Pop Culture Buzz

GRADE: A+

My Morning Jacket is an American rock band known for their reverb-heavy sound, their eclectic mix of indie rock, country rock, southern rock, psychedelic, and jam band styles, and enthusiastic and energetic live shows. Formed in 1998 in Louisville, Kentucky, the band signed with ATO Records four years later.

The band’s moniker comes from a discarded coat lead singer Jim James found while sifting through the remains of his favorite bar after it burned down. The coat was embroidered with the letters “MMJ” on it.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist James’ band mates are bassist “Two Tone” Tommy, drummer Patrick Hallahan, guitarist/pedal steel guitarist/saxophonist/vocalist Carl Broemel and keyboardist Bo Koster.

My Morning Jacket’s last album “Z” is a modern day rock and roll classic packed full of familiar sounding rock jams that never cease to get old after listening to it over and over again. So you can guess how much pressure this latest album is up against. “Evil Urges” is already the best rock and roll CD of 2008 hands down. Once again MMJ have crafted the perfect package of modern rock with a hint of classic harmonies thrown in.

The album begins with the ethereal title track and holds onto the jugular up until the last song. MMJ went for a more mainstream approach on this new record and I am guessing it will make this album an instant critical favorite as well as a mainstream hit. For example, the lush sounding “Librarian”, which is a masterful song with lyrics that weave a story with gorgeous imagery. MMJ have been the coolest unknown jam band for a while, and this is about to change.

Lead singer Jim James raw and powerful voice has never sounded so strong with his wide ranging falsetto. The emotional charge his unconventional singing voice adds to the well crafted lyrics is pure magic. The wit and charm like in the song “Highly Suspicious” is endlessly entertaining, the lyrics pop and stay with you long after the song has ended. How can you not giggle at a funky lyric like; “peanut-butter-pudding surprise”?

The haunting stretched out guitar licks and thumping bass lines like in the romantic sweeping track “Thank You Too” are heart aching and emotional. This is especially true on the hard rock charged head banging song “I’m Amazed” that has a slight country edge to it. The sounds on this record are refreshingly eclectic and comforting.

Just yesterday I listened to this record twice in a row, it is that great. After catching these guys at Coachella in 2006 and then again this year, I have become a die hard fan who loves to spread the message that MMJ are one of the best touring rock bands out there today. I plan on catching these guys when they play at the Greek Theater here in the bay area as well.

BEST SONGS: “Evil Urges”, “Highly Suspicious”, “I’m Amazed”, “Thank You Too”, “Touch Me I’m Going To Sleep”, “Librarian”

WATCH THE “I’M AMAZED” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

WATCH THE “EVIL URGES” PROMO VIDEO BY MY MORNING JACKET BELOW: