The second full-length release from Omaha wunderkind Conor Oberst is a fascinating coming of age for a singer/songwriter whose respectability is chiseled in stone through his musical abilities. This ten-track outing is a lo-fi bonanza of heartfelt tunes that features musical contributions from members of such critically acclaimed groups as Neutral Milk Hotel, Of Montreal, and Lullaby for the Working Class. Special guests aside, it is Oberst's acoustic guitar and wavering emotional vocals that turn songs like the opening "If Winter Ends" into fragile masterpieces. There are also full-on rock numbers like "The City Has Sex" that help to push the envelope, and others like the Dylan-esque "June on the West Coast" that showcase the one-man band aspect of Bright Eyes. Letting Off the Happiness is a powerful record that manages to stay believable in light of the tortured emotions it tries to convey. It was recorded before Oberst was even out of his teens, but he shows the maturity of a songwriter who has seen it all, and for that he deserves respect and maybe a bit of incredulous inspection. This is a powerful record that has the ability to reach inside and identify with the listener, and while Bright Eyes went on to release some better-sounding and slightly more mature records, this one has the raw power to make people really stand up and notice. ~ Peter J. D'Angelo
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Audio Mixer: Mike Mogis.
Liner Note Author: Bright Eyes.
Recording information: Andy Lemaster's Amazing Hi-Fi Studio, Athens, GA (03/1997-03/1998); Athens, GA (03/1997-03/1998); Bright Eyes' Basement (03/1997-03/1998); Mike Mogis' House (03/1997-03/1998).
Personnel includes: Bright Eyes (Conor Oberst) (vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums); Andy Lemaster (vocals, bass, percussion); Neely Jenkins (vocals); Mike Fogis (guitar, pedal steel, piano, keyboards, air organ, melodica); Matt Maginn, Aaron Druery (bass); Jeremy Barnes (drums, percussion); Matt Fotch, Ted Stevens (drums), Kevin Barnes (background vocals).
bright eyes album = money well spent some say he is whiny, some say he is a genius. in my eyes he is a whiny genius who writes good songs and has a voice that makes me happy even though it seems he could slit his throat at any moment. good album. Submitted by a reviewer (charlevoix, mi, usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Conore Oberst IS a genius. Submitted by Russell (Joshua, TX, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Happiness This album is up there with his best work. Submitted by Tiffany_Chars (boston, ma) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Great except..... After ordering this I read some people ragging on Bright Eyes "Lifted..." album putting it down (although they were somewhat out numbered by praises)so I though this one might not be good even though I liked the sound samples. I thought it was excellent, except why the repetitive drone on the last 15 or so minutes? It's as if Bright eyes was testing your patience. However there's an albums length of greatness and I recommend you buy it. I didn't mind the sound quality as much as I thought. Sometimes this album reminds me of John Frusciante's Niadra Lades album. Submitted by a reviewer (Florence Alabama) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Sloppy firsts This CD is from 1998, with some songs performed by Coner when he was only 16, 17 years old. He's no less a great song writer at such a young age, but the recording is a bit sloppy. These were all home made in friends' "home studios" and they definitely sound like it. Submitted by a reviewer (New York) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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bright eyes album = money well spent
Conore Oberst
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