Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes, fronted by the ever-deep and introspective Conor Oberst, was just coming off the release of their album "The People’s Key," which dropped in February 2011. So, when they lit up Paper Mill Island on July 31 of that same year, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation, eager to soak in the fresh sounds of their latest work while still buzzing over earlier classics. “Bowl of Oranges,” performed during this live set, is a vivid reminder of Bright Eyes' distinctive blend of folk, rock, and poetic lyricism. This performance also encapsulates a moment in the band's journey, as they were riding the wave of renewed public interest after a four-year hiatus before this album. The live setting added a raw energy, allowing fans to connect with the emotion behind Oberst's words in a way that studio recordings can’t quite capture. This mix of past and present in the setlist creates a sense of magic – don’t you just love the way live music links us all, even years later?

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