Outer South

No one blends references to the Old Testament, the New Testament and the contemporary world of substance abuse and high living quite like Oberst. This album contains some convincing rockers, "Slowly," in fact, being one of them, contrary to its name, and also "Roosevelt Room," which seethes with political indignation. Oberst is also notably seductive here with his vocals on "White Shoes" and "Nikorette" especially. "To All the Lights in the Window" is a Conor classic with his droll observation "That's the thing about charisma..." in reference to Jesus walking on water, "it makes everyone believe." Generous to a fault, Oberst has included songs by his bandmates, most notably the thoughtful "Bloodline" from Nick Freitas. Even at his most reflective, as on "Spoiled" where he's "watchin' all the hippies through the haze" or "Cabbage Town" where he admonishes someone (himself?) that blotter acid is something you can do "just not all of the time" Oberst seems a little removed from the angst of yesteryear. That's probably a good thing for him, and not such a bad thing for us either.

This album, the followup to the band's first CD last year, shows a great evolution in the band, and also a great progression in Conor Oberst himself. Though I've been a lifelong fan, his early critics shunned him for being whiny and arrogant. Both of these recent albums have been a presentation of Conor's new sound, both full, not so computer-generated, and certainly less whiny. The deeper lyrics and more soulful sound of Outer South shows Oberst as having grown out of his youthful arrogance and in touch with a world far beyond his own little perspective. It's a great album, and I'm glad they were able to produce a followup to their last so quickly!

I bought this album because songs from it kept showing up in my Pandora. It was everything I expected and love that some tracks feature other vocalists from the group.

Thank you

This latest CD from Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band contains songs with deep, meaningful lyrics. I especially like the more stripped-down songs like White Shoes, Ten Women, and Snake Hill. Buy it! You'll be glad you did!

Really shows the Mystic Valley Band's potential as well as Conor's. So many great songs on here, I would say it is definitely a must have.

THIS IS JUST ANOTHER OF HIS ALBUMS I HAVE ADDED TO MY COLLECTION. GREAT MUSIC, GREAT MUSICIAN, DO NOT HESITATE TO TRY

This album by Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley band. It is fantastic folk-rock.Similar to many Wilco albums. Also , in places to the influential Music from Big Pink by The Band.Fascinating for anyone who likes the songs of Bright Eyes. Rilo Kiley and though they may take exception, Rumours by Fleetwood Mac. One to listen to on your parent's speakers.