Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Would You Go Start Explaining, You Know I Want to Understand, November 10, 2005
Upon reading many of the reviews of "Lifted," I felt obligated to scribble a review of my own. Disenchantment of this record appears to be widespread. Many resort to personal attacks, while others' attempts at actual criticism falls short of substandard. Now, I'll step off my soapbox and allow Oberst to step up.
Most complaints about Oberst arise from his quavering vocals and self-indulgent writing style. I'll be the first to admit that this sort of music is an acquired taste. The first time I listened to Oberst would also be the last time I listened to him for over a year. I was sitting in my room with a group of people, and one of my friends put on Fevers and Mirrors. One caveat, you can never appreciate Bright Eyes in a crowd. This is a very solitary listening experience. But, back to the vocals and style...
From a subjective standpoint, most are put off by his general intensity. They'll term this intensity, "pretension." Yet, I must say, it's because people aren't quite sure what to make of the subject matter. His "pretension" is in actuality an attempt at pure and unadulterated writing. In trying to compare Oberst to other musicians, it's a feat short of impossible, as Oberst isn't comparable to other musicians. He's comparable only to other writers. That, I argue, is why people dislike him.
Yes, listening to Bright Eyes is a sometimes an arduous task. However, from a psychological standpoint, his lyrics operate on the reward system. Dopamine and Serotonin are the chemicals in your brain responsible for happiness and your sense of well-being. As you come to understand the lyrics, you are rewarded for putting forth a cognitive effort and therefore feel a sense of accomplishment for your hard work.
Oberst's vocals couldn't be refined. Tell me this: in modern times, what artist who is famous doesn't have a distinctive voice? Those who blend with the choir never make it. Also, due to the subject matter, these kinds of vocals are best equipped to carry the baggage.
In sum, Oberst is a lyricist first, a writer. If you don't invest the time to decode the message, you won't be rewarded, and you won't enjoy the music. Superficially, some of the songs may be enjoyed by melody alone, but that's not the author's intentions.
With "Lifted," Oberst has redefined music. He has turned a stone, so to speak, and now, we see that music can be much more than punchy lines and melodic strings. Oberst can distill life in one breath better than most writers can in an entire novel.
I believe his lyrics not to be self-indulgent but honest. He doesn't hide behind the shield of abstraction like most acclaimed musicians. Rather, Oberst lays it all out on the line so that it's undeniable as to what was spoken. In essence, he's says, "This is what I believe is truth. If you don't like it, that's fine, but there will be no question as to what I've said."
So, buy "Lifted" if you enjoy using your mind, if not then buy anything else. To the argument that his songs are depressing, I say, "Pish-posh." If you think his lyrics are depressing you're not listening, as all but save a couple songs end with some element of hope and resolution. Obviously, I have a very biased opinion about the band, but hear this... I have invested the time to enjoy it, and I'm still not enjoying it to the fullest because each time I listen I hear something new and exciting, something to which I can relate.
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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Keep your ear to the ground, and give this album a REAL listen, July 2, 2005
Conor Oberst is a poet. That's all there is to it. I'd say 90% of this album is the lyrics. The emotions that Conor manages to caupture so well in a song, the way you can hear them in his voice really make this album.
I had to write a review on this just because everyone was so harsh on their reviews, and I strongly disagree. But I think what the problem really is, they didn't really know what they were listening to. So, let me tell you what this album is NOT:
-Dashboard Confessional, & the like - You get real insight on Lifted..., not pusedo-intellectual, cheesy crap. Unlike Carraba, Oberst writes as an artform rather than to get girls.
-Pantera, etc. - If you're looking for amazing guitar solos or lyrics that can lift your great, great grandma from her grave, then you've also got the wrong album. Oberst writes music with a usually mellow beat, once again focusing on the content rather than the mosh-ability.
-Blink 182, etc. - This CD isn't going to make you jump up and down or rhyme every other line. Sorry.
If any of those is what you were looking for in this album, then I can understand you disappointment. This album is different than anything you've ever heard. (Not that people haven't tried, and failed, to replicate it) This is for fans of poetry, art, and who don't mind an album that does not have more than 300 beats per minute. Put the caffeine down, people, listen to the lyrics and feel the emotions in this album. Hell, preview the free tracks before you buy it. Disappointment will not follow.
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24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I think it's safe to call this a masterpiece, November 1, 2002
I may not be the most qualified person to praise the new Bright Eyes album- it is the only one I own, after all. Lifted is amazing, at any rate. You might think that his emotionally overwhelemed voice would become old quick, but it really doesn't- especially when he's backed by a massive orchestra and some incredible songs. Perhaps that's the best thing about the album- its perfect balance. If you just want to hear Connor singing while he strums his guitar, listen to Waste of Paint, or You Will. If you want a big symphonic anthem, there's False Advertising or Method Acting. And if you want to hear one of his most radio-ready tracks yet, there's the stunning Lover I Don't Have to Love. There's even a few great country tracks thrown in!I've heard people dismiss Bright Eyes as "too emo." I suppose this could describe some of his songs, but there is a lot more to Connor's music. Though he sings about pain and sadness, there's also a lot of hope and empathy for others. And even if Waste of Paint makes me cry every time I hear it, what's wrong with that??
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album Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground 
