Digital Ash In A Digital Urn
by Bright Eyes
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 86
  3. Negative: 9 out of 86

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  1. idleasis
    Mar 11, 2015
    9
    Great progression in his work, like graduating college after finishing telling your story from the soil, analyzing your roots, and now becoming comfortable in who you are, even it's ashes in an urn. You understand what happened now and understand why you are the way you are (for now) and do the things you do. You might apologize for staring in the vacuum from the back porch of your mind,Great progression in his work, like graduating college after finishing telling your story from the soil, analyzing your roots, and now becoming comfortable in who you are, even it's ashes in an urn. You understand what happened now and understand why you are the way you are (for now) and do the things you do. You might apologize for staring in the vacuum from the back porch of your mind, while ignoring friends who left open invitations, and all the white lines, touching girls from class, where you learned our history has been pointing guns at everything that moves. Now you are hurrying to your death, but when it's easy,lucky,and free before ending up with a condo on the coast trying to get that same feeling, however. You might end up in New England or the Paris of the South, or end up in a Cassadaga of sorts, but you never thought of running, your feet just led the way. This is where you were when you had incomplete's and hooded sweatshirt walks.… Expand
  2. Volkenstein
    May 22, 2014
    9
    The fact that Cassadega is the 2nd highest rated B.E. album tells you something about the poor musical sensibilities of most reviewers. Admittedly, though, I can understand the widely varying ratings and debate over the "quality" of this record. Most Bright Eyes/Oberst fanatics will dismiss it because it's not "Wide Awake" enough, folky enough, or pained enough - the fact of the matter is,The fact that Cassadega is the 2nd highest rated B.E. album tells you something about the poor musical sensibilities of most reviewers. Admittedly, though, I can understand the widely varying ratings and debate over the "quality" of this record. Most Bright Eyes/Oberst fanatics will dismiss it because it's not "Wide Awake" enough, folky enough, or pained enough - the fact of the matter is, though, that objective observers who give the album a chance will fall in love. Despite the electronica overshadowing Bright Eyes' typically overt emotional pleas, I feel that it is actually Bright Eye's most sincere album, mainly because Oberst seemed to ignore the expectations and create a sonically beautiful album first, and worry about how people would interpret his message second. He just seemed to be caught in a "I don't give a **** I'm going to make this album" moment, and the result is his most unique offering. And just like any other album (but especially for this album) you must listen with headphones for the first time to fully appreciate the spectrum of sound. I pity those that can't see the greatness in this album.… Expand
  3. HelloIsuppose
    Sep 6, 2013
    9
    Wow, just wow. This is absolutely beautiful! Possibly my favorite album by bright eyes, I just can't believe it's taken me so long to stumble across it!
  4. davenbettridge
    Oct 9, 2011
    10
    My favourite songs on the album are 1)Take It Easy (Love Nothing) 2)I Believe in Symmetry 3)Gold Mine Gutted 4)Hit the Switch. The ending of the song Devil in the Details is also freaken brilliant. While this album is not the most beloved by Bright Eyes fans, I find the lyrics deep and incredibly relatable. Some of my favourite songs are contained within.
  5. TimS
    Apr 21, 2007
    9
    Almost perfect. There are some weak tracks, but so many great ones. My favorite Bright Eyes album to date.
  6. JamesM
    Mar 4, 2007
    7
    The songs on this album that I like I would give 10/10. Digital Ash defines
  7. JESchaudies
    Sep 4, 2006
    9
    Some stellar melodies in this thicket. The ease of remembering the best of the album's tunes is far simpler than the better produced but ultimately less exciting Postal Service stuff, et al. The strange enthusiasm of this kid really comes through in this album, too, and though he may have initially only been playing with his older cousin's 80's pancake make-up he seems to Some stellar melodies in this thicket. The ease of remembering the best of the album's tunes is far simpler than the better produced but ultimately less exciting Postal Service stuff, et al. The strange enthusiasm of this kid really comes through in this album, too, and though he may have initially only been playing with his older cousin's 80's pancake make-up he seems to really love this little album of his. i guess i love it too after so many listens.… Expand
  8. Andy
    Aug 16, 2006
    6
    Nothing in comparison to its counterpart, but still has a few good tracks.
  9. anna
    Jul 17, 2006
    8
    a bold career move from an upcoming artist. while not his forte he shows promise and manages to be innovative and entertaining at times. this album grows on a listener unlike it's sister which is instantly intriguing.
  10. HomieBB
    Jun 29, 2006
    1
    i simply dont like this band at all
  11. TheCritic
    Jun 19, 2006
    10
    The album picks up where Wide Awake left off. This is a better album overall then Wide Awake... this album required creativity. It is also less electronic then I had heard before I purchased it. With catchy melodies and great vocals, the record is definately one of the best of 05.
  12. ChristineR
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    Album of the year by my standards. Here is a man who is not afraid to shed skins when so many songwriters of his generation seem so stuck in the mud these days...
  13. Heather
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    honestly good. both these 2005 albums are amazing, and listening to them live was even better. i think he did such a good job. i think a lot of people expect conor to still be hung up on the depressed 16 year old boy lyrics. he grown, aged and gone through new experiences, and these albums show that.
  14. Dan
    Sep 15, 2005
    8
    The album has 2, maybe 3 weak tracks, but the rest are fantastic. Saying that this is the best album ever is a large over-statement, but best Bright Eyes release could easily be argued. By the way, it dosent sound like Radiohead at all, it's better. (Radiohead is good, there just boring to me...) Also to say an artist has no right to stray away from one specific genre is stupid, as The album has 2, maybe 3 weak tracks, but the rest are fantastic. Saying that this is the best album ever is a large over-statement, but best Bright Eyes release could easily be argued. By the way, it dosent sound like Radiohead at all, it's better. (Radiohead is good, there just boring to me...) Also to say an artist has no right to stray away from one specific genre is stupid, as is giving this album a two. Give it a try, and you won't be dissapointed. just wrong /… Expand
  15. DavidM
    Sep 2, 2005
    2
    Wow. I really love parts of Wide Awake...but this is just god awful. Devin couldn't have things more completely backwards, Oberst trying to venture into Radiohead territory where he absolutely, positively does not belong. A sense of musical confusion and mismatched ideas permeates the whole thing. It's okay, Connor, every artist has weakness. Now that you've found yours, Wow. I really love parts of Wide Awake...but this is just god awful. Devin couldn't have things more completely backwards, Oberst trying to venture into Radiohead territory where he absolutely, positively does not belong. A sense of musical confusion and mismatched ideas permeates the whole thing. It's okay, Connor, every artist has weakness. Now that you've found yours, stick to country and Dylanesque folk and you'll be fine.… Expand
  16. russc
    Jul 18, 2005
    10
    Though there are certainly some songs that could have been omitted, digital ash is a huge step foward for conner.
  17. gmish
    Jun 28, 2005
    10
    I recently bought Wide Awake and was reluctant to open up to Digital Ash because of how unbelivable this album was. But after a few listens I found that A. Bright Eyes is the greatest band ever to exist B. Digital Ash is the best CD ever to exist
  18. NelsonD
    Jun 14, 2005
    4
    First of all im not a bright eyes hater. I liked his other three albums but these two (digital and wide awake) are just dumb. His lirics have lost the imagery from the last album and after fulfilling in my opinion his greatets (though not completly) mature work on lifted, he has to fall back on adolascense themes that in my opinion, seem fake, or at least unfocused and not expressed to First of all im not a bright eyes hater. I liked his other three albums but these two (digital and wide awake) are just dumb. His lirics have lost the imagery from the last album and after fulfilling in my opinion his greatets (though not completly) mature work on lifted, he has to fall back on adolascense themes that in my opinion, seem fake, or at least unfocused and not expressed to their deepest potential. In many ways this album is a lot worse than his last, but it gets bonus points for the music. If all of Digital was instrumental, it might have gotten a 6 or 7, but with his unispired, critic pleasin warbled lyrics, im guessing he aint getting there. Nice try Bright Eyes, maybe next time you'll actually truly express yourself in artistic fashion, not on whatever pops your mind.… Expand
  19. Devin
    Jun 5, 2005
    10
    What Radiohead could be if they weren't so self-conscious and serious.
  20. MikeA
    May 6, 2005
    9
    Great melodies, electronically-enhanced with taste. Would've been nice to hear this one stripped down like I'm Wide Awake, but still a great record. Bright Eyes has definitely made an impact this year...
  21. Phil
    Apr 29, 2005
    0
    Ralph again.
  22. PatrickI
    Apr 14, 2005
    8
    "The debris of opener "Time Code" sets the tone; digital garnishment works for Wilco, but not so much for the beat-impaired Oberst ("Arc of Time")" - Austin Chronicle I pray to Jesus that this guy never stumbles accross an Aphex Twin album. Critics blow.
  23. ScottH
    Apr 2, 2005
    0
    This album is so forgettable, the music rubbish, and his words are borderline retarded. I can't believe their saying he's the voice of the new generation. I've tried and tried to like this but it just got more annoying as it went along. The fact that it's getting such a great review on user comments shows us that they know less then actual critics ( who I've This album is so forgettable, the music rubbish, and his words are borderline retarded. I can't believe their saying he's the voice of the new generation. I've tried and tried to like this but it just got more annoying as it went along. The fact that it's getting such a great review on user comments shows us that they know less then actual critics ( who I've always hated ).… Expand
  24. markf
    Mar 29, 2005
    8
    This critic rating sucks. I'm not even an electronica fan, and I think that "Lifted" is just about a 10, but this is at least as good as "I'm Wide Awake" and probably better. The songs in the middle, "Hit the Switch", "I Believe in Symmetry" and "Devil in the Details" are all GREAT Bright Eyes tracks. Come on, no-clues, let's actually review the music instead of what you This critic rating sucks. I'm not even an electronica fan, and I think that "Lifted" is just about a 10, but this is at least as good as "I'm Wide Awake" and probably better. The songs in the middle, "Hit the Switch", "I Believe in Symmetry" and "Devil in the Details" are all GREAT Bright Eyes tracks. Come on, no-clues, let's actually review the music instead of what you think/want it to be. Shhhhsh, already.… Expand
  25. BryanM
    Mar 15, 2005
    8
    "Digital Ash in a Digital Urn" is an amazing record, despite what most critics think. Conor's amazing voice and all of the great music on this album combine for one of the best releases of 2005.
  26. EdwardE
    Mar 2, 2005
    8
    Oberst should always make music like this. His voice is less tremulous & the music experimental & exciting. I prefer this release over 'I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning' & much more than 'Lifted.'
  27. MichaelK
    Feb 28, 2005
    7
    I'd probably rate this closer to a 7.5. Am I the only person out there who actually likes Digital Ash *more* than Wide Awake? There's some filler on each album, for sure, but I think both are pretty solid and find myself wanting to listen to Digital Ash more than its folksier freind.
  28. stompied
    Feb 27, 2005
    7
    this is an ambitious, pretentious mess and, I must admit, a guilty pleasure. yes, he rips off some melodies (99 balloons) and some of the lyrics are silly, but I admire his attempt to do something different and I like quite a few of the songs as pop songs, esp. easy / lucky / free. as he tones down his adenoidal whining, his music continues to improve. if he keeps cutting back on his this is an ambitious, pretentious mess and, I must admit, a guilty pleasure. yes, he rips off some melodies (99 balloons) and some of the lyrics are silly, but I admire his attempt to do something different and I like quite a few of the songs as pop songs, esp. easy / lucky / free. as he tones down his adenoidal whining, his music continues to improve. if he keeps cutting back on his lyrical excesses and hones the originality of his music, we might have one of the next great talents.… Expand
  29. robm
    Feb 21, 2005
    10
    a grower. not as instantly likeable as 'i'm wide awake...', but an intricate and original album of challanging and compelling music.
  30. Tristram
    Feb 19, 2005
    8
    I frankly don't understand the mixed reviews this album has recieved. "Digital" isn't really that experimental and the songs are as strong as those on "Awake". Critics have a way of emotionally connecting themselves to an artist they have previously crowned and slapping at them with flyswatters anytime that artist expresses himself differently than they'd like. This record I frankly don't understand the mixed reviews this album has recieved. "Digital" isn't really that experimental and the songs are as strong as those on "Awake". Critics have a way of emotionally connecting themselves to an artist they have previously crowned and slapping at them with flyswatters anytime that artist expresses himself differently than they'd like. This record has as many highlights as its more praised brother and 'Arc of Time', 'Hit the Switch' and 'Devil In the Details' are among Conors best songs.… Expand
  31. jérémyc
    Feb 15, 2005
    9
    Already in my top five 2005! No sorry but it begins with Gold Mine Gutted and one can think that's already amazing and that notning better can be done... But all the tracks are more and more heartbreaking. Yes.
  32. Juliec
    Feb 14, 2005
    6
    This album is definitely weird with botched attempts at synthetic effects, but halfway through the album smoothens out. When the album lays off on the artificial sounds and sticks to real instruments, the vocals become its focus, turning it from an album that is little more than weird to one that is brilliant and memorable. His lyrics are scary and haunting, but flawless and tinged with This album is definitely weird with botched attempts at synthetic effects, but halfway through the album smoothens out. When the album lays off on the artificial sounds and sticks to real instruments, the vocals become its focus, turning it from an album that is little more than weird to one that is brilliant and memorable. His lyrics are scary and haunting, but flawless and tinged with acidic wit as always. The sloppy, bizarre first five tracks should be disregarded.… Expand
  33. Zack
    Feb 14, 2005
    10
    His best work yet. It's a bold and honest set of songs. This is his Kid A, and it holds up against the sound of Radiohead.
  34. KeithR
    Feb 14, 2005
    9
    Man, I'm absolutely speechless at the less-than-stellar reviews this record is getting. "Wide Awake" is tired, warmed-over alt country, with lazy production and a bunch of songs that Oberst has recorded or played in various incarnations for years. I heard most of the songs 2 years ago at a show in NYC. Digital Ash, however, has come out of left field and completely blown me away. I Man, I'm absolutely speechless at the less-than-stellar reviews this record is getting. "Wide Awake" is tired, warmed-over alt country, with lazy production and a bunch of songs that Oberst has recorded or played in various incarnations for years. I heard most of the songs 2 years ago at a show in NYC. Digital Ash, however, has come out of left field and completely blown me away. I had to doublecheck the cover and make sure I wasn't listening to a lost New Order album from the 80's, and that's a compliment. I've always felt that, while a genuinely talented songwriter, Oberst's tunes were somehow let down by the standard acoustic guitar / bass / drums, etc. that he's used on every album. Well, I guess KID A probably confused the hell out of people and got bad reviews when it first came out. Really, Digital Ash is a dense record, and doesn't immeditely reveal itself. Having listened to it several times, though, it has gelled and become a minor masterpiece. I think the Postal Service comparisons are limiting... this album is darker, more sonically dense, and more pained. I'd call it Oberst's Downward Spiral. Critics be shamed.… Expand
  35. DanO
    Feb 11, 2005
    9
    i thought this one was just as good as "i'm wide awake" and all of my bright eyes bashing friends even love it. it's just very catchy and well written. there are a few lyrics that i really cant stand, but that doesnt lower my score at all. ...i still dont believe it's scoring so low on here...
  36. VenP
    Feb 11, 2005
    10
    My Dad died just over two weeks ago. I bought digital ash on the day I collected his ashes. This album has helped me and affected me deeply. Rhythmically it is pretty interesting too. Reviewers know nothing.
  37. giulia
    Feb 7, 2005
    8
    it has got really great moment, but the screaming of the baby was a bit to much
  38. MachuzzlewitSweedlepipe
    Feb 7, 2005
    9
    I'm astonished how low the metascore of this is, If anything it's better than "I'm Wide Awake..." although they are both stunning. It doesn't sound half as experimental as the reviews would have you believe. This is no Kid A. Since when has experimenting been bad anyway? These are sensitively, passionately produced, amazing songs; don't miss out on them because of I'm astonished how low the metascore of this is, If anything it's better than "I'm Wide Awake..." although they are both stunning. It doesn't sound half as experimental as the reviews would have you believe. This is no Kid A. Since when has experimenting been bad anyway? These are sensitively, passionately produced, amazing songs; don't miss out on them because of some backward thinking reviewers.… Expand
  39. Evan
    Feb 4, 2005
    9
    Conor Was trying something new. It was risky but it's great i really enjoyed it and it was a nice change.
  40. TimM
    Feb 2, 2005
    7
    "I'm wide awake" is much better. I feel this album is a back track for Oberst. The experimentations with a band don't sound authentic.
  41. JonH
    Jan 29, 2005
    8
    Looking forward to hearing Wide Awake, but I really enjoy this half of the dual release. Which I think is a great concept for Bright Eyes, does anybody really wanted another "Lifted..."? which was 70 minutes long and ridden with drawn out singer-songwriter tunes followed by misplaced beat-driven melodies. Not his best, but more than worth it for anyone who enjoys any of his songs that Looking forward to hearing Wide Awake, but I really enjoy this half of the dual release. Which I think is a great concept for Bright Eyes, does anybody really wanted another "Lifted..."? which was 70 minutes long and ridden with drawn out singer-songwriter tunes followed by misplaced beat-driven melodies. Not his best, but more than worth it for anyone who enjoys any of his songs that aren't just him and his acoustic guitar.… Expand
  42. JoshB
    Jan 28, 2005
    8
    Conor can do everything. I'm Wide Awake is a better album, butt hey, it's a masterpiece. Digital Ash is a nice companion piece and a delightful listen.
  43. timl
    Jan 27, 2005
    9
    I've triple-checked to make sure these ratings are correct, and it seems that there hasn't been a colossal screw-up at metacritic. I just find it hard to believe that 'Digital' isn't getting the stellar ratings and 'Morning' the just okay ones. I'll keep this really short because I know I'm not going to change any minds: 'I'm Wide I've triple-checked to make sure these ratings are correct, and it seems that there hasn't been a colossal screw-up at metacritic. I just find it hard to believe that 'Digital' isn't getting the stellar ratings and 'Morning' the just okay ones. I'll keep this really short because I know I'm not going to change any minds: 'I'm Wide Awake..." is very good, but is exactly what we all knew Bright Eyes could do already. 'Digital' on the other hand, takes some real risks and pulls them off (and then some) the majority of the time. This is a gutsy, heart-wrenching album that doesn't sound like much else.… Expand
  44. jodee
    Jan 27, 2005
    10
    Easily one of the best albums recorded. Each song thought out and arranged perfectly.
  45. Matt
    Jan 27, 2005
    2
    This cd is really horrible. And I'm one of those Bright Eyes diehards. Aside from maybe a couple songs, this cd's music (and even lyrics) are just bad. They're not even average. Oh well, you can't win them all. DEFINITELY BUY I'M WIDE AWAKE, IT'S MORNING. That makes up for this.
  46. Emilia
    Jan 26, 2005
    4
    It is too "experimental". The electronic beats of the songs is great, especially in Gold Mine Gutted, but the micture of Oberst's shaky voice make the songs too hectic and confusing. He is trying too hard to become popular through a daring switch to these electronic beats.
  47. BobtheJanitor
    Jan 25, 2005
    1
    Digital crap in a digital toilet.
  48. WilliamG
    Jan 25, 2005
    10
    In general I agree with the scores on metacritic, but for some reason this one is way off. Perhaps eventually people will realize the greatness of this CD. So soulful, so nostalgic, so poetic. Go out and buy this CD, it's their best record yet.
  49. victorh
    Jan 24, 2005
    8
    not as apparently beautiful as wide awake with its melodies but contains several songs of equal sentiment and sincerity
  50. stevel
    Jan 24, 2005
    10
    I put this album on and for the next 50 mins or so i was quite sure i held my breath in amazement. Absolutely mind-blowing and i'm so pleased i chanced upon it.This is up there with the best of all time....sheer perfection....
  51. Jon
    Jan 24, 2005
    5
    Easily Conor Oberst's worst album, and that includes that incredibly mediocre Desapreciendos. While the cd does have one excellent song (Take it Easy), the rest of the album is just boring and uninspired. Luckily I'm Wide Awake is amazing enough to make up for this gaffe.
  52. Bologna
    Jan 23, 2005
    9
    I may be one of the only people to say this, but this album is better than Wide Awake, though only slightly.
  53. Yamiltheman
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    Yea I totally agree with the wieve.. This album has Conor going outside of the barriers that everyone has put for him and venturing into some far away land of other worldly musicianship. This album is versatile ranging from the 80s reminiscent songs like "Gold Mine Gutted" to the Radiohead-ish "Down a Rabbit Hole". Dont believe the lack of hype.. This album is amazing
  54. RyanM.
    Jan 23, 2005
    9
    Unbelievable. It's a revelation for a guy who's made what I believe to be a string to dumb albums..."Digital Ash" is unquestionaboly the better between it and the "I'm Wide Awake" disc.
  55. LFirebrand
    Jan 22, 2005
    9
    At times, this album hearkens back to Oberst's previous experimentation with skewed melody and synths. There are some very very very high points on this album, but some weak ones too. This one is darker than the hopeful "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning".
  56. thewieve
    Jan 22, 2005
    10
    his best work yet, i like every song (with the exeption of maybe the first one). Don't listen to the bad reviews, it's seriously so good.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 28
  3. Negative: 3 out of 28
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    Riskier but not totally out of character; it's the more holistic right brain to Wide Awake's rational left brain. [Feb 2005, p.81]
  2. Q Magazine
    40
    Experimental and confusing... Oberst's voice struggles to hit home through the effects. [Jan 2005, p.129]
  3. Drowned In Sound
    70
    This is not a classic – each high is paired with a low of similar scale, so whilst ‘Down In A Rabbit Hole’ scales heights previously thought unreachable, ‘Ship In A Bottle’, with baby samples screeching over the top of the most base-level beats, is plain annoying.
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