Cutie patooey Conor Oberst, best known for fronting the not-sellout band Bright Eyes and for looking good, is releasing his first solo album in roughly 13 years via Merge Records. Recorded in Mexico and produced by Oberst and Andy LeMaster, the self-titled (of course) release will feature a "special band" known as The Mystic Valley Band, who will surely have a little less brightness and a little more mystique, if my inside sources are to be trusted.

Conor Oberst is expected August 5. Oberst’s first three solo releases were released on cassette, so if anything, this new Merge release is an indication that this boy is going places. I suppose that’s what you get for having a flawless nose.

Conor Oberst tracklist:

1. Cape Cañaveral 2. Sausalito 3. Get-Well-Cards 4. Lenders In The Temple 5. Danny Callahan 6. I Don’t Want To Die (In The Hospital) 7. Eagle On A Pole 8. Moab 9. NYC – Gone, Gone 10. Valle Místico (Ruben’s Song) 11. Souled Out!!! 12. Milk Thistle

Expect more dates:

08.22.08 - Leeds, England - Leeds Festival 08.24.08 - Reading, England - Reading Festival 08.31.08 - County Laois, Ireland - Electric Picnic 09.27.08 - Austin, TX - ACL Music Festival