There is something spectral present on Bright Eyes new disc Cassadaga. That much I know. While attempting to detox/record this new album, main BE Conor Oberst was directed to the album's namesake; an area of Florida known for it's tremendous psychic community. It's mark on Oberst is evident, because the minute you cue up the first track you literally feel the auras seep through your speakers, covering you like a warm afghan. If it's at all possible to physically transmit emotions through music then Cassadaga could very well land up as research material for a senior thesis. Working once again with longtime producer (and now full time BE member) Mike Mogis, Oberst has crafted an insanely cohesive record; a literal hybrid of the sounds found on his last two dual releases I'm Wide Awake It's Morning & Digital Ash In A Digital Urn. Looking to shed his boy wonder image, CO's work on Cassadaga represents a huge step forward for the band not only in terms of songwriting but also in the maturity of the band's sound. A definite contender for album of the year. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

Bright Eyes: Make A Plan To Love Me (highly rec'd!!)

Bright Eyes: Coat Check Dream Song

Bright Eyes: If The Brakeman Turns My Way (highly rec'd!!)

Bright Eyes: Cleanse Song