By shelz.
Most of you know Conor Oberst from his work with Monsters of Folk, the super crew who laid down the original “Dear God” that The Roots snatched up for How I Got Over. Well, he has this side project (or can we consider this his mainstay) called Bright Eyes. Their sophomore LP, The Peoples Key is coming in less than a month and the 2nd song to leak is “Haile Selassie.” Yes, that “Haile Selassie.”
The track isn’t Caribbean in any way (thank goodness.) There is no “Iron Lion Zion” here, but it is an interesting take on the teachings of the Rasta faith that counts Mr. Salassie as its Messiah. So no, this isn’t a Wiz Khalifa moment of picking a historical name purely for recognition’s sake. Conor and company put some work into this narrative.
It’s an alt-rock piece with simple construction garnished with wonderfully layered and lightly distorted guitars. Oberst’s vocals are a bit warbly but as he rolls out his story you’re pulled in. His explanation of Rastafari process and procedure is actually pretty on point and explained in a light and creative way. I’m not a huge fan of this song, but the writing is lovely.
So c’mon kids. Have a seat. Class is in session Bright Eyes style. “Halie Selassie.” Enjoy.
Bright Eyes – “Haile Selassie”
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