Digital Ash in a Digital Urn

( 3 )

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - David Sprague
This disc, the more rock-oriented of Conor Oberst's simultaneous 2005 releases, is certainly the most ambitious undertaking of the Nebraskan expatriate's career, veering as it does from detached electronica to neo-glam. But while the sonic trappings are unlike those of any previous Bright Eyes outing, the core sentiments -- and erudite lyrics -- remain the same. On "Down in a Rabbit Hole," Oberst exudes his usual longing, but rather than mutter about it with a reticence that makes the listener feel like an eavesdropper, he takes a stance that's practically rock star-esque. The more amped-up backing -- helmed by Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner -- also goes a long ...
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More About This Product

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - David Sprague
This disc, the more rock-oriented of Conor Oberst's simultaneous 2005 releases, is certainly the most ambitious undertaking of the Nebraskan expatriate's career, veering as it does from detached electronica to neo-glam. But while the sonic trappings are unlike those of any previous Bright Eyes outing, the core sentiments -- and erudite lyrics -- remain the same. On "Down in a Rabbit Hole," Oberst exudes his usual longing, but rather than mutter about it with a reticence that makes the listener feel like an eavesdropper, he takes a stance that's practically rock star-esque. The more amped-up backing -- helmed by Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner -- also goes a long way toward sharpening the self-directed barbs secreted within the alcohol-sodden "Hit the Switch." Oberst's never been shy about examining the uglier side of life, a space he illustrates quite effectively on the woozy, nightmarish "Easy/Lucky/Free." Digital Ash isn't, however, all gloom and doom: "Light Pollution," for instance, lopes along coquettishly with a Roxette-like spring in its step belying, of course, the fact that it concerns a seemingly fatal auto accident. Taken as a whole, the disc has a vibe that's reminiscent of David Bowie's made-in-Berlin albums Low, The Lodger -- and that blend of elegance and seediness makes Oberst a compelling, if potentially tragic, character.
All Music Guide - Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Digital Ash in a Digital Urn is designed to be the musical polar opposite to the simultaneously-released I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, to be the ambitious, modernistic electronic record that stands in contrast to the sepia-toned, classicist acoustic LP. The production and arrangements may have changed, but Conor Oberst's preference to lyrics over music remains the same. Nevertheless, there is more variety and dynamicism on Digital Ash, which makes it a more interesting listen than its companion, even if it's hard not to escape the feeling that the album is Bright Eyes' take on the Postal Service's Give Up.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 1/25/2005
  • Label: Saddle Creek
  • UPC: 648401007329
  • Catalog Number: 73
  • Sales rank: 15,505

Album Credits

Performance Credits
Bright Eyes Primary Artist
Marcia Ann Taylor Vocals
Kimberly Salistean Violin, Group Member
Mike Mogis Guitar, Chimes, Keyboards, Theremin, Baritone, Timpani, Wurlitzer
Clark Baechle Drums
Jiha Lee Flute
Jason Boesel Percussion, Drums
Conor Oberst Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Piano, Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals, Baritone, Sampling, Wurlitzer
Nate Walcott Trumpet
Sabrina Duim Harp
Nick White Keyboards
Donna Carnes Violin, Group Member
Karen Becker Cello, Group Member
Thomas Kluge Viola, Group Member
Andy Leverett Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Stella Mogis Vocals
Nick Zinner Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Sabrina Duim Harp
Technical Credits
Andy LeMaster Engineer
Mike Mogis Engineer
Doug Van Sloun Mastering
Jimmy Tamborello Programming
Conor Oberst Composer
Nate Walcott String Arrangements
Andy Leverett Programming
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 3 )
Rating Distribution

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Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    AMAZING CANNOT DESCRIBE IT!

    Bright Eyes is so talented and Conor Oberst's voice is amazing. Every single track beginning from the beginning until the end is worth listening to over and over and over. The vocals, the guitar and drum playing and the back up vocals..........all of these combined make Bright Eyes and outstanding band. I can't get enough of them and some of the most memorable tracks from this cd are tracks 4, 6, 7, 8, and 12.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    conor christ

    I picked this album up at his concert in Chicago, and as expected, loved every note and word contained within. What does brilliance sound like when it audibly shines? Like Bright Eyes.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 2, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews