Indie Rock Music News

Maria Taylor has already released a number of music hits with the introduction of her first album. She is the epitome of indie-chic, and she can sing. And play guitar, drums and piano. Oh, and she is dating Conor Oberst.

Taylor released her solo music album, "Lynn Teeter Flower," recently, the same time that her beau released his "Four Winds EP", which includes five songs plus a cut from his upcoming eighth album "Cassadaga." The songstress has been recording music half her life and has been an integral member of Azure Ray, Now It’s Overheard and Little Red Rocket; the first two music bands still exist but are currently on hiatus. Two other Taylor sisters and two guests serve as the music band for this new music album produced by Spoon drummer Jim Eno. Many blogs about indie rock music artists get confused that when it comes to Saddle Creek artists so many get confused about their anecdotes. Some authors touted that Taylor sings backup on songs for The Faint and Bright Eyes. Just so everyone is clear, the appropriate way to use this nuanced information is to say that she sang on a friend’s music album. Saddle Creek and the larger indie rock music world is chock full of incestuous band member swapping and guest appearances.

Taylor’s music album was recorded over a period of four weeks in Athens, Ga. with a band member of Now It’s Overheard partner in crime, Andy LeMaster as well as in Omaha with Saddle Creek engineer extraordinaire Mike Mogis. The music album goes between harmony driven pop-rock songs and melancholic acoustic musings. The aptly named opening track "A Good Start" features Taylor’s ethereal vocals advising a friend to quit running from the world. Very emo music, people think, but in fact it is considered indie rock music.

The upbeat melody of "A Good Start" juxtaposes starkly with the next music track, the acoustic and introspective lo-fi cut "Clean Start." The down-tempo songs continue for a few tracks, but come to a screeching halt with the dance-worthy beats of "Irish Goodbye."

Taylor creates a Rilo Kiley-ish work but stays true to her distinct, otherworldly vocals. There are even traces of rap music from a man named RIG, which oddly enough doesn’t disrupt the power of the song, but helps break up the track. Two tracks stand out as profound music compositions. The simple guitars and mellow drums of "No Stars" are augmented and joined by piano and bass as each successive verse builds on the previous. The ambling track "The Ballad of Sean Foley" was co-written by Oberst. The lyrics are all Oberst, but the music is all Taylor; her voice even serves to fill in the holes of his warble. This effect can be felt when listening to Bright Eyes’ new single "Four Winds." Oberst’s voice is at its classical best with Taylor holding him up.