While the LA Times is compiling a list for John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Jason Bonham containing 5 Ways to Avert a Disaster if they really do reunite Led Zeppelin with a singer who is not Plant, I’m content with getting my list of Top 10 albums of 2008 together, and Conor Oberst’s solo debut will most assuredly be near the top.
Recorded with his Mystic Valley Band in Tepoztlan, Mexico, Conor Oberst showcases Oberst’s skillful songwriting in a more stripped down country rock setting than we’ve become accustomed to with his Bright Eyes projects. The band stopped by Conan recently and their inclusion of several new songs not on the album, including the gorgeous “Ten Women,” has me pretty much prepared for the eventuality of them making the 2009 list as well.
You can get Conor Oberst straight from the source at Merge Records.