Conor Oberst "Hundreds of Ways" Reviewed

Conor Oberst

Conor Oberst, easily one of my favorite musicians of all time, has released some very exciting news.  33-year-old indie-folk god has the ability to make everything he touches turn to gold, and new tune “Hundreds of Ways” is no exception.  When I first read that it was a country-inspired tune, I cringed a bit because I hate country music- until I think back to Cassadaga and “Classic Cars”; Oberst even makes country tolerable.

“Hundreds of Ways” opens up with a light and airy vibe, smooth and clean.  Oberst’s voice comes in, “What a thing to be a witness to the sunshine; what a dream to just be walking on the ground- what a time to live among the action, remnants of our love that came before and i’m still looking for that now.”  It’s so positive, and his classic, iconic wavery voice is incredibly prominent and I love it.

“There are hundreds of ways to get through the day, there are hundreds of ways, so just find one.” The chorus is upbeat and strong, backed by the duo First Aid Kit, who he’s worked with before.  They’re a great fit, and I’m glad he incorporated their vocals.

“Maybe no one ever seems to be the person that they mean to be; I hope I am forgotten when I die,” is an extremely poignant line.  He’s a poet, with thousands of one-liners throughout his entire career that are not only addictive and thought-provoking, but are definitive of his career.  It’s wonderful to see that he’s keeping with that trademark.

“Hundreds of Ways” is phenomenal.  It’s definitely promising; he’s releasing a solo record on May 20th, and it’s going to follow this more country-tinged direction.

To support this album, he’s going on tour.  Here are the northeast dates:

5/22 Westbury, NY – The Space at Westbury
5/25 Munhall, PA – Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead
7/29 New York, NY – Central Park Summer Stage at Rumsey Playfield