Blog: Viva La Mainstream!

This is the first time I've ever listened to this album. Justin and Pete recommended it to me a few weeks ago so I got it from them, and it sad largely idle until today. On first listen, Neon Bible strikes me as the result of Conor Oberst teaming up with the E Street Band. The arrangements are sweeping, magnificent creations that extend beyond the standard guitar, bass and drums of alternative rock. It's got the ominous organ intro of "Intervention", the Tim Burton-esque synths and strings of "Black Wave/Bad [...]