Bright Eyes: Cassadaga

Label: Saddle Creek

Indie rock’s acoustic-troubadour savant Conor Oberst, a.k.a. Bright Eyes, has returned to his traditional rambling acoustic whims, ballads, and rapid fire folk with Cassadaga, a welcome homecoming following his last two experimental efforts. Cassadaga, a familiar album of both fiery rambles, lulling ditties and handclapping pop, has some of Oberst’s best material in years, reminiscent of his youthful years yet illustrating the tricks of the trade acquired over the years. “Make a Plan to Love Me,” hands down the most inviting and transcendent tune on the record, finds Oberst in a characteristically open-book moment, ushering his relationship cravings with strings and soft trudging and aching vocals all backed by giant chamber angelics. Most of the tunes retain Oberst’s Midwest upbringings, rockin’ slide guitars and dust-bowl lyrical content. While some tracks criticize the government (“No One Would Riot for Less”), others like “Coat Check Dream Song” offer instrumentation paired with digitization, while “Soul Singer in a Session Band” creates a sentiment of Americana folk with a pressing song and dance hook. (Billy)