Cassadega – Modern Mystery

Conor Oberst fans rejoice! Bright Eyes is BACK! The group will release their newest, and 7th album on February 15, 2011 via Saddle Creek. Titled The People’s Key, will feature ten new tracks from the Oberst, Mike Mogis, Nathaniel Walcott trio.

Additional players on the record include Andy LeMaster, (Now It’s Overhead), Matt Maginn (Cursive), Carla Azar (Autolux), Clark Baechle (The Faint), Shane Aspegren (The Berg Sans Nipple), Laura Burhenn (The Mynabirds) and Denny Brewer (Refried Ice Cream).

What will this sound like you may ask…well we guess it’s too early to tell. The follow-up to Cassadega (Saddle Creek) was a long wait as Oberst dabbled in solo projects and super groups. This could also be the last Bright Eyes record if anyone recalls Conor stating that a few years ago. We will have to wait and see for sure.

Bright Eyes have just announced two shows to get us even more excited about the album release. One at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and the other at Royal Albert Hall in London. You can find the information regarding those shows below. The pre-sales begin TOMORROW, so be sure to have your mouse clicker finger ready.

Take a peek at the show information AND the tracklisting for the new LP. 2011 is already starting off with a bang in indie rock.

Live shows & on sale info:
March 9th New York, NY Radio City Music Hall*
June 23rd London, UK Royal Albert Hall#

*Pre-Sale Begins: December 1 at 12PM EST. Public On-Sale: December 4 at 10AM EST
# Pre-Sale Begins: December 1 at 12PM EST. Public On-Sale: Saturday, December 4 at 9AM

Full track list for The People’s Key
1 Firewall
2 Shell Games
3 Jejune Stars 4 Approximate Sunlight
5 Haile Selassie
6 A Machine Spiritual (In The People’s Key)
7 Triple Spiral
8 Beginner’s Mind
9 Ladder Song
10 One For You, One For Me

Yes this is the new album cover!

Conor and the boys are back for a second time with their newest upcoming release Outer South due out next month on Merge. Yes, there has been a few complaints that the new Conor project isn’t really reflective of Bright Eyes, but who said it had to be? Oberst is more poetic and honest than ever…and not to mention there is a bit more ‘pep in his step’ if you will. The band just released a new single on their site titled ‘Slowly (Oh So Slowly)’ which continues with the spirit of their first record.

Listen to the stream of the new song at The Mystic Valley Band Website

On a Conor Oberst note, The Killers have just covered a version of Bright Eyes‘ Cassadega. Right now you can only view it on Youtube. Its a really interesting take on the song. It will appear on their Spaceman EP due out next month on Island.