CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND Outer South (2009 UK 16-track vinyl LP - When Conor Oberst fled the mid-western winter for Tepoztlan, Mexico in early 2008, his plan was to record a collection of songs in beautiful surroundings with some friends. The result of the recordings [all done in an adobe house half way up a mountain] was released in 2008 as 'Conor Oberst'. The band then took to the road as Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band [named for Valle Místico where the recording took place]. While touring, the talented 6-piece began to write new songs, each band member sharing their compositions and working them out on the road. Energized by the live performances, and eager to capture the synergy they felt onstage, Oberst took his musical compadres to Sonic Ranch Studios in Tornillo, Texas outside of El Paso to capture these gems on tape. In recording sessions in November & December '08, The Mystic Valley Band recorded 16 songs and this time they shared the songwriting. The result, the sparkling 'Outer South' is the first album credited to Conor Oberst And The Mystic Valley Band and features the fruits of their enticing musical symbiosis.)