- Record Label: Merge
- Release Date: May 5, 2009
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In short, arguably for the first time, Oberst gives us an album rife with liveliness--and it sounds like he had a damn good time making it.
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Oberst just sounds more energized than he has in years on Outer South, while still producing songs that roll out smoothly, buoyed by catchy choruses, memorable lines, and some of the most spirited singing and playing of his career.
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Minor criticisms aside, however, Outer South is an enjoyable, relaxed album that contains some of Oberst's best work.
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Oberst himself seems swept up in the motion--he's dropped his vocal affectations, his grandiose couplets, he's happy to be leading a group that feels like a band of brothers--one that might not always sing in the same voice, but share a sensibility, something that gives Outer South a big human heart.
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In many ways, Outer South feels almost like a coming of age for Oberst. His voice is way stronger than it has been in the past.
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MojoDecamping to Mexico with a gang of musician friends and collaborating in songwriting as well as performance has made for Conor Oberst's most colourful, upbeat record so far. [Jun 2009, p.100]
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Q MagazineIt remains to be seen whether this is a long-term diversion for Oberst. But if the Mystic Valley Band is just a brief stop, it's a hugely enjoyable one all the same. [Jun 2009, p.129]
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Fans used to the intimacy of Oberst's earlier work may be flummoxed by the collaborative Traveling Wilburys vibe here, but they'll find it again on the elegant, mournful 'White Shoes.'
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Predictably, however, this six-piece are best at backing their boss with a road-seasoned mix of meaty jangle and whirring Sixties-Dylan organ.
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As is often the case when a rarefied musician enjoys themself too much though, this is a wildly self-indulgent release; 16-tracks which veer between excellent and average.
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FilterIt's unexpectedly novel...and predictably disjointed. [Spring 2009, p.92]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 9 out of 12
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Mixed: 3 out of 12
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Negative: 0 out of 12
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SAmMay 12, 2009Boring!