Bright Eyes - Noise Floor (rarities)

On Noise Floor, Conor Oberst presents a collection of b-sides and rarities that spans a large amount of his musical career. As is the case with so many other bands, this b-side record misses any form of cohesion. Of course, there aren’t really classics available on it either, as all the good songs have appeared on ‘real’ records, but there are, thankfully, a few stand out moments.

Press through the frankly abysmal a cappella effort ‘Mirrors and Fevers’ and you’ll arrive at the two-hit wonder that is ‘I Will be Grateful for This Day’ and ‘Trees Get Wheeled Away’. While this isn’t the case, both songs sound like they are left from Bright Eyes’ most recent records, ‘I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning’ and ‘Digital Ash In A Digital Urn’. Both songs have sounds, structures and melodies that remind one very much of these records.

Drunk Kid Catholic is indeed a great song, featuring Mark Bowen. The next great piece of art comes in the form of ‘Blue Angels Air Show’, with fantastic sounds that set the mood. ‘Bad Blood’ and the Daniel Johnston cover ‘Devil Town’ are both lovely songs for the ones that prefer the ‘harder’ works of the one-man band, while ‘Amy in the White Coat’ will surely please listeners that need an emotional pinch.

So, this collection isn’t half that bad, but of course they are just left overs and they will never overcome the shadow of Bright Eyes’ real work. A record for the fans.

Written by Michel Musters (Moz La Punk)

7/10