Seeing the world through bright eyes

Conor Oberst, singer and songwriter of the band Bright Eyes, has been writing songs ever since the age of 12. Now at 22-years-old, he has recorded four major albums.

The Omaha, Neb. native started out recording his songs on an eight-track in the basement of his house.

Most of his earlier songs consist of him playing guitar, occasionally playing piano and singing, while his friends stand in to play the other instruments for him when needed.

On his latest album, “Lifted or the Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground” (Saddle Creek), Oberst has experimented with more instruments such as harmonicas, french horns, banjos and even a mandolin. Even through all of these new-found sounds, Conor’s vocals, words and often acoustic guitar still shine through stronger than ever.

His lyrics on “Lifted” are brutally honest. They capture true emotion and frequently have the long-lasting quality of an improvised song. Oberst’s songs contain no refrains, no choruses and seem as if they are taken from personal journal entries.

“Lifted” has a recurring theme of books and stories, which allude to life and the passages of time.

In the song “Method Acting,” Conor sings, “It’s not a movie, no private screening. This method acting, well, I call that living.” These lyrics seem like a modern take on Shakespeare’s famous line, “All the world is a stage.”

Other songs on the album tackle topics like religion (“Don’t Know When But a Day Is Gonna Come” and “From a Balance Beam”), in which Conor questions the existance of God and the value of Christianity.

“False Advertising” expresses Oberst’s true feelings on the record industry and what must occur to get media and the public’s attention with lyrics like, “Onto a stage I was pushed with my sorrow well rehearsed. So give me all of your pity and your money. Now.”

A major recurring and personal topic is Conor’s obvious battle with his own creative doubts, which can be noted in songs such as, “Let’s Not S-t Ourselves (To Love and To Be Loved),” “Nothing Gets Crossed Out,” “Waste of Paint” and “False Advertising.”

Many of the songs even mention his doubts about recording the album.

“And everything I have made is trite and cheap and a waste of paint, of tape, of time,” Conor sings on “Waste of Paint.” While on “Nothing Gets Crossed Out” he sings, “When the world ends, who’s gonna hear it?” speaking of his record.

Lyrics like the above are sprinkled throughout “Lifted” reinforcing the definite doubt and depression drifting through Conor’s mind and world. Many would disagree with Conor’s self-doubt. His albums, particularly “Lifted,” are dazzlingly creative, well written, well thought out and refreshingly honest.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars