2016’s Ruminations from Conor Oberst, the singer-songwriter best known for his work with Bright Eyes, is an intimate, bare-bones full-length recorded with minimal instrumentation during a recuperative stay at his native Omaha, Nebraska. For Salutations, Oberst revisits the 10-tracker, working with a full band to flesh out songs like “Next Of Kin,” “Tachycardia,” “Till St. Dymphna Kicks Us Out,” “Gossamer Thin,” “You All Love Him Once,” and more. Ruminations worked so well because the gentle backdrop of a guitar, piano, and harmonica really allowed the writing from CO to shine. Although a full-fledged LP, Salutations is very successful in retaining the visceral element of its predecessor, and tracks like “Too Late to Fixate,” “Overdue,” “Napalm,” and “Anytime Soon,” which didn’t appear on Ruminations, are also highlights. 117 tracks in all.

• gatefold sleeve
• includes insert w/ lyrics
• music label: Nonesuch 2017

reviewed by bal elbat 03/2017