Bright Eyes is over

[whats news]

Well, I think Conor Oberst has had a nice run, but it's time for him to officially exit the world of Indie and sign a contract with Island or Disney. Bright Eyesused to be a good band until Oberst decided to start planning his presidential bid for some far off future that I don't want to live to see. The music was great when it was him singing out of his basement in Omaha, about love, life and society--but now his whiny, political views have infused into his lyrics: even on the new cds. I watched Leno last night as a sort-of wake for viewing the demise of another talented artist to commercialized, capitalist and political interests. "When the President talks to God" is awfully painful to listen to, and even though I haven't been too keen on this President, this song actually makes me like him more. Leave indie-politics to someone who can do it right like Ralph Nader, not these uneducated, single-issue know-nothing hypocrites like Oberst who trades his Omaha roots and one-time independent spirit for big-time contracts and a spot on MTV's Hot 5 videos. But frankly, it was over for me when Oberst betrayed his label-mates and turned his back on them, becoming the ultimate prima-donna. Get your Bright Eyes ring tones and welcome the new cool new commercialized Bright Eyes. Oberst sings and speaks abhorrent things about Bush, but when it comes to down to it, they're both just as driven by money, stalwart expression of ideology and a desire for their own personal legacy.

Maybe he'll date Christina Aguilera next...

Or appear on an episode of Punk'd! COOL!

[dorareever]

Indie kids

:rolleyes:

yes, he will do all these things and 30 years from now little kids will know his songs. That's what he's going to do. He's going from promising indie songwriter to classic musician housewives could enjoy.

He's reaching wider audiences. Becoming mainstream. And that's GOOD. He doesn't deserve to be in the shadow. And how did he forgot his roots when he's still playing with the same musicians, seeing the same friends...hardly betraying. Surely it's not as bad as when Dylan played electric. :-p


I guess you're one of those thinking that London Calling sucks because the Clash signed with CBS right? No matter the fact that it's one of the best album ever.



I do think that song is lame as well. it's not artistically well-done. But he's got lots of new politically-oriented, "commercial" songs that happen to be good. Of course he likes money and fame, but I think the thing he wants the most is writing whatever he wants to write, not caring about indie agendas but THANK GOD only about his PERSONAL goals. He wasn't speaking for you, only for himself. You probably put too much faith into a human being. Your hero has fallen. Next time think about the songs, not the singer.

[whats news]

Honestly, you can't download "The President Talks to God" without downloading the I-Tunes app and get an I-Tunes account. I'm not that concerned about the singer or his Indie appeal, but the fact that he's less concerned about the fans and how they can get to his music than about his money is what upsets me. This is what usually happens when good things get hijacked by commercial interests--the purveyors get paid and the consumers get screwed.

[dorareever]

You see I don't care. He can become a nazi and tour to promote the killing of Jews, rape little kids, whatever. I do not care. As long as the songs are well-done. Now I think that, aside from a few exceptions (and that President song is one) the quality of his songs is still way above average. That's all I care about. I don't ever feel trapped or screwed up by commercial interests. I can choose if I want to download the song or if I don't. If for having it I have to get an account it's my CHOICE. And it's not the only choice I have; I can download the song legally, or illegaly (I'm sure they have them on soulseek), or trade it with someone...or I can choose not to listen to the song. Conor doesn't limit my choices.

I don't see why he should care about me. he doesn't owe me anything but artistic quality. I don't want anything else from him. If you want more then ok, but I don't.

[a blue glass]

wait, how did he betray his label-mates? what is he supposed to do, just ignore his fame? he doesn't control all the annoying girls who are in love with him, and yell "OMGZZ ITS CONOR!! AHHHH!!"

[dorareever]

Originally posted by a blue glass
wait, how did he betray his label-mates? what is he supposed to do, just ignore his fame? he doesn't control all the annoying girls who are in love with him, and yell "OMGZZ ITS CONOR!! AHHHH!!"

Yeah I didn't really understand the part about betraying his label mates either.

[Mypocketsmellikepot]

yeah so I dont like that song either. But still what does that have to do with his 2 new great albums? Both his new albums are amazing and received great reveiws.

[audiobuzz]

its too late, so young and done for. i like the new albums but have become bored of them already. too polished. kind of like figure 8 which is a great album but i rarely listen to it. just my opinion. some of conors old songs were so haunting, he didnt even have to sing, it was the music.

[liquorforblood]

Originally posted by dorareever

I don't see why he should care about me. he doesn't owe me anything but artistic quality. I don't want anything else from him. If you want more then ok, but I don't. [/B]


Well put. I agree completely.

[whats news]

Yeah, audiobuzz said what I think a lot of people are thinking regarding the two new CDs: POLISHED. Where is the raw emotion in his voice? Where is the sincerity and genuine feeling? They're gone, and their content has been replaced with politically-motivated ranting. Every Bright Eyes song I'd heard up until now was original, unpolished--a torrent of sounds and songs that could be interpreted as cacophanous by some, maybe many. That's what was so great about it. What do we get with Digital Ash? A song that samples 99 Luftballoons! Give me a break.
As it pertains to focusing solely on Oberst as a singer and nothing more--that maybe the philosophy that some choose to adopt, but I think for me there's more to the song than just the rhythmic movement of air molecules impinging on my ear. The best music, for me, is the type that I can become totally immersed in, and feel almost a sense of closeness to the artist. That's what I think the Indie-appeal is to some. When artists become mainstream then they lose a level of connectnedess, almost intimacy, with their fans. A friend of mine had a demo that Oberst listened to personally, another friend of mine was able to e-mail directly with Decemberist's Colin Meloy. I think it's important to look beyond just the sound of the song, and look at where it's coming from. You just can't do that as well when the artist is appearing on every Late night show, NPR segment, and MTV clip.
I can't specifically remember what Oberst said about some of the artists on his label--but perhaps someone more in tune with the SC scene can clarify. It may have just been hearsay, though I doubt it as my source was quite credible, but Oberst was reported to have said he was growing tired of some of the artists on his label (Denali I think was one of the ones mentioned).

Some people claim that commercialism and the overextension of special interests doesn't have an effect on them. But what will happen is that, in trying to maintain a mainstream audience like the one he's acruing now, Oberst is going to have to change his sound, polish his voice, and follow the PR.

My personal take on this Bright Eyes explosion is that the liberal Hollywood crowd saw something in this young, rebelious, liberal kid from the Midwest and so they brought him into their inner circle, touring with the likes of Springstein and Stipe. They told him to polish his voice and get rid of the unconventional stuff that made him original. Now he's nothing more than a vehicle for promoting the ideals of the DNC, as you could hear in "Road to Joy" and the new "Landlocked Blues." Not to mention "When the President talks to God" plays like a campaign commercial. Where are the real emotions, the real feelings? The commentary on our society? Guess those things just aren't mainstream enough. Nothing is more mainstream and overdone than bashing on this President--please, let's have something new.

[El Scorcho]

Originally posted by whats news
Yeah, audiobuzz said what I think a lot of people are thinking regarding the two new CDs: POLISHED. Where is the raw emotion in his voice? Where is the sincerity and genuine feeling? They're gone, and their content has been replaced with politically-motivated ranting. Every Bright Eyes song I'd heard up until now was original, unpolished--a torrent of sounds and songs that could be interpreted as cacophanous by some, maybe many. That's what was so great about it. What do we get with Digital Ash? A song that samples 99 Luftballoons! Give me a break.
As it pertains to focusing solely on Oberst as a singer and nothing more--that maybe the philosophy that some choose to adopt, but I think for me there's more to the song than just the rhythmic movement of air molecules impinging on my ear. The best music, for me, is the type that I can become totally immersed in, and feel almost a sense of closeness to the artist. That's what I think the Indie-appeal is to some. When artists become mainstream then they lose a level of connectnedess, almost intimacy, with their fans. A friend of mine had a demo that Oberst listened to personally, another friend of mine was able to e-mail directly with Decemberist's Colin Meloy. I think it's important to look beyond just the sound of the song, and look at where it's coming from. You just can't do that as well when the artist is appearing on every Late night show, NPR segment, and MTV clip.
I can't specifically remember what Oberst said about some of the artists on his label--but perhaps someone more in tune with the SC scene can clarify. It may have just been hearsay, though I doubt it as my source was quite credible, but Oberst was reported to have said he was growing tired of some of the artists on his label (Denali I think was one of the ones mentioned).

Some people claim that commercialism and the overextension of special interests doesn't have an effect on them. But what will happen is that, in trying to maintain a mainstream audience like the one he's acruing now, Oberst is going to have to change his sound, polish his voice, and follow the PR.

My personal take on this Bright Eyes explosion is that the liberal Hollywood crowd saw something in this young, rebelious, liberal kid from the Midwest and so they brought him into their inner circle, touring with the likes of Springstein and Stipe. They told him to polish his voice and get rid of the unconventional stuff that made him original. Now he's nothing more than a vehicle for promoting the ideals of the DNC, as you could hear in "Road to Joy" and the new "Landlocked Blues." Not to mention "When the President talks to God" plays like a campaign commercial. Where are the real emotions, the real feelings? The commentary on our society? Guess those things just aren't mainstream enough. Nothing is more mainstream and overdone than bashing on this President--please, let's have something new.
Denali is on Jade Tree.
You're just talking a lot of shit and you don't even bother to check and see if what you're saying is accurate. Shut up, dude.

[El Scorcho]

MAGICAL HOLLYWOOD CONSPIRACY!!! OMG
of course there was no personal relationship between stipe and oberst, MUSICIANS NEVER TALK TO EACH OTHER!!

it's the hollywood machine!!

[dorareever]

Originally posted by El Scorcho
MAGICAL HOLLYWOOD CONSPIRACY!!! OMG
of course there was no personal relationship between stipe and oberst, MUSICIANS NEVER TALK TO EACH OTHER!!

it's the hollywood machine!!

:yes:

[kevinlong206]

Originally posted by whats news
Well, I think Conor Oberst has had a nice run, but it's time for him to officially exit the world of Indie and sign a contract with Island or Disney. Bright Eyesused to be a good band until Oberst decided to start planning his presidential bid for some far off future that I don't want to live to see. The music was great when it was him singing out of his basement in Omaha, about love, life and society--but now his whiny, political views have infused into his lyrics: even on the new cds. I watched Leno last night as a sort-of wake for viewing the demise of another talented artist to commercialized, capitalist and political interests. "When the President talks to God" is awfully painful to listen to, and even though I haven't been too keen on this President, this song actually makes me like him more. Leave indie-politics to someone who can do it right like Ralph Nader, not these uneducated, single-issue know-nothing hypocrites like Oberst who trades his Omaha roots and one-time independent spirit for big-time contracts and a spot on MTV's Hot 5 videos. But frankly, it was over for me when Oberst betrayed his label-mates and turned his back on them, becoming the ultimate prima-donna. Get your Bright Eyes ring tones and welcome the new cool new commercialized Bright Eyes. Oberst sings and speaks abhorrent things about Bush, but when it comes to down to it, they're both just as driven by money, stalwart expression of ideology and a desire for their own personal legacy.

Maybe he'll date Christina Aguilera next...

Or appear on an episode of Punk'd! COOL!



AMEN.. screw that Jay Leno performance.. it fucking sucked! fucking fucking sucked!!! Play a SONG dammit. His political "protest" seemed so completely juvenile and inarticulate. I mean really you whiney fuck.. you think your gonna be the next Zach De La Rocha? I think not....

[Mypocketsmellikepot]

A musician was given the chance to speak out about his political beliefs to a national audience and he took it. I mean the easy thing would have been to have played a song off his new records. He didnt chose the easy path. Give him credit for that. Once music was more than just love songs and about how many hoes you've got. Musicians used to use their music to speak out on political issues and other problems that plaqued society. Conor oberst has chosen to do that whit his music. He has an incredible gift and he is so talented. And if he choses to use his talent as a means to speak out against the facists agendas of the bush administration than good for him! We are living in an age were people are dying at a appaling rate over a fabricated war, he chose not to ingnore that and say something about that. If you wanted to hear a new song off the record, well than sorry, go listen to it or something. There's more to his music than you think their is. By the way that performance kicked ass.

[[andreas]]

My God! That´s the silliest stuff I´ve ever read. What´s wrong with showing what you believe in? I bet you don´t like Conors performance on Leno, because you don´t like his political views. If something, it took guts to play that song on national TV. Conor is getting some commercial recognition now, and to play a song like that on Leno might not be the smartest commercial move ever. That shows that Conor has integrity, and that there are other things he values more than selling records. I definitely think he has done better songs than When the President Talks to God, but the guts it took to perform that song on Leno, makes it a great performance.

The lyrics of the song might seem abbhorent to you, but to me it´s nothing controversial. Conor is just saying what millions of people in America and around the world is feeling about George W Bush. The president is incompetent, a fraud and a danger to America and the rest of the world. If you can´t handle to hear stuff like that, well that´s your problem. But you can´t stop other people to voice their opinion.

[Mypocketsmellikepot]

:moose: :moose:

[Santa Ana]

Originally posted by Eli Cash
My God! That´s the silliest stuff I´ve ever read. What´s wrong with showing what you believe in? I bet you don´t like Conors performance on Leno, because you don´t like his political views. If something, it took guts to play that song on national TV. Conor is getting some commercial recognition now, and to play a song like that on Leno might not be the smartest commercial move ever. That shows that Conor has integrity, and that there are other things he values more than selling records. I definitely think he has done better songs than When the President Talks to God, but the guts it took to perform that song on Leno, makes it a great performance.

The lyrics of the song might seem abbhorent to you, but to me it´s nothing controversial. Conor is just saying what millions of people in America and around the world is feeling about George W Bush. The president is incompetent, a fraud and a danger to America and the rest of the world. If you can´t handle to hear stuff like that, well that´s your problem. But you can´t stop other people to voice their opinion.

:cheers:

I like When the President Talks to God. I think the lyrics are awesome. And when I saw his performance at Leno i felt proud that I owned his albums.
It’s important for everyone to stand up for what they believe in and when someone stands up for same views as I have, so much better. :-D

[The King of Kansas City]

Originally posted by whats news
Honestly, you can't download "The President Talks to God" without downloading the I-Tunes app and get an I-Tunes account.
um. i was able to download it off kazza. what the fuck are you on about?

[tidelblack]

Originally posted by dorareever
You see I don't care. He can become a nazi and tour to promote the killing of Jews, rape little kids, whatever. I do not care. As long as the songs are well-done. Now I think that, aside from a few exceptions (and that President song is one) the quality of his songs is still way above average. That's all I care about. I don't ever feel trapped or screwed up by commercial interests. I can choose if I want to download the song or if I don't. If for having it I have to get an account it's my CHOICE. And it's not the only choice I have; I can download the song legally, or illegaly (I'm sure they have them on soulseek), or trade it with someone...or I can choose not to listen to the song. Conor doesn't limit my choices.

I don't see why he should care about me. he doesn't owe me anything but artistic quality. I don't want anything else from him. If you want more then ok, but I don't.


that entire post was amazingly said. i agree110% with that last paragraph

[mr. dynamite]

you guys are funny.

:cool:

you should use that smiley more

and this :no: one

lighten up, smile.

[WoW]

Too bad you all act so childish. I am to. But it's not right to see people being so opinionated and not in my favor.
Sure things have changed for the way we can get music. Yeah you can't download some songs without getting a hint of the conglomerates. That's how it is with alot of things. I just hqate to see people judge someones actions when they don't even know them. It would be hypocritical right? There is no reason to post something about how you feel on someone if it's going to be negative. It hurts alot of things in this world. He's making his own choices, and if it makes him happy can't we accept that? WHo are we as a people to judge one man because he wants something? It might effect how you feel, but it's not as if his purposley going out and writing the things he does and making the plans he has while thinking "Oooo I'm going to hurt all my fans. I'm going to get rich and theyre going to get Jibbed."

Let him make the music hewants, and let him live the way he lives. If we don't like it plug our ears. That's what we do all the time. It may not be rightbut if you speaking out has the chance of hurting someone or judgeing the person they are, then you have no right, in my opinion, to do so. I'm being a hypocryte by judgeing your opinions, but I think your all children like myself, and we need to grow up a little faster, before people get hurt in the process.

[purplehaze8x]

Originally posted by dorareever
You see I don't care. He can become a nazi and tour to promote the killing of Jews, rape little kids, whatever. I do not care. As long as the songs are well-done. Now I think that, aside from a few exceptions (and that President song is one) the quality of his songs is still way above average. That's all I care about. I don't ever feel trapped or screwed up by commercial interests. I can choose if I want to download the song or if I don't. If for having it I have to get an account it's my CHOICE. And it's not the only choice I have; I can download the song legally, or illegaly (I'm sure they have them on soulseek), or trade it with someone...or I can choose not to listen to the song. Conor doesn't limit my choices.

I don't see why he should care about me. he doesn't owe me anything but artistic quality. I don't want anything else from him. If you want more then ok, but I don't.

so, like, hitler woulda been a good guy if he wrote and preformed good music?

[dorareever]

Originally posted by purplehaze8x
so, like, hitler woulda been a good guy if he wrote and preformed good music?

He would have been a good artist.

He would have been a better guy than he was if he had done something positive.
Not to say he wouldn't have been the crazy dangerous person he was if he had acted the same way he actually did towards his fellow man. But if he had been a good artist, at least he would have done something good.

Well, I suppose he did something good because no man on earth is 100% evil, but not enough to even things out.

[Fab]

Originally posted by purplehaze8x
so, like, hitler woulda been a good guy if he wrote and preformed good music? That must be least appropriate analogy ever! Right, I see where you get Hitler from, Ms Reever said Nazi so therefore it's a fair assumption to think Hitler. The thing I don't get it where anyone said Conor was a good guy, so how is it an equal analogy to say Hitler would have been? Yes, like Ms Reever said, it would have made hime a good artist, but you appear to have pulled the good guy thing out of your own rear end, sir.

By the way, could you post more please Dorareever? You're one of my favourite posters on this forum... I know not much gets said though, I'd actively think up some topics but I'm too tired and they'd be crap and cliché.

[dorareever]

Originally posted by Fab
That must be least appropriate analogy ever! Right, I see where you get Hitler from, Ms Reever said Nazi so therefore it's a fair assumption to think Hitler. The thing I don't get it where anyone said Conor was a good guy, so how is it an equal analogy to say Hitler would have been? Yes, like Ms Reever said, it would have made hime a good artist, but you appear to have pulled the good guy thing out of your own rear end, sir.

By the way, could you post more please Dorareever? You're one of my favourite posters on this forum... I know not much gets said though, I'd actively think up some topics but I'm too tired and they'd be crap and cliché.

You're too sweet.


yeah you're right I don't post enough.:(

[Fitzcarraldo]

.

[inbetween days]

i loved him for several years...but once those two new albums dropped, i lost interest. i still listen to lifted and previous albums alot but i can't stand the newer songs OR what he has become, now. where the fuck are songs like "The Difference in the Shades"

[dorareever]

He has songs that are as good if not better than Difference IMHO, and some that are bad (but he always had bad songs). he's human, and I don't know what he has become other than a singer/songwriter who's trying to do his best and be sincere. A 25 years old guy who is trying hard to be himself without being tormented by young girls, indie snobs and bitter fans.

I don't think he has changed much, the essence is the same, maybe you have changed. I know I don't listen to some music I used to listen when I was younger, but I still respect it and think it's important for me. Maybe you have changed, maybe for the best. I changed as well, we all do, but maybe I just changed in synch with Conor. He's almost my age.

[ramblingrose]

I just wrote a long and considered response to this thread but it's vanished. Boo hiss. A brief and slapdash reconstruction follows.
The screaming groupies must be frightening. Triumphs are hard to repeat. Huge expectation is a crushing weight.
Against;
I don't like I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, on the whole.
He needs to stop being pissed on stage, it's quite endearing when you're a boy but kind of annoying in a grown man.
I think it might be difficult to write lyrics that people can relate to when it's the only job you've done and now you're financially okay and pretty famous.
I have a friend on the fringes of the Omaha mafia and there are some ugly rumours.
For;
I love the back catalogue like a dogger loves a busy car park.
Easy/Lucky/Free makes me cry.
When I saw them earlier this year I was really impressed that he still comes into the bar and talks to the trembling indie boys who line up to meet him.
There was a random and mundane interaction between me and the man and he was totally normal and decent.
Don't worry about it. All is not lost. and be excellent to each other.