Jessica Pellegrino – General Assignment Reporter
Conor Oberst isn’t the same angsty, broken musician we’ve all grown to love. He’s 34, married, and settled down. For most musicians, this is a death wish. Settling down means disappointing music. However, this is not the case for Conor Oberst’s most recent album, Upside Down Mountain.
The album is reflective, poignant and all-around gorgeous. Part pop, part classic folk, the album takes its listeners for a journey through the Oberst’s life.
Oberst, Bright Eyes frontman, first started his solo efforts in 2012. Known as a serial band member, everyone was shocked to see him working alone. Oberst has played with Bright Eyes, Desaparecidos, Monsters of Folk, and the Mystic Valley Band. Each band has seen moderate success and each band has their own sound.
Upside Down Mountain was released on May 20, 2014 through Nonesuch Records. This is the first album Oberst releases outside of Saddle Creek Records, in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. The album saw positive reviews from all of the major media outlets, such as Spin and Rolling Stone.
But listeners need to realize that this isn’t a Bright Eyes album. This album has no desperation for validation like most of Oberst’s efforts. Frankly, it’s for the better. In general, this is the most confident album we have seen from Conor Oberst, and confidence is truly becoming of him.
It’s hard to see Oberst acting like an adult. I’m so used to his whiny voice and self-deprecating lyrics. But this album is so different. First of all, it’s the mellowest album. Listening to Upside Down Mountain doesn’t hurt to listen to. It’s melodic and charming.
The album kicks off with a track entitled “Time Forgot.” The song features slightly uncomfortable electronic beats, which I think was a really undesirable way to start the album. The lyrics, though, are resonant of Oberst’s usual desires to disappear from civilization.
The most poignant track on the album is “Common Knowledge.” The track chimes in with soft acoustic guitar melodies. The lyrics come in, with heavy reverb, saying, “He’s my friend but he’s no friend to me.” As the lyrics progress, the listener realizes Oberst is talking about himself.
The song is pretty much an ode to his youth. It’s self-depreciative and he makes the younger version of himself look so terrible. But it’s so reflective and it really highlights the personal growth Oberst has seen recently. Not to mention, the reverb makes the track sound eerie.
As all Conor Oberst projects do, Upside Down Mountain too has a heart wrenching track. “You Are Your Mother’s Child.” The song follows the growing up of a young boy, as told by his parent. The song talks about the childbirth, Halloween costumes, playing little league, and other stereotypical moments in every child’s life.
The song is totally endearing and I found myself with a smile on my face, until the last thirty seconds of the song. Oberst sings, “Though he’s a bastard, make your papa proud. You’re a fine young man and I got no doubt that you’re gonna do this better. ” The listener finds out that the song is a father watching his child grow up, from the outside.
The whole dead-beat dad scenario comes out of nowhere and it wiped the smile right off of my face. The song is harrowing.
Conor Oberst really impresses with this album. It’s so easy to listen to and the subject matter is a welcome change of pace for Oberst. The album is grown up and confident and the greatest effort we have ever seen from the legendary artist.
