Monsters Of Folk

On their own, singer-songwriters Conor Oberst, M. Ward, and Jim James have such distinctive styles, they can border on the predictable. Even together as the supergroup Monsters Of Folk (alongside frequent Oberst collaborator Mike Mogis), each individual part of the trio remains recognizable. But a strange alchemy occurs when the three join forces. Maybe it’s the way their voices blend on certain choruses and bridges, or maybe it’s that their songwriting styles sound less repetitive when spread around on MOF’s self-titled LP. Maybe it’s just that a competitive spirit has driven each to bring his A-material. Whatever the reason, the band has a roster of songs that are loose, catchy and likeable, and worthy of sing-alongs.

Updated 09/29/2010