Conor Oberst – Ruminations

Conor Oberst has long been something of a divisive character in indie-rock, ever since he broke out a decade ago as Bright Eyes. A gifted songwriter, he can also be insufferable in his ‘sensitive soul’ ways. His voice is impressively intimate – or over-the-top intimate. His stab at country music with The Mystic Valley Band (QRO live review) was misplaced – but he’s also recruited the likes of M. Ward (Monsters of Folk – QRO album review) and The Felice Brothers (QRO live review together). Ruminations sees Oberst strip down, exposing his strengths and his weaknesses.

First things first: Oberst remains a very accomplished songwriter. Even without bells & whistles, down to just his voice, guitar, piano, and harmonica, he can tell stories that captivate and stay with the listener. His harmony holds throughout, even when you don’t like him. Each song on Ruminations has something to recommend itself.

However, taken together, it can all be a bit much at times. Broken down to base Oberst, his persona becomes rather overwhelming – nobody is this intimate for this long without trying a little too hard. You can practically see him doing his best ‘Dylan playing harmonica on a holder’ at times (particularly the heavy-handed politics of “A Little Uncanny” and “You All Loved Him Once”). Ruminations is a rare record that feels less than the sum of its parts.

But they are strong parts. There’s a great tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright (“Mamah Borthwick (A Sketch)”), stories about a secret couple (“Gossamer Thin”) and those left behind after loved ones have passed away (“Next of Kin”). Even the pieces with overwrought lyrics have strong harmonies beneath. So just take in all of Conor Oberst, gifts & flaws.