Bright Eyes

In the summer of 2011, when Bright Eyes performed “Haile Selassie” live at Paper Mill Island, they were just wrapping up a significant chapter in their career. This was shortly after the release of their much-acclaimed album *The People's Key*, which came out earlier that same year. The album marked a slight evolution in their sound, blending indie rock with electronic elements, and it received praise for its introspective lyrics and innovative production. During this period, lead singer Conor Oberst had been exploring new sonic landscapes while still embodying that signature emotional depth fans had come to love. It's fascinating to note that this live performance captures the energy of a band that was not only reflecting on their past but also boldly stepping into new realms of creativity. You can almost feel that tension of nostalgia mixed with a yearning to push boundaries as they played a track that carries heavy themes of identity and hope.

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