Bright Eyes: Cassadaga

Ahh, bright eyes. Their latest album, Cassadaga, released April 10, 2007 is taking the band in a more melodic direction. Conor Oberst and Nate Walcott are the only two confirmed band mates. The album is greater than anticipated. It has the lyrical brilliance i associate with Oberst. A lot of people dislike the sound of his voice, the lack of melody, something preventing them from experiencing the beauty. My father being one, says he just can't connect with the music the way i can. He needs to inhale the lyrics through the music, i can grasp the lyrics through the way it's sung, the way it's gift-wrapped in violin and lap steel guitar. So, in the video, when the audience hates bright eyes and throws food at them, lots of fruit, it made even the anti-bright eyes fans give bright eyes a nod of respect for their semi-facetiousness. It's same intricate, lovely indie-folk Oberst has been creating for years. But this album, is certainly more mature. Conor's voice is achy, melodic, relaxing. Though Bright eyes started as merely Conor Oberst, we cannot forget all those who contribute to these beautiful noises. Mike Mogis, and Nate Walcott, as well as others from the saddle creek family, and then some. The album itself tells a story of a religious journey. The beginning of the album starts with a women who appears to be a psychic or someone who connects with the dead. She's telling the person on the receiving end to take a trip to Cassadaga. Saying "Cassadaga, oh yeah, that's where you're going to find the center of energy and they've got those in Arizona too." The album is different, mature, but so familiar. My favorite thing about Bright Eyes is i don't feel any connection to where i am at the time I'm listening to them, meaning, i could be anywhere, unhappy, uncomfortable, in an awkward place, in a bad situation, but listening to bright eyes takes me to a while new place. Nothing around me matters, the twangy, folk guitars and unusual instruments make me relaxed, content- absorb me. This is an album you could never get sick of. Every time you listen to it, you notice something new. Conor Oberst is consistently unpredictable. Four winds, also on the 'Four Winds' EP, is a prime example of the country-folk crossover that consumers and hypnotizes me. Make a plan to love me, No One Would Riot for less, cleanse song, and lime tree are delicate, enticing songs. Whereas Hot knives, Classic Cars, and Middleman are more fast paced and melodic. Maria Taylor appears in the Cassadaga music video, drumming, the video itself is interesting and shows good character on Oberts's part. Many people i know just can't wrap their head around bright eyes. Oberst'sI've actually been able to sleep. Put Bright Eyes's Cassadaga on your ipod and let visions of front man, lovely Conor Oberst dance in your head.