Bright Eyes – LIFTED or The Story is in The Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground 2LP

Description

WhenBright EyesbrainchildConor OberstissuedLifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Groundin August 2002, he was 22 years old. Critics were already calling him the “indieBob Dylan,” but the new millennium had seen a lot of those introverted, intelligent types (Ryan Adams,Beck).Bright Eyes, though, delivered a solid, intricately produced album without the majors’ monotony. Immediately, one can senseOberst‘s literate approach. His vocal curdle is abrasive yet warm. It’s similar to the cooing ofRobert Smith, but lush in heartache likePaul Westerberg, leaving the storybook ofLifted or The Storyto earn massive praise. “Waste of Paint” is rough-cut with edgy acoustics, while “From a Balance Beam” glows with pop-like optimism. Chimes and simple drumming keep the story of personal insecurity and the fear of the unknown coming alive in a dreamy sort of way. Even when he’s aching his way through the pop rumble of “Method Acting,”Bright Eyesconvincingly lures one into his eclectic musical world.Oberstobviously has the talent to support the hype. “Lover I Don’t Have to Love” is a dark number with itsRadiohead-like doom and gloom; however, the piano swirl of “A Bowl of Oranges” offers a brighter reflection. OnLifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground,Bright Eyeshas mixed badness with beauty for a sonic storybook that relates to everyone. It’s slightly overwhelming at first, but one must allow a grace period to fully absorb the abstract desire behind this album. -All Music Guide