Ruminations

“Ruminations” Conor Oberst
Raw, real, almost uncomfortably intimate indie rock and folk filled with loneliness, from one of the best singer-songwriters of his generation. Battered by personal difficulties — a rape accusation that was withdrawn after being thoroughly discredited — and serious health issues including a brain cyst, Oberst retreated to his native Omaha to write these "Ruminations," and then record the songs in 48 hours. In the end, he and his long-time producer, Mike Mogis, decided to leave them largely unadorned with just Oberst’s vocals, his piano, guitar, and harmonica. It’s exquisite poetry set to music, and his most Bright Eyes-sounding album in a number of years.
— Francis

Recommended: 8, 1, 7, 6, 5. No FCCs detected.

1. (3:39) Tachycardia – Plinking piano. Dylan-style harmonica in lead breaks. Squeezed vocals. ****
2. (4:12) Barbary Coast (Later) – Strumming guitar. Rich, full vocals.
3. (3:35) Gossamer Thin – Melodic, swaying piano ballad.
4. (3:29) Counting Sheep – Simple, guitar-based ditty about trying to deal with challenges — from health issues to daily depression.
5. (3:57) Mamah Borthwick (A Sketch) – Folk song featuring harmonica and guitar. ***
6. (3:29) The Rain Follows the Plow – Uplifting, piano-driven love song. ***
7. (4:15) A Little Uncanny – Acoustic guitar and harmonica. Biting, cynical spoken lyrics about famous people such as Jane Fonda and Ronald Reagan, and a verse that mentions tortured souls Oberst admires such as Robin Williams and Sylvia Plath. ***
8. (3:26) Next of Kin – Very Bright Eyes-sounding. Piano, harmonica and Oberst’s quavering, emotive vocals. ****
9. (3:49) You All Loved Him Once – Bitter, sad, self-focused commentary about the price Oberst feels he’s paid being in the public eye — and the shallowness of adoration.
10. (4:13) Till St. Dymphna Kicks Us Out – Piano-centered, storytelling closer.