Last month, seminal 2000s indie rock band Bright Eyes—Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis, and Nathaniel Walcott—announced a massive reissue project of all nine of their studio albums, along with a companion EP for each reissue. Today, they've shared a cover of Elliott Smith's "St. Ides Heaven" off the late musician's 1995 self-titled album. Bright Eyes' version is a heavier, more upbeat take that features backing vocals from their pal Phoebe Bridgers.
The cover comes from the forthcoming EP Letting Off the Happiness: A Companion that's out May 27 via Dead Oceans. Each companion EP contains five new recordings and a cover of a track that heavily inspired them during the time of the original recordings. This new career-spanning project will result in 54 new recordings to be released this year.
Hear their version of "St. Ides Heaven" below, and pre-order their companion EPs here. Also, check out the dates for their upcoming North American tour, their first in 11 years, here.
