Conor Oberst: Full Concert | NPR Music Front Row

[@coryander4918]

i cannot understand how can somebody be this good at songwriting

[@winstoncadman4904]

Conor said in an interview that he writes the music first and add some nonsense lyrics first and once the melody is solidified he starts with the lyrics again and make it develop into something more substantial over days or even weeks. And here's what he says which blew me away...he said "then I make every word count" And if one knows Conor then we know that once you think you understand the lyrics you realize you just scratched the surface.

[@coryander4918]

@@winstoncadman4904 i love this, thank you!

[@jigabojones7224]

He’s first ablum was at like 9 with better lyrics then must bands make there entire career he’s a unique artist

[@magnuskane246]

@@jigabojones7224 Yeah, he obviously was born with the gift. I believe his brother was also an english teacher, so clearly writing is in the family.

[@En_Pissant]

If I had to feel the way I imagine he feels when he writes most of these songs, I’m not sure I’d take that deal. Then again, so many of us relate, so we might be experiencing that to some degree anyway. Whatever the case, appreciate the songs. Monsters of Folk, “Ahead of the Curve” has recently inspired me so much. I feel like he is one of those voices that speaks for a generation. Millennials, I reckon, as I am one. Helping us sort this age out.

[@Mil-Homens]

I always find myself coming back here. There's something in Conor... He just communicates in so many ways. Even when he describes the simplest things, he does it with such a beauty. I hope you hang around, man.

[@richhadfield3836]

I want Conor Oberst to describe what is like to come upon an empty cookie jar when you had just purchased cookies yesterday.

[@Mil-Homens]

It would probably be his saddest song ever.

[@shanecountryman4026]

Agreed indeed. Please never leave us Conor Oberst....please. Such a true and authentic human being, making honest music that we instantly feel, instantly wonder how we ever did without. I'm a multi instrument playing lover of almost all music with an emphasis on my metal head tendencies. If someone had a gun to my head I might then be able to declare one artist to be my picked favorite....and it would be Conor Oberst. The other side of the pillow....soft, cool, and you keep flipping back to it, and it's always just what you need. Conor's music is my other side of the pillow.

[@lamueljsackson1376]

@@Mil-Homens it would probably turn into a metal song at that point lol it's what I'd do haha

[@colina1330]

Same. This comment is 4 years old, but it still holds true. Been a fan for like 15 years now,

[@soursweettooth]

His songwriting is as sharp as it's ever been. Inspiring.

[@danielhammons915]

Best lyricist there has ever been. He has a way of making anything into something amazing.

[@lamueljsackson1376]

@@danielhammons915 give Elliott Smith a listen bro you wont be disappointed I assure you 👍🤘🎶🎵🎙🎸

[@skifullydone8165]

@@danielhammons915 Neil Finn is a good first, and Conor is a good second haha. Or the other way around..... For real, the lyrics are astounding of both gentlemen!

[@humanonearth1]

@@lamueljsackson1376 He's a big influence of Conor clearly.

[@IndyLiveMusic]

Also check out Andrew bird….. he’s an interesting character, a little more removed, but with some good pondering points too

[@jaydauria4593]

Came across this video at 3:30 am and watched the entire video.. First time of hearing of conor.. What an incredible story teller. Beautifully told. This is the art I live for.

[@madtiboysen5397]

Jay Dauria honestly have fun going through his entire career. I personally don't see any down periods. Not everything is the same but it'd all valid and we're lucky to have him.

[@belac0911]

He has so many amazing lyrics it’s impossible to find a favorite, listen to his old stuff with Bright Eyes, it’s amazing!!

[@ptjameson]

Try Moab, Lua, Method Acting (also check out David Rawlings version), First Day of My Life, I Got the Reason (#2)...

[@jamessum825]

Man you’ve been missing out. One of the most prolific and underrated song writers of our generation. He brings so much emotion to the table when writing his music that often times I break down crying while listening to his music because you can just feel the sheer unbridled pain he was feeling when he wrote it. It’s amazing.

[@lamueljsackson1376]

Jay Duria listen to 2:45am by Elliott Smith at exactly 2:45 am lol but check out his other stuff too.. along with Conor's old stuff in Bright Eyes

[@lindsaypyykonen8424]

I am thankful to live in this time and place that has Conor Oberst making music.

[@lamueljsackson1376]

Yup.. its becuz of songwriters like him I'm still alive he's helped me thru so much without even knowing it 🤟

[@shanecountryman4026]

Conor Oberst your music is the other side of my pillow. Soft and cool, always being flipped back to, always just what I need. Thank you so very much!

[@skifullydone8165]

This comment is so true.

[@Iamsleepytired]

If I could love this man anymore than I already do, I'd explode. There is no other singer/songwriter/ person that makes me feel the way he makes me feel. He owns my soul every time I listen to his music.

[@shilohstout5152]

Jessica Cesar his words are beautiful!

[@lamueljsackson1376]

Hey Jessica I feel the same way too but I really recommend you listen to Elliott Smith... that man was on another level his own.. sucks that the insanely talented ones never last and end up returning to the earth 😞😭💔 but yeah give him a listen he honestly doesn't have a bad song or album

[@Iamsleepytired]

Oh, I love me some Elliot Smith. It's almost impossible to not be a fan of both these powerfully sad songwriters. It is quite a shame that Smith is no longer with us. The influence he had on Conor is undeniable. ❤❤

[@xehanort6]

It’s maddening that the Recording Academy treats him like a has been when it comes to Grammys. His consistency and artistry is so ridiculously strong, and I’d argue he gets better with age. It’s ridiculous.

[@Iamsleepytired]

@@xehanort6 Agree 100%

[@nicholasjamesmurphy5507]

Ruminations is up there with the best albums of this decade. And that's saying something.

[@josephcrogan3805]

So true..Everything about this album is amazing..easily one of my favorite things he’s done

[@fabledlies]

It was voted best album of 2016 if I remember correctly

[@levic95]

Conor, your music has kept me on this world more than once. This entire show is absolutely perfect. Keep up the awesome work.

[@mbjoyce100]

Conor, my son is a big fan of yours and a songwriter as well. When I heard your songs, I understand his. They are so deep and other worldly. Please know how amazing you are to those of us that find you!! Thank you for giving us your amazing gift of ethereal stories. I so appreciate it!! (btw, my son is Dolfish) #conoroberst

[@cocohirsch9957]

Beautiful comment, must be pretty cool having a mother who cares about her son like you do

[@sametzweiler2630]

been waiting for this ever since his new record. sad time for Conor, but we all love him dearly

[@_A_D_]

Why is it as sad time for him?

[@TboneWillsone]

"He didn't intend to make an album - he was trying to recover from exhaustion after he was rattled by a health scare, a cyst on his brain." There's more info in the description.

[@armaniellysseful]

we need him sad to write good music. do you think we would have gotten fever and mirrors if he had a naturally cheery disposition? this kind of art is pain.

[@jeremytreat89]

his brother also died suddenly in November of last year, so yeah definitely a horribly gut wrenching time for him.

[@blixtenmusik]

Knowing how Conors music usually makes me feel, i've waited with listening to the new stuff for different reasons. Now i did and this hit me like a freight train.

[@cryscrash1343]

I just came across one of his songs barely a month ago, and I keep coming back to him. There's something so raw and beautiful, and obviously dark that I can't stray away from. I wish I'd found his songs a while ago.

[@lamueljsackson1376]

Check out his Bright Eyes stuff.. I recommend Poison Oak or We Are Nowhere and it's now.. cant go bad with any song off any album really

[@MaybeWeAintUs]

He has such a unique, beautiful voice. Exquisite lyrics.

[@rmtrainer7]

The rawness and realness of this album is just what I needed. Thank you Conor for doing what you do. Creating honest art and being vulnerable to the masses is EXTREMELY BRAVE.

[@L0G0PHILE]

you never know, he may read it.

[@liffever]

I read it.

[@dougrobinson8469]

I read it, too.

[@skifullydone8165]

Upside Down Mountain..... Listen to that. You won't regret!

[@vvalpal]

i will forever be grateful i came across such a beautiful artist there will truly never be anyone like him

[@johnsheehy644]

Counting sheep is just so honest I love it and feel it in my soul

[@ImSoGonzo]

The burst of nostalgia from this guys voice is about as heavy as it gets.

[@Vangabonders]

I can't get enough of Conor Oberst

[@DistortedFaiths]

Conor is intense and puts such passion into each song he performs like he is telling a prophecy through a story and that story means everything to him. You can imaginel how personally signifcant each song is to him with the energy he puts into it.

[@alexclarkson6313]

Still the greatest song writer of our generation, or maybe ever!!!

[@imaxdigital7052]

You think he's a better songwriter than Bob Dylan?

[@alexclarkson6313]

There are many contenders in my opinion and of course, it really comes down to taste. However, if you break song writing down to skillful melodies, rhythmic use of syllables and lyrics that are clever, soulful and poetic, it would hard to ignore Conors work. I would suggest that no-one in our generation comes close and Conor could easily stand up next to Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Bruce Springfield etc

[@gui-texzan7477]

I'd add Ryan Adams and possibly Joseph Arthur to a list of great Gen X singer/songwriters.

[@draft1643]

Bruce Springfield lmao

[@michaelf8842]

Dylan plagiarized a lot of his music. It is kinda a folk art/music thing to do, they take a lot of inspiration from other artists, to the point of it looking incredibly similar to other works.

[@caseybeck1925]

I've listened to this show almost everyday since it came out. sometimes even more than twice a day. I love it

[@kiakio11111]

Agreed, Best song writer! serious talent, the guy comes out with quality work constantly.

[@krispace5844]

I'm not sure how talented you have to be to play the harmonica while you are also playing the piano at the same time and then playing the harmonica while you are also playing the guitar at the same time, but it seems to exhibit immense talent in my estimation.

[@PUDINHED]

It's simpler than singing while playing piano/guitar, but IMO way more fun.

[@chelsealouanne3520]

His mind is amazing and artistic capabilities endless. He only gets better over the years.

[@twally87]

his harmonica playing has the same quiver his voice does

[@wisconsinbred1573]

This man is a treasure.; I could never explain what you've done and meant for me. You sing my soul......thank you

[@humanonearth1]

There's a certain integrity and intensity to his music that I find really compelling.

[@th3gr81]

I love that bass, the Fender VI (Squier) is incredible and affordable.

[@TuffBaddi]

Bass VI represent!

[@bralph82]

That was intense.

[@zacharyschroeder2619]

YEEEEEEEES. Been listening to you for 10+ years now. Just keep going, you will live on for ever i promise you. Much love from KC Mo!!❤❤❤❤

[@pancakes246]

He sounds so good live

[@dansenkat]

Beautiful! Such an incredible artirst, I hope someday I can get to see him play live, though even through the screen I still get all of these emotions. Thanks for the upload!

[@electiclovex3]

Wow I remember him from Bright Eyes. Excited to see he's still around.

[@sharkbait430]

He never went away!

[@Sturmbro629]

Check out all Conor's solo albums. All.

[@nogagiss]

electiclovex3 He's always active. Just have to look for it.

[@zackschwartz5236]

He’s in a lot of band mystic valley band monsters of folk bright eyes and just his solo shit there’s probably more and if there are I’d love to hear it

[@Aussie.Owlcoholic]

@@zackschwartz5236 Now his newest venture too, Better Oblivion Community Center, and also his emo band Commander Venus

[@birkha86]

Phantastisch! Danke!🎯

[@PhilipSmucker]

I love you Conor. You definitely changed my life for the better.

[@MrDeez-he6fz]

Conor is an absolute musical genius

[@Lukamusic81]

Such honesty. My music was so inspired by him 15 years ago

[@mrtabitha31]

He is brilliant. Say what you will.

[@jedwalsh4055]

what a gorgeous show

[@GGprods-o2x]

Love this series.... Thank you for this.

[@paulescue4478]

A friend in my bipolar circle suggested Conor ... my soul has been stirred.

[@theman2618]

Welcome to the loop hole club.

[@skifullydone8165]

Have fun.

[@miker7795]

I wasn't in the right place to get into Bright Eyes, but all of his solo projects are amazing. Why? I think because he's the unicorn. It's the combination of lyrics, voice, melody combined with a earnestness of "I believe what i'm singing" Not many of those guys!

[@dougrobinson8469]

I'm not sure if I envy or pity the first part.

[@miker7795]

@@dougrobinson8469 it's a conundrum for sure, but I've made it through without knowing what i was missing. I don't have the bandwidth to go back to 17 year old Conor.

[@skifullydone8165]

Me neither. I've discovered them again this year. Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst is dark/emo and normally I am positive/happy. But sometimes you just need your Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst shot! I need them alot lately! (Not depressive or whatever, just good music)!

[@miker7795]

@@skifullydone8165 Yeah, I feel similar in the way to Elliott Smith. It's not depressive, unless you're in the "poor me" phase that day.

[@ISAACTALIFE]

Connor performing to a smaller crowd /more intimate setting brings out a totally different animal. I remember seeing him at Carnegie hall and it being so different from him playing in a huge venue.

[@jessicacain3555]

I’ve only seen him in smaller venues and it seems so much more intimate.

[@dconley13662]

Love, love, love! Connor is a wizard! Absolutely amazing!

[@ATalkInTheAttic]

the best lyricist of his generation, maybe of all-time

[@AndiKnittel]

Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@Yish-gy7ju]

A true artist. Thank you so much for this.

[@iamshaman]

Can you imagine if he got the part in Inside Llewyn Davis? That would have changed the film so much.. would have been interesting to see

[@kristaselene]

Love the venue.

[@artyomsidorvich4489]

I wish the best for him. The circumstance he's in is terrible.

[@agnesericson7500]

Marko Polancec what has happened to him?

[@artyomsidorvich4489]

Found a cyst on his brain,I also read something had happened to his throat during or just prior to the recording of this album.

[@artyomsidorvich4489]

Numerous websites and also Anthony Fantano

[@danielhammons915]

His brother also recently died, so there's that too.

[@nickemerick9923]

There's another really dark album coming then. Poor Conor..

[@jedwalsh4055]

I love these songs

[@caseybeck1925]

Fucking love this album. especially the final song

[@skifullydone8165]

Till St. Dymphna Kicks Us Out is my favorite of that album! Such a great ender.

[@maurosottomayor1997]

Amazing Conor!! One of the best storytellers of today!!

[@ayomideegbaiyelo5668]

Had to check the comments to be sure I’m not getting too emotional 🥺

[@lolo1221]

Hey, just wondering if I am reading this right, he recorded within 48 hours ? Love this performance btw.

[@Fredthe99th]

Yeah, I think in an interview he said he went home over winter and found he had written all these songs before he knew it. Record it all over two days

[@BillOConnor7]

love that there's a harmonica guy

[@vugetunks]

Bill O'Connor he’s the harmonica guy

[@skifullydone8165]

@@vugetunks He might meant the guy who gave him the harmonica?

[@No1_Inpa_Ticular]

Very much like Dark Side Of the Moon mixed with Dylan. 👍😎✌️👍👐 I applaud!

[@ditty88]

'it would take a time machine to fulfill all my fantasies' ... Greatness, I would have to agree! :) he might be negative as shit, but he expresses it perfectly, and authentically. ..

[@shanecountryman4026]

haley k ....I....love you?

[@skifullydone8165]

Back to the Future Part IV confirmed?

[@ITURTLECOOKIES]

Nigga done played the whole album

[@laceynerness2042]

Moo moo I read this comment several months ago and I swear I randomly think of it and crack up. Hilarious.

[@UNCLECHUDKINZ]

The king of emo. One of the best to make the full transitions fully

[@georgecolwell3317]

Would've love to have heard an Elliott Smith and Conor collab project

[@dougrobinson8469]

Listen to Conor cover The Biggest Lie off of the live album and that's as close as we'll get.

[@olgatiptsova5704]

He really let me think on Bernard from Black Books

[@plrbplr]

Conor looks literally sick as fuck

[@lindaengbrocks4186]

I‘m feeling grateful my exhusband has showed me his music ❤❤❤❤

[@karasmusic123]

What a heartbreaker. ❤️ Good lord.

[@michaelnone6322]

so sober and clear

[@bentolleson8582]

It breaks my heart he was almost ruined due to fake allegations

[@christopherregan4931]

whats this?

[@SerHuntsReviews]

Bright Eyes anyone?

[@1machine]

I think you’re there... building something that’s sacred till the end...

[@Vangabonders]

Perfection

[@robertlopez6276]

Yeah no one can, we just want him Around always

[@chafins81]

don't want you to feel sad baby, I take everything back I swear I do. cuz once all the friends I had, have used me up and left, I bet you'll hang around

[@BradwurstBAM]

14:07 look up bright eyes - the biggest lie cover to see what he means (also a beautiful cover)

[@poisonousfire4732]

How in love with conors sadness I am!!!

[@vugetunks]

poisonous fire HE SINGS AND SINGS OF AWFUL THINGS THE PLEASURE THAT HIS SADNESS BRINGS AS HIS FINGERS DOWN ON THE STRINGS YET ANOTHER CLUMSY CHORD

[@forournostalgia]

db_Vuge haligh haligh a lie haligh. That is the first song i ever heard from bright eyes and was hooked, made me listen to all his other albums with bright eyes and his solo records, and into Desaparesidos. He’s been my favorite artist / songwriter ever since Haligh haligh.

[@UnaLichtlein]

I truly believe he is a (undiagnosed?) neurodivergent person. He had a lot to deal with, especially over the last years and the last time I saw him live in 22, it seemed to me that it might has already been to much. I am forever thankful for his Art, providing room to dream, when I did mind my head and I do wish him all the best, from the bottom of my heart... ❤🙌

[@chafins81]

don't want you to feel sad baby, I take everything back I swear I do.

[@trashprincess3664]

Darlin' this world has wrecked your soul. I know that pain as well :c

[@angelominutillo9571]

❤✌❤

[@skateboards5298]

Best thing he has made since Casadega...

[@madtiboysen5397]

Skate Boards it's in a similar vein. I think People's Key was amazing, but that was a little closer to Digital Ash.

[@skifullydone8165]

@@madtiboysen5397 Lifted, Upside Down Mountain and I'm Wide Awake... soooo good.

[@thomaspearson6564]

If Paul Simon has a better or rival it is Connor

[@oebs1]

Shouts to Conor for pronouncing the name Sean right!

[@jackheenan1585]

he got himself in the mooOOOOOOvies

[@JayKeg35]

i love this

[@okayjosem]

Still got it

[@tencoconuts679]

Masterpieces

[@Roach_dope]

Oh how beautiful the madness turns into music

[@jaredhills82]

love you Conor

[@ezrhino100]

not a fan but huge respect to the man.....

[@thatONEmachine]

I love the banter in between songs. You can tell he has had a couple. I know the feeling. Going through a divorce right now too.

[@miker.9138]

I was thinking, "Did he forget a verse on You All Loved Him Once?"

[@AngMoKio8]

This is pure gold.

[@Lukamusic81]

Can anyone hear the electric guitar? I think they forgot to turn him up

[@dilap11]

pretty sure it's pitch-shifted and playing bass lines

[@TheCheesecakedeath]

What's the name of his bass player and backup vocalist please

[@AndiKnittel]

Miwi La Lupa

[@SouthMSPrepper]

Any fellow musicians know the key's his harmonicas are for the songs in this album. I've been trying to pick them out, but I'm a novice harmonica player, and I'm having issues. I'd be thankful for any help!

[@Snowboardbound]

Jose Lopez key of D for Barbary Coast

[@codybruner7608]

Tachycardia-C Barbary Coast- D Gossamer Thin-B Mama Borthwick-C The Rain It Follows the Plow-C A Little Uncanny-G Next of Kin- A You All Loved Him Once-D St Dymphnas- G

[@GathererThompson]

I can't imagine a future, say 200 years from now, that might contain people who wouldn't be moved, or even interested, in these songs. I'm not the best at imagining honest nightmares, though, so maybe that's my fault.

[@BillyGoht]

4.35 tho? why?

[@noahbroch5256]

hope it was quick hope it was peaceful... continuity errors these days

[@mygreenenvy]

Funny how he changes that particular lyric for this performance. On the album he sings " hope it was slow, hope it was painful "

[@zexnynex777]

Havent listened to much Conor since 04ish.... this is good. Im glad he didjt die. That little fucker has saved my life 100s of times.

[@xchasef]

Anyone know what acoustic Conor is playing?

[@DarthArtoo4]

Chase Flowers it's a Collings guitar. Not sure what the model is though

[@bmysticman21]

This is great ! DAZE A :)