Early in 2008, an unlikely bunch of individuals came together to form the Mystic Valley Band – a crew of true rascals and cowboys, led by wanderlust and the open road. Their latest release, Outer South is a good showcase for what the past year of touring has made evident: these guys are seriously talented musicians just out to have a good time.

The album kicks off with “Slowly (Oh So Slowly).” As the lyrics reflect upon the meaning of “potential” and the openness of “a bunch of white,” the music echoes the same ambiguous feeling: the track sounds like a bunch of guys just kicking back and having a good time on their way to wherever they’re going. It doesn’t really matter where to, or when they’ll get there – the journey is what’s important. Tracks twelve and thirteen express the same sort of desire to hit the road. “Worldwide” is a little more on the melancholy side – “Don't make no plans anymore, ‘cept to go away / ... Gotta get me outta here / Always heard that the world is wide / There’s a price you pay for a summer’s day when you leave it all behind.” “Roosevelt Room,” on the other hand is angrier, with dirty guitars and a pounding organ. The lyrics are feisty, clever and biting, criticizing the powers that be.

On the lighter side, tracks like “Air Mattress,” “Cabbage Town” and “Nikorette” exude the easy-going vibes of dusty roads, cold drinks, and good times at the saloon. Lyrics like “It’s hard living when it’s so matter of fact” and “The way I see it, we got plenty of time / It’s gonna happen just not over night” exemplify the cowboy outlook. “Nikorette” is easily the standout of the album. Honest, up-beat and chill, this song is absolutely solid. "I'm just trying to stay human being / Sittin’ in the sun eatin’ ice cream” is simple and charming.

To round out the experience, “Ten Women,” “White Shoes,” and “I Got the Reason, No.2” reveal the softer side of these wandering rascals. The quiet ballads are vulnerable and reflective. These tracks admit to the need and desire for love (“I wanna belong to a reason”) and add to the experience of the album.

In the end, Outer South is a solid album packed with feel-good country jams, saloon anthems, and campfire blues. The record itself is both subtle and in your face. The rascals of the Mystic Valley Band aren’t out to impress; rather, they just to have a good time making music you can feel. Who cares if the song order seems sloppy and tossed together? Who cares how much solo time each member gets? Who cares about comparing this album to their last or to any other material by Bright Eyes? Outer South is a separate endeavor, both in style and scope; it fuses country-swagger with rock n’ roll, and carefree living with purposeful exploration. The synergy of it all creates a piece of sheer beauty. Let loose, go for a drive and enjoy the Latest from Mr. Oberst the Mystic Valley Band.

Track List

1. Slowly (Oh So Slowly) (3:34)
2. To All the Lights in the Windows (5:42)
3. Big Black Nothing (3:39)
4. Air Mattress (2:14)
5. Cabbage Town (3:51)
6. Ten Women (3:22)
7. Difference is Time (5:36)
8. Nikorette (4:12)
9. White Shows (5:51)
10. Bloodline (4:08)
11. Spoiled (3:17)
12. Worldwide (3:31)
13. Roosevelt Room (5:03)
14. Eagle on a Pole (4: 38)
15. I Got the Reason, No. 2 (7:16)
16. Snake Hill (4:16)