Ahh, it feels like just yesterday that we were treated to Conor Oberst’s eponymous release with the Mystic Valley band, a collection of stripped down folk songs that any angry but maturing late teen/early college student could appreciate. But, what’s that, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley band are already putting the finishing touches on a new record?  It’s called Outer South? It’s out May 5th via Merge? Yes. Yes. Yes, a new record is well in the works.

But for those thinking that the relative short turn around time between last year’s release and Outer South, might mean a collection of b-sides or latter half of a double album, if the recording location says anything, the new album is entirely new entity. This time around, instead of heading down to Mexico, like they did for their debut, Conor Oberst and his buds (Taylor Hollingsworth, Nik Freitas, Macey Taylor, Nathaniel Walcott and Jason Boesel) went to El Paso, Texas to record some 16 new tracks for the sophomore effort. And while most details are still forthcoming, we can say that a few of the selections previously debuted live in recent months, like “Nikorette”, will be included on the album.

As for tour dates, Conor and Co. currently have a few upcoming stops scheduled, though it’s probably safe to say more will likely be added in the coming weeks.

Needless to say, those Bright Eyes T-shirts are gonna be pretty cool and dated sometime soon.

Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band 2009 Tour Dates:
04/09 - Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
04/10 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
04/11 - Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
04/12 - El Paso, TX @ Barnett Harley Davidson (Hands of Love & Hope Benefit)
04/13 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
04/14 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
04/15 - Pomona, CA @ Glass House
04/17 - Indio, CA @ Coachella Music Festival
06/18 - Telluride, CO @ Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Categories: News, Tour
Tags: Conor Oberst, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band