Band in transition
November 24, 2008
I think this album is a thoughtful and passionate one delivered w/ confidence from a band who is stretching its musical palate. Much like Wilco did with their disc "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot", MMJ is declaring that their interests are, and will most likely remain, in flux. They will not simply be thought of as a sweet new twist on southern rock. True, this is not the first time they have indicated that and delivered on it, but this is a more realized package in that respect. In fact, James' falsetto vocal deliveries and the musical distinctions between the 3 opening tracks leave you wondering if the more traditional MMJ sound is gone for good. Track 4 answers that question with a no, and throughout the cd, their more hallmark qualities surface. But what I love about the album is that, while not perfect by any means, it establishes MMJ as a band on an artisitic mission....still hungry. I believe it sends a signal that interesting things are in store.
I am not comparing them to the Beatles per se, but think about how fans must have been feeling when "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver" ushered in the latter half of their career together, or when U2 released "Unforgettable Fire"...or when the Clash released "London Calling." (OK wait, it's nowhere near that good!) But simply put, it is exciting to hear a band making it clear that is not going to rest on its laurels and still has a sense of both experimentation and musicality.
Worth a listen.
lack of beauty, what they DO so well
November 2, 2008
Too bad musicianship and JJ's transcendent voice is all veiled over with [...] -
taking a new direction doesn't always mean leaving your given talents behind -
maybe they will see what they lost, and find it anew - HOPEFULLY !
Mostly a trainwreck with a few harmonious interludes
October 30, 2008
So they made a record and ripped through as many musical genres as possible within that record. It's a great idea, but they sound below average whether they're playing 80s Prince Pop, funk, soul or rockabilly. The single, "Amazed" is the only song that sounds remotely inspiring, but after a few listens, I find that I don't want to hear it anymore. The rest of the songs feature the band trying too hard to create a hook and some falsetto that is woefully overused. There is an intangible redeeming quality in that the record does make decent background noise in a party, but don't expect to be wowed in a private listening.
My Morning Jacket "Evil Urges"
October 9, 2008
"Evil Urges" by My Morning Jacket includes "Look At You", "Good Intentions" and "I'm Amazed" and has been acclaimed in some critical circles. The group has become involved in the 2008 Presidential Race - Interestingly, in 2008, Senator Hillary Clinton earned more Votes than any other Presidential Primary candidate in American history (hillaryclintonforum, the denver group)
Dissapointing
October 4, 2008
MMJ tries to create a innovative synthesis of musical styles and instead winds up with a mess of a record. "Highly Suspicious" is just flat out embarrassing and cringe-inducing. There are a couple decent tracks here but in general the song writing has taken a big step in the wrong direction. I'd happily give back the decent songs if they could make the truly awful ones go away as well.
