A band, by the usual definition, is a group of musicians that play music and make albums together. By those guidelines, however, Bright Eyes would be a band of just two - the number of constant members in its lineup. Its revolving door policy on members ensures that each and every new album represents a new sound - more than can be said for most other 'bands' out there, no matter how many members they might have.

Bright Eyes: A Surprise At Every Turn

"I think success has more bad things that come along with it than good things."

A band, by the usual definition, is a group of musicians that play music and make albums together. By those guidelines, however, Bright Eyes would be a band of just two - the number of constant members in its lineup. Its revolving door policy on members ensures that each and every new album represents a new sound - more than can be said for most other 'bands' out there, no matter how many members they might have.

Bright Eyes Begins

Conor Oberst initially started the act to replace Commander Venus, an emo band that he started in 1995 but which disbanded in 1997. The first official release under the name was in 1998, the 20-track A Collection of Songs Written and Recorded 1995-1997. The experimental sound and eclectic instrumentation was met with scorn by most critics. It was released under Saddle Creek Records, which Oberst founded with his brother Justin.

The first iteration of the member policy was seen in the sophomore album, 1998's Letting Off the Happiness, which featured a diverse mix of rock acts. The 2000 follow-up, Fevers and Mirrors, had better production, more varied instruments (including an accordion and a flute) and the beginnings of a fan base for the fledgling group. It was also the first album for Mike Mogis, the other half of the two-man core of the act.

Bright Eyes in the Public Eye

Music critics began paying attention after Oberst's 2002 release Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground. Publications from The New York Times to Rolling Stone hailed Oberst as the best up and comer. Lifted was also the infant label's best seller to that point. This was, however, just the beginning of their rise to the public eye.

In the months leading up to the 2004 presidential election, Bright Eyes would become increasingly known as a socially aware and politically outspoken group. They were a part of the Vote for Change Tour with R.E.M. and Bruce Springsteen, which reinforced the new image. They also made waves by putting two singles, Take It Easy and Lua, on the Billboard Hot 100 Single Sales in 2004 - something that hadn't been done since 1997.

Bright Eyes: Looking to the Future

The band managed to release two albums in a single year, 2005's Digital Ash in a Digital Urn and I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning. The subsequent world tour was remarkable in that it promoted both albums, one half to each. An EP, Four Winds, and another album, Cassadaga followed in 2007, which prompted another tour in North America.

Oberst has said in 2009 that he may end using the Bright Eyes name soon, saying that he felt that he needed to stop at some point. He is, however, planning to release at least one more album, the soonest one sometime in late 2010.

Did You Know That...

• ...they're serious about their political advocacies? In 2003, the group canceled a gig in Los Angeles because they learned that the venue was associated with a widely criticized media company.
• ...Oberst had an impostor? In 2000, he staged a mock interview on the radio with Todd Fink reading from a script that Oberst had prepared. The 'Oberst' in the interview poked fun at the group's songs and lyrics to that point.

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