Conor Oberst, best known for his work as fronting the indie rock band Bright Eyes, has stepped away from the group to make a solo debut, of sorts. His new self-titled CD was recorded in a mountain villa in Mexico with a small group of musicians, and has the lush and breezy feel of that evocative setting.

Oberst has been recording since he was 12, and he’s always been independent—so independent that he canceled shows upon learning that Live Nation (Clear Channel) was associated with some of the concert venues. And when he reached his biggest stage, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he sang a protest song rather than something with more commercial appeal.

It’s difficult to avoid recognizing the similarities between Oberst and Bob Dylan. Both are left-leaning politically, despite their Midwestern backgrounds. Both have prolific discographies that cross many genres. Both have voices that are an acquired taste. In Oberst’s case, he overcomes his wobbly delivery with force and conviction. He believes in what he’s singing, and his thoughtful wordplay make him one of the most literate songwriters in American music.

Dylan would certainly enjoy Oberst’s “I Don’t Want to Die (In the Hospital),” a stand-out track from this CD. The song pleads not for life but rather a more beautiful death. The singer chants, “I don’t give a damn what the doctors say / I don’t wanna spend another lonesome day... They don’t let you smoke and you can’t get drunk... I don’t want to die in a hospital / You gotta take me back outside.”  

Call it indie rock, folk, alternative country—it makes no difference. Oberst has put together his best record to date, an ode to storytelling and all that’s right in music today.

By Chris Borino

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