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Post by A$AP Rosko on Sept 22, 2010 12:38:51 GMT -5
Fair enough, but then there are a bunch of just cringe-worthy lyrics on Outer South. I think Oberst is a good songwriter, but, to me at least, his songwriting talents are relatively finite. I think there are plenty of better songwriters out there from his generation. Craig Finn, Sufjan Stevens (IMO...apart from his over-the-top arrangements, lyrics are often dynamite), even Josh Ritter. Those are just a few off the top of my head that I think are better than Oberst. I know you guys weren't claiming that he was the best songwriter or the only great songwriter, I guess my point is just that I'm just not completely sold on Oberst's songwriting prowess.
I can dig that. I don't think he's the best, but that brings the question of who might be the best to mind. Sufjan Stevens, Ryan Adams, Sam Beam, Avetts along with Oberst come to mind. I've never given neither Finn nor Ritter a shot. Need to get on that, huh?
Last Edit: Sept 22, 2010 12:52:48 GMT -5 by Deleted - Back to Top
Post by A$AP Rosko on Sept 22, 2010 12:56:41 GMT -5
Finn is a different kind of songwriter than the others in that, instead of writing individual songs about different things, the entire discography of The Hold Steady has consisted of an entire world that Finn's imagination has created (although it is a world very much rooted in reality) and each Hold Steady song is a story within that world, if that makes sense. Not in a sci-fi way, just in a way that all the songs he's ever written, the themes he's written about, and the characters whose stories he has told are all intertwined. He would probably be my nomination for the best lyricist of our generation. If anybody is a poet who just happens to be in a rock band, it's Finn.
Plus, the themes that he consistently and stubbornly pounds away at are really interesting to me. So maybe that's it.
He'll definitely go down as one of the best lyricists of our generation.
This is categorically untrue. Only time will tell. Trying to gauge how an artist will be viewed when our generation of music is looked back upon is like trying to gauge how a player will perform for your fantasy football lineup--you can have a good idea that a player will play well, but until it happens, then you can't say that he definitely will have a good game. While I like Oberst just as much as the next guy and I think his music is fine (and I actually really like those albums in the middle of the Bright Eyes discography, the three/four before Cassadaga), I personally don't think that when people look back on this generation of songwriters 20 years from now, that Oberst's name will be one of the first that comes up. But it might. Then again, Ritter's probably won't either--he's just a personal fave of mine and I'm surprised more people aren't more into his music.
-When I Hear My Name -Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground -Blue Orchid -Passive Manipulation -Red Rain -Death Letter -My Doorbell -Hotel Yorba -Same Boy You've Always Known -Lovesick -Little Ghost -We're Going to Be Friends -The Hardest Button to Button -Black Math -The Nurse -I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself
Encore: -Ball and Biscuit -Seven Nation Army -Screwdriver
Ah didn't mean it like that karosko. I would like to discuss this more at length and learn more about songwriters without further derailing the thread.
I don't like either of those guys lyrical styles as much as Oberst, but that doesn't mean they aren't good.
As far as best songwriter, melodies and arrangements are a higher priority to me than lyrics.
I like Sufjan, AC Newman, James Mercer, Jack White III, and Julian Casablancas.
Can't speak for Zapp, but I was using the term "songwriter" loosely; I was referring specifically to the lyrics. If we're including arrangements and melodies, though, it's probably gotta be Thom Yorke...but that wouldn't be fair to Jonny Greenwood. Jack White is definitely right there with him. Different styles, but both are and should be legends.
Ah didn't mean it like that karosko. I would like to discuss this more at length and learn more about songwriters without further derailing the thread.
I gotcha, dawg. But, still, I'm sorry for derailing the MMJ thread I'll start the thread...unless you're a step ahead of me.
Fair enough, but then there are a bunch of just cringe-worthy lyrics on Outer South.
Just wanted to point out that half the songs on that album were written or co-written by the Mystic Valley Band members.
Could you be more specific as to what were some "cringe-worthy lyrics" on that album? I'm not doubting you.....I just would like to see what you consider "cringe-worthy" and then see if it was a song Conor wrote or one that other members wrote.
Fair enough, but then there are a bunch of just cringe-worthy lyrics on Outer South.
Just wanted to point out that half the songs on that album were written or co-written by the Mystic Valley Band members.
Could you be more specific as to what were some "cringe-worthy lyrics" on that album? I'm not doubting you.....I just would like to see what you consider "cringe-worthy" and then see if it was a song Conor wrote or one that other members wrote.
To be honest, I don't remember which lyrics specifically, I just remember shuddering a few times when I sat down with the lyrics and listened to that album. They may not've been Conor's words.
Just wanted to point out that half the songs on that album were written or co-written by the Mystic Valley Band members.
Could you be more specific as to what were some "cringe-worthy lyrics" on that album? I'm not doubting you.....I just would like to see what you consider "cringe-worthy" and then see if it was a song Conor wrote or one that other members wrote.
To be honest, I don't remember which lyrics specifically, I just remember shuddering a few times when I sat down with the lyrics and listened to that album. They may not've been Conor's words.
Ya I hear what you're saying. I remember laughing at "Air Mattress" about sleeping on an air mattress with a girl but then found out it's a Taylor Hollingsworth song and not really Connor's lyrics.
The Outer South album was definitely a group effort and not all Conor.
Maybe so. But again I think that's because Outer South relied on the rest of the band a lot more (singing and songwriting). There still some great songs on Outer South but the first album is still better.
wow this could potentially lineup nicely then. As much as this band has been discussed on this board I am happy to contribute towards making sure it stays on the front page of the forum. until bonnaroo makes it happen it will be staring them in the face mwahaha
wow this could potentially lineup nicely then. As much as this band has been discussed on this board I am happy to contribute towards making sure it stays on the front page of the forum. until bonnaroo makes it happen it will be staring them in the face mwahaha