love, compassion, and mercy."
-Matt Henshaw, February 10, 2011
Bright Eyes - The People's Key
[Saddle Creek]
84%
An organ drones as a spoken word, stream of consciousness introduction begins. A number of topics are quckly addressed, ranging from reptilian aliens landing on earth to the importance of negative and positive forces maintaining balance in our universe.
And with that, the new Bright Eyes album begins.
The latest effort from Conor Oberst and pals has an overall tone of a slightly stripped down Cassadaga, the group’s previous full-length back in 2007. Oberst tries out a number of different intensities while staying in a familiar, americana-esque territory. It's hard to feel like there is much here that is going to convert any Bright Eyes haters, but if this is indeed their last release as has been rumored that probably isn't necessary to focus on anyway.
As always, there are some outstanding lyrical couplets from Conor and fine musicianship from Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott. What's become more apparent over their last few releases is Oberst's ability to write a complete song melodically. This allows his words to become more balanced with the music when listening and less overbearing.
There is an aspect of most of the group’s past records here. Tracks like "Jejune Stars" and "Triple Spiral" should appeal to the fans of his recent Bright Eyes albums as well as his solo work with the Mystic Valley Band, whereas "One for You, One for Me" and the first single "Shell Games" sprinkle in some subtle dance music touches that he briefly touched on in 2004's Digital Ash in a Digital Urn.
Best of all is "Ladder Song" a somewhat predictable piano ballad saved by one of Oberst's best vocals to date and some wonderfully written verses. When he sings "No one knows where the ladder goes/You're gonna lose what you love the most/You're not alone in anything/ You're not unique in dying" it's easy to understand the praise he gets in the lyrics category.
With all ten songs taken into account, The People's Key is nothing out of the ordinary for a Bright Eyes record. Well written, played, and produced. While probably not the best they have ever made, it's a more than respectable entry into an already strong canon. The album comes to an end by going full circle with another spoken word piece by fellow musician Denny Brewer. If this is it for the band, it's fitting to end it with words. Just words: "Love, compassion, and mercy."
-Matt Henshaw, February 10, 2011