Hard-working indie rockers don't always have it easy. Artists like Frank Black and Ryan Adams were often blamed one after the other after a glorious start to their career. They made too many albums, were too adventurous or didn't offer enough variety in their style. The slightly younger American Conor Oberst is fast earning the same questionable status. With Bright Eyes, Monsters of Folk and his
… records with The Mystic Valley Band, he is a busy guy who threatens to lose the attention of the average fan and rock critic. That is not really due to his musicality. His third CD with The Mystic Valley Band is a fiery rock record on which the singer / songwriter presents us with eleven robust songs. Again, American roots artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Tom Petty are the main source of inspiration. Album opener and title track One Of My Kind is the highlight of the CD with its pleasant lead guitars, cheerful synths and a passionate Oberst. That it doesn't really go wrong after this, proves that Oberst remains a good songsmith in addition to being a diligent. (JE)more
