Noise Floor (Rarities: 1998–2005) cover

Noise Floor (Rarities: 1998–2005)

Bright Eyes · 2006

61 min · 16 tracks · folk rock · indie rock · reggae

A reflective collection of lo-fi folk gems that captures the raw emotionality of early Bright Eyes.

Why this album works

The album provides a glimpse into Bright Eyes' formative years, featuring tracks that were previously unreleased or hard to find. Its release contributed to a renewed interest in the indie folk genre during the mid-2000s and solidified Conor Oberst's influence as a pivotal figure in storytelling within music.
Best for
reflective late-night listening emotional storytelling journeys intimate solo moments
Context
Released in 2006, 'Noise Floor (Rarities: 1998–2005)' arrived after Bright Eyes' breakthrough with 'Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground' in 2002. This compilation showcases a transitional phase, bridging their earlier, more experimental sounds with the polished production found in later albums like 'Cassadaga' from 2007.
Stylistic neighbors
Big Thief· Jake Bugg· Campos

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Mirrors and Fevers 3:01
  • 2 I Will Be Grateful for This Day Standout 4:19
  • 3 Trees Get Wheeled Away 4:09
  • 4 Drunk Kid Catholic Standout 3:10
  • 5 Spent on Rainy Days 2:06
  • 6 The Vanishing Act 3:08
  • 7 Soon You Will Be Leaving Your Man 5:12
  • 8 Blue Angels Air Show 3:11
  • 9 Weather Reports 3:02
  • 10 Seashell Tale 3:27
  • 11 Bad Blood 4:40
  • 12 Amy in the White Coat 5:25
  • 13 Devil Town Standout 3:03
  • 14 I’ve Been Eating (For You) 2:55
  • 15 Happy Birthday to Me (Feb. 15) 3:50
  • 16 Motion Sickness 6:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata