My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket => The Music => Topic started by: johnnYYac on Mar 18, 2025, 06:31 PM

Title: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: johnnYYac on Mar 18, 2025, 06:31 PM
Anyone hearing the new album yet? I got vinyl yesterday. I have to say, I've got nothing but good feels from it. Some parts more than others, but it's Jim, Carl, Patrick, Bo, and Tom fucking around with Jim's demos and a new producer. A lot of it sends me to a happy place. They're so tight yet free. Creative and talented as fuck. They continue to connect well to my soul.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: GO4IT on Mar 18, 2025, 08:49 PM
Quote from: johnnYYac on Mar 18, 2025, 06:31 PMAnyone hearing the new album yet? I got vinyl yesterday. I have to say, I've got nothing but good feels from it. Some parts more than others, but it's Jim, Carl, Patrick, Bo, and Tom fucking around with Jim's demos and a new producer. A lot of it sends me to a happy place. They're so tight yet free. Creative and talented as fuck. They continue to connect well to my soul.
I'm so happy to hear your positive review!  They are due for a killer album so hopefully this is that.
Can't wait to get hold of the album myself.
Take care, my friend
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: johnnYYac on Mar 19, 2025, 02:33 PM
Some reviews...

https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/my-morning-jacket-is/

https://apnews.com/article/my-morning-jacket-music-review-is-album-daa18b21be53b74d338897f163e3871a

https://echoesanddust.com/2025/03/my-morning-jacket-is/

https://www.loudhailermagazine.com/album-reviews/is-by-my-morning-jacket/

https://www.hotpress.com/music/album-review-my-morning-jacket-is-23076880

https://theindyreview.com/2025/03/20/album-review-my-morning-jacket-is/

https://glidemagazine.com/311093/my-morning-jacket-keeps-the-catalog-ecletic-with-inspiring-is-album-review/

https://www.mojo4music.com/articles/new-music/my-morning-jacket-is-reviewed/

https://www.premierguitar.com/features/artist-features/my-morning-jacket-is

https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/1193861-my-morning-jacket-is.php

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/my-morning-jacket-is-review-1235300335/

https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-reviews/my-morning-jacket-deliver-songs-to-help-deal-with-the-insanity-of-the-world/a104140475.html

https://www.mysticsons.com/article/my-morning-jacket

https://www.ft.com/content/3d3a1a47-76d5-4b16-bfc8-b8de3c15cc76

https://youtu.be/1HQ_4j8Lsss?si=tyr43uZ_b5lJmV89

https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/my-morning-jacket/is/

https://uproxx.com/indie/my-morning-jacket-albums-ranked-list/
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Mar 19, 2025, 05:21 PM
I'm 3 listens into it.
I think it's the best MMJ album since Evil Urges....yes, even better than Circuital.
I have so much to say about this album, but I'll organize my mind first.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Cameron on Mar 19, 2025, 07:42 PM
After the first listen I think River Road is my favorite. I still really like Squid Ink too.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: dcfire on Mar 19, 2025, 08:16 PM
If you're on OBF you can stream the entire album tonight!

https://onebigfamily.mymorningjacket.com/hub/cm8dgvxma4t5w07j1b0pywvrm
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: kintante5 on Mar 19, 2025, 09:32 PM
Quite a few gems on there after a first listen.  Quickly made up for half a life time
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Nikkogino on Mar 20, 2025, 05:54 AM
Quote from: Cameron on Mar 19, 2025, 07:42 PMAfter the first listen I think River Road is my favorite. I still really like Squid Ink too.
Did you see that Aren't We One was gonna be the last track and Jim switched it out with River Road at the last minute.  Insanely great decision.  Dodged a bullet and then won the lottery.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: logan5ive on Mar 20, 2025, 09:23 AM
Quote from: dcfire on Mar 19, 2025, 08:16 PMIf you're on OBF you can stream the entire album tonight!

https://onebigfamily.mymorningjacket.com/hub/cm8dgvxma4t5w07j1b0pywvrm

I'm not seeing it.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Cameron on Mar 20, 2025, 09:55 AM
Quote from: logan5ive on Mar 20, 2025, 09:23 AM
Quote from: dcfire on Mar 19, 2025, 08:16 PMIf you're on OBF you can stream the entire album tonight!

https://onebigfamily.mymorningjacket.com/hub/cm8dgvxma4t5w07j1b0pywvrm

I'm not seeing it.

It was only up until 11pm
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Mar 20, 2025, 03:17 PM
I like to love it (Circuital is still better, but I'll take it over either Waterfall and the tragedy of their self titled (Complex is the worst MMJ song).
Hard to think of individual songs as I listen to it straight through, it's all like a wash. And I don't care if the band nail it every time, but what I love is they're pushing and going for some beautiful stuff while taking chances.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Brother Beck on Mar 20, 2025, 04:55 PM
Only a few listens so far, but I love this. 

There was only one song out of the ten that I felt a little lukewarm on, and I woke up with that one stuck in my head and found myself singing it all day at work. 
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: kintante5 on Mar 20, 2025, 07:29 PM
Poop sandwich
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: dcfire on Mar 20, 2025, 10:25 PM
im loving the entire album. i first listened in the intended order. then i started listening again, with the tracks in a random order. everything seems to work — each song on its own and the album in its entirety.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lucius on Mar 21, 2025, 06:25 AM
Pleasantly surprised at how much I love this album during first listens. I didn't LOVE any of the 3 singles, Half A Lifetime might be my least favourite of the entire bunch. I was nervous about BOB producing the record because his resume does nothing for me, but it turns out he's great for Jacket! This record is going to be a beast live. I really tried to NOT go into this album expecting to dislike it, but I definitely had very low expectations.

Everyday Magic is my jam so far. Wasn't expecting the 90s dance music keys in the middle 8. Absolutely love that! I really love Out In The Open & Die For It also. Man, those songs should have been the three singles. Happy to die on that hill :grin:

I maintain what I said months ago - the band sound at their happiest and most confident when they're not trying to replicate that Anytime energy. Talkin' about Lemme Know & Squid Ink. I like them, they're fine, but did they happen because the band wanted them to or because they feel obliged to include a couple of dude-bro rock bangers? I had the same question when I first heard Complex. It's clear from the rest of the album that they're in a different [more mature] place musically, and I think they should just own it and go where the muse takes them.

All being said - I don't think there's a song so far that I really dislike. 10 albums and 25+ years in, that's a great sign for MMJ and I feel optimistic about their future after hearing this record. I hope the band feel the same!
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: logan5ive on Mar 21, 2025, 09:51 AM
Just got through with my first listen...

The tracks that stand out to me are all on side 2: Beginning From The Ending, Die For It, and River Road.

On the whole, I'm hearing some new things and them stretching out while at the same time grounded in what makes MMJ, MMJ. Can't wait to hear the tracks live as some of them have the potential to reach double digits like PWW, SE, and D.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Mar 21, 2025, 01:19 PM
OUT IN THE OPEN is straight MAGIC
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Mar 21, 2025, 01:22 PM
THE VOCALS, THE HARMONIES....SO FUCKING GOOD....i am on some good pills and the euphoria, combined with this album....wowza...potent.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Cameron on Mar 21, 2025, 01:50 PM
Lemme Know is my current fave. Love it all though.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: MMJTX on Mar 21, 2025, 03:23 PM
Die For It is so damn good, can't wait to hear that one live. Really gonna hit hard if/when OBH returns to Mexico with that ocean breeze hitting me.

Beginning from the Ending sounds like it could've fit right in on Jim's Eternally Even

Half a Lifetime won't leave my head, just keeps coming up time and time again
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: kintante5 on Mar 21, 2025, 04:25 PM
Loving it.  Should love it even more after hearing it live.  It reminds me of their transition from Z to Evil Urges.  Really digging their maturity and growth as a band. 
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: ranyart on Mar 22, 2025, 07:54 PM
We're in Colorado coming home from some hot spring soaking time  :thumbsup:  and listened to is twice on the way back to Denver today.  Everything flows very nicely and can't wait to listen again on the airplane home with headphones.  :headphones:
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Mar 22, 2025, 09:05 PM
Out In the open is such a good opener, could see it being euphoric live.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lucius on Mar 23, 2025, 07:38 AM
Out In The Open needs to be a single. Perfect festival/summer vibe to it. It's a really beautiful song that's growing on me with every listen.

Also still really happy with Everyday Magic. My wishlist for this record included some kind of funky little number, I couldn't have imagined anything better than this song. The breakdown before the last chorus has that live Dondante energy where they flip the disco switch. One of the best examples of the band capturing their live essence in studio! I can imagine Carl ripping through it with his sax

Also still obsessed with Die For It. That Psychedelic 70s rock vibe is such a great fit for this band and something I want more of in the future! That outro is the closest thing I've had to an opioid high since I quit using :grin:
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: slappymoe on Mar 24, 2025, 10:20 AM
I like numbers 1 and 2. 

The next 4, not so much.

Finishes strong.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: ChiefOKONO on Mar 24, 2025, 01:29 PM
YES! Out in the Open needs a single and video release!

I really like Beginning from the Ending, Everyday Magic and I can hear your Love (was hoping for a song kind of in this vein)

Also Die for it and Lemme Know.

Growing on me overall on each listen!


Quote from: Lucius on Mar 23, 2025, 07:38 AMOut In The Open needs to be a single. Perfect festival/summer vibe to it. It's a really beautiful song that's growing on me with every listen.

Also still really happy with Everyday Magic. My wishlist for this record included some kind of funky little number, I couldn't have imagined anything better than this song. The breakdown before the last chorus has that live Dondante energy where they flip the disco switch. One of the best examples of the band capturing their live essence in studio! I can imagine Carl ripping through it with his sax

Also still obsessed with Die For It. That Psychedelic 70s rock vibe is such a great fit for this band and something I want more of in the future! That outro is the closest thing I've had to an opioid high since I quit using :grin:
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: gardenparty78 on Mar 24, 2025, 05:58 PM
I was really out on this album after Squid Ink came out and even my first full listen through.   

Gotta say on my third listen to the album I am hearing so much that I completely missed on first listen. 
Great melodies, great playing, great mix.   

I think we have an album I am really going to enjoy here! 

S/T was not my cup of tea.  Loved Waterfall and most of Waterfall 2.

Don't think I could rate the songs just yet, as some I didn't enjoy on 1st listen are quickly climbing...except Squid Ink:)

Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Nikkogino on Mar 24, 2025, 06:46 PM
Quote from: gardenparty78 on Mar 24, 2025, 05:58 PMI was really out on this album after Squid Ink came out and even my first full listen through.   

Gotta say on my third listen to the album I am hearing so much that I completely missed on first listen. 
Great melodies, great playing, great mix.   

I think we have an album I am really going to enjoy here! 

S/T was not my cup of tea.  Loved Waterfall and most of Waterfall 2.

Don't think I could rate the songs just yet, as some I didn't enjoy on 1st listen are quickly climbing...except Squid Ink:)


Of all the dumb rockers MMJ have made (highly suspicious, holding on to black metal, squid ink), Squid Ink is the best.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Mar 24, 2025, 07:04 PM
Squid Ink is complete buttrock. Don't know wny they did a buttrock track like Complex and Squid Ink. They're not good 🤣🤣

But my favorites are DIE FOR IT, OUT IN THE OPEN, man I'm really just dipping and diving. Like 15 listens in and it's still an enigma. I love stretches of this record and then others I'm not sure of just yet....a few times there's these forced platitudes in the lyrics that come out of nowhere and have zero place...almost like a PSA...I think it was during Lemme Know.
Everyday Magic....hmmm I dunno yet.
There's some i just need to keep hearing.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Nikkogino on Mar 24, 2025, 07:26 PM
Hot take:
Half a Lifetime is the best track.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: MyYinzerJacket on Mar 25, 2025, 06:23 AM
It seems like there's something for everyone on is, they really killed it on this one.
I appreciate how concise it is as a studio album, but I can't wait to see how they perform them at OBH and beyond, there's a lot of potential there. Should be some fun shows this year!
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Mar 25, 2025, 10:37 AM
Quote from: Nikkogino on Mar 24, 2025, 07:26 PMHot take:
Half a Lifetime is the best track.

Hey man, it's still stuck in my head even if I'm not listening to it, I barely listen to it compared to the other songs.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Nikkogino on Mar 25, 2025, 10:59 AM
Quote from: Lonndown27 on Mar 25, 2025, 10:37 AM
Quote from: Nikkogino on Mar 24, 2025, 07:26 PMHot take:
Half a Lifetime is the best track.

Hey man, it's still stuck in my head even if I'm not listening to it, I barely listen to it compared to the other songs.
I think it suffers from "pre-release single syndrome."  As it blends into the album with time, I think people will start respecting it more.  Such a tune with some great Jim vocals.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: ChiefOKONO on Mar 25, 2025, 11:23 AM
I'm really enjoying the lyrics to Half a Lifetime.   Love how different it is!

I wonder if they will make any more videos?  Out in the Open or Beginning from the Ending, or any other songs would be cool imo.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lucius on Mar 25, 2025, 11:40 AM
Hilarious as it is that someone signed up to these forums just to call Half A Lifetime a clunker... they might kind of have a point. I haven't written it off yet, and I have a feeling it's a song that might grow on me live. But... Out In The Open does flow much smoother into Everyday Magic :tongue: I'm not sold on it yet. I'm aware this is Jacket Blasphemy, but I didn't like Mahgeetah until I heard it live :grin: so who knows, it's early days still.

I Can Hear Your Love is another one I need to spend more time with. It just makes me want to listen to Slow Slow Tune
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: APR on Mar 25, 2025, 02:06 PM
After several listens, the album is growing on me and I am becoming a big fan of it.  Everyday Magic, Beginning From The Ending, and Die For It are my current favorites. I'm curious which songs will be extended during the live shows.  Regardless, I can't wait to hear these tunes in person.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Nikkogino on Mar 25, 2025, 09:08 PM
Quote from: APR on Mar 25, 2025, 02:06 PMAfter several listens, the album is growing on me and I am becoming a big fan of it.  Everyday Magic, Beginning From The Ending, and Die For It are my current favorites. I'm curious which songs will be extended during the live shows.  Regardless, I can't wait to hear these tunes in person.
It'd be cool for them to play the whole album and extend all of the songs for a live release.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: ChiefOKONO on Mar 26, 2025, 02:40 PM
YES!

It also would be cool to release videos of all of the other songs that don't have videos captured live in the studio.

Also, they should guest on NPR Tiny Desk concert series!




Quote from: Nikkogino on Mar 25, 2025, 09:08 PM
Quote from: APR on Mar 25, 2025, 02:06 PMAfter several listens, the album is growing on me and I am becoming a big fan of it.  Everyday Magic, Beginning From The Ending, and Die For It are my current favorites. I'm curious which songs will be extended during the live shows.  Regardless, I can't wait to hear these tunes in person.
It'd be cool for them to play the whole album and extend all of the songs for a live release.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Nikkogino on Mar 26, 2025, 09:30 PM
Quote from: ChiefOKONO on Mar 26, 2025, 02:40 PMYES!

It also would be cool to release videos of all of the other songs that don't have videos captured live in the studio.

Also, they should guest on NPR Tiny Desk concert series!




Quote from: Nikkogino on Mar 25, 2025, 09:08 PM
Quote from: APR on Mar 25, 2025, 02:06 PMAfter several listens, the album is growing on me and I am becoming a big fan of it.  Everyday Magic, Beginning From The Ending, and Die For It are my current favorites. I'm curious which songs will be extended during the live shows.  Regardless, I can't wait to hear these tunes in person.
It'd be cool for them to play the whole album and extend all of the songs for a live release.
Crazy that the full band has never done tiny desk.  How is that possible.

Also, I wish the band would release a proper EP like the good ol days.  Especially if they have some leftover tracks.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: ChiefOKONO on Mar 27, 2025, 12:11 PM
I could not Agree More!!!

I'd love an EP too.  They could put some of the others from this session on it along with some demos :)



Quote from: Nikkogino on Mar 26, 2025, 09:30 PM
Quote from: ChiefOKONO on Mar 26, 2025, 02:40 PMYES!

It also would be cool to release videos of all of the other songs that don't have videos captured live in the studio.

Also, they should guest on NPR Tiny Desk concert series!




Quote from: Nikkogino on Mar 25, 2025, 09:08 PM
Quote from: APR on Mar 25, 2025, 02:06 PMAfter several listens, the album is growing on me and I am becoming a big fan of it.  Everyday Magic, Beginning From The Ending, and Die For It are my current favorites. I'm curious which songs will be extended during the live shows.  Regardless, I can't wait to hear these tunes in person.
It'd be cool for them to play the whole album and extend all of the songs for a live release.
Crazy that the full band has never done tiny desk.  How is that possible.

Also, I wish the band would release a proper EP like the good ol days.  Especially if they have some leftover tracks.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Mar 27, 2025, 06:15 PM
Die for It is the best song on the album followed by Out In The Open, the two best MMJ songs since Circuital and Victory Dance.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Mar 27, 2025, 06:20 PM
It's a very polished album, but I'm ok with however the hell it sounds because THE SONGS ARE BETTER.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: gardenparty78 on Mar 28, 2025, 11:09 AM
the fact that I will be excited to hear every one of these songs live is huge! 
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: MMJTX on Mar 28, 2025, 04:23 PM
Quote from: gardenparty78 on Mar 28, 2025, 11:09 AMthe fact that I will be excited to hear every one of these songs live is huge! 

That's what I keep saying as well, for the last 3-4 albums I haven't gotten super excited for a normal one off show cause i knew they'd be doing more songs from their new album and gave me less of a chance to hear deep tracks, but with this album i'm almost like "man i can't wait to get as many of these songs as i can", and THAT is how you know it's a good album, very happy for the boys.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: rkwedge on Mar 29, 2025, 01:51 PM
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: APR on Mar 31, 2025, 10:41 PM
 After many listens, I really appreciate the excellent lyrics, innovative sounds, and different kinds of songs these guys are pulling out 25 years into their career.  There are some top level MMJ songs on is that compare favorably to some of their best stuff.  I thoroughly love a handful of these songs and am thrilled with the album overall.

I'm curious which songs get extended jams or an extra guitar solo.  We'll find out soon enough.  Even amongst my non favorites (Half a Lifetime, Squid Ink) of the album, I'm still looking forward to seeing them in concert.  Beginning, Die for It, Everyday Magic are my top three at this time.  River Road is a close 4th place.  Thank you MMJ for this album of excellent, creative tunes. 
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: CC on Apr 01, 2025, 02:29 AM
https://soundcloud.com/soundcloud-stories/sets/voice-notes-my-morning-jacket
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lucius on Apr 01, 2025, 07:18 AM
Been writing down random thoughts about the songs since release day, overall I really dig this album and there really isn't a song that I flat out don't like.

Out In The Open - Really excited to hear how this sounds live. I've seen people online speculating if there are 'religious' undertones to the lyrics, but as a recovering opioid enthusiast the words are hitting me from that direction much more. But I'm not religious at all - so I'm never going to see Jesus in a slice of toast. I've also seen comparisons to Coldplay musically, and I kinda hear it, but think it sounds much more like another British band called James. Their last couple of albums are very similar in tone to this song (go listen to Beautiful Beaches by them to see what I mean)

Half a Lifetime - My least favourite so far. I don't hate it by any means, but I don't think it fits the album. If you play Out In The Open > Everyday Magic together the energy flow is natural, smooth etc. This song feels like it belongs somewhere else and I find the transitions between the first 3 songs jarring. As a standalone single or soundtrack release it would have worked better. I also have a feeling this song might finally click for me live. I like the guitar work towards the end.

Everyday Magic - Tied with Out In The Open & Die For It as my top tracks from this record. I love this funky little disco dad rock number. The middle 8 is one of the best examples of them capturing their live essence on tape IMO. It has a touch of that Berkeley '23 Dondante disco jam energy. As I said before - something funky that I could dance to at a show was on my wish list for this record! Our boyz delivered!

I Can Hear Your Love - Still not totally sold on this one. Has a strong Blondie vibe to it, which as a huuuuge Blondie fan I can't complain about. I'm hearing Slow Slow Tune less and less with every listen and appreciating it as its own song, but damn, the overall vibe just can't compete with "Daddies playing just for you". Jim was definitely hornier in 2010/2011. This is more a slushy love-hearts, teddy bears & kittens vibe. The former is more my jam :evil: :grin:   

Time Waited - This song is beautiful. Works so much better in context with the rest of the album!

Beginning From The Ending - This one gets stuck in my head a lot in day to day life. I was singing it throughout most of a dog walk yesterday :grin: I'm expecting a similar live vibe to State Of The Art with the whole band just going off for a few minutes.

Lemme Know - Not one of my favourites. It's not bad, but it's sitting near the bottom with Half A Lifetime and I Can Hear Your Love. This is another song that to me has a very strong British indie rock vibe to it. This one sounds like it could be a Kaiser Chiefs song. I can actually imagine Ricky Wilson singing this (side-note: there's been some talk of this band "falling off" quality wise in recent years. I disagree, but if you want an example of a band that really has fallen off - check out the last couple of KC albums. Steamers!)

Squid Ink - Not always a huge fan of this kind of dick swinging due-bro rock style, but I don't hate this song. The guitar riff gets a little repetitive and grating but I like where the song ends up so sometimes it's worth it. How much I enjoy this song really depends on my mood, and I have skipped it a few times. But I also really enjoyed blasting it out recently while I was painting my bedroom! This one also reminds me of a British indie band - this one I think has touches of Arctic Monkeys. Has that kind of ballsy R U Mine? energy.

Die For It - Absolutely love this song. Big fan of psychedelic 70s sounding stuff. Definitely wouldn't say no to more of this vibe from Jacket. Suits Jims voice so well!!! The ending makes me feel like I'm levitating. It's beautifully produced. I was really nervous about B.O.B producing because his resume does nothing for me, but I really can't fault him producing this record. I think he's been great for MMJ and throughout this album, even on the lows, they sound rejuvenated. I'm in a minority of fans - but I didn't hate the last album. I can still admit that they sound much less uptight and breezy on IS, though!

River Road - Another one that's still growing on me, and my reaction to it changes with my mood the same as Squid Ink. Sometimes when I listen to it I want it to do more, musically speaking. Other times I'm happy grooving with it in all its glory. They definitely made the right decision swapping out Aren't We One for this song.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: dub82 on Apr 02, 2025, 03:12 PM
I haven't posted in a while, but this album brought me back in. I love it. Am seeing them in Dallas next weekend, cannot wait. alot of this album sounds very familiar.....in a good way.

is this the first album with no pedal steel????

Out in the Open- great opener, love the chorus and I think this will kill live. Only complaint here and this is is for the whole album, i wish pat's drum sound had more pop. Very muted. and he's a monster drummer.

Half a Lifetime- badass rocker. The bridge is so MMJ as is the solo. some have said this came from Z, i see that.

Everyday Magic- this sounds like a Widespread Panic song. Typical soaring MMJ chorus that gives you chills.

I Can Hear Your Love- least favorite. I like the chorus but whatever the background lyrics/singing is makes me move on from this song.

Time Waited- loved it since the release. Right at home on this album. Carl can add some pedal steel to it live.

Beginning from the Ending- one of their better songs in forever. the base, the build up, and that bridge. Fucking cool.

Lemme Know- catchy, not bad, not much to add here. Sounds like Lumineers or a band like that.

Squid Ink- good old fashioned MMJ rocker. I love when they decide to hit it hard.

Die for It- another standout. It's trippy and just a great song. The end/solo is going to kill live.

River Road- where the hell did this come from?! I love this, maybe my favorite on the album because there a a hundred layers to this song. That is one of the aspects of MMJ that i have always liked the best. Their songs can be so layered that you can listen to them 50 times and find something new each time.

Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: mkterp on Apr 03, 2025, 05:17 PM
It's confirmed - Die for It kills live:
https://youtu.be/uHJ5Va4YVTk
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Apr 05, 2025, 12:26 AM
Quote from: mkterp on Apr 03, 2025, 05:17 PMIt's confirmed - Die for It kills live:
https://youtu.be/uHJ5Va4YVTk

And we all knew it would didn't we??? It's a trainfucking orgasm, a hybrid benifold of timeranged synthesia
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Apr 05, 2025, 11:15 PM
Whoever said OUT IN THE OPEN sounds like a James song done by MMJ, that's absolutely brilliant and so damn on the money.
And guess what???
My Morning Jacket LOVE James.

James is actually my son Sage's middle name.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lucius on Apr 06, 2025, 04:53 AM
Quote from: Lonndown27 on Apr 05, 2025, 11:15 PMWhoever said OUT IN THE OPEN sounds like a James song done by MMJ, that's absolutely brilliant and so damn on the money.
And guess what???
My Morning Jacket LOVE James.

James is actually my son Sage's middle name.

James are an incredibly solid live band - not unlike Jacket on stage. Never play the same show twice, spontaneous jams etc. Just great music. I'm a fairly recent convert but my better half is sliiiiiiiightly older than me and he's a day one fan. We see them live at least once a year. Definitely can't recommend them enough to fans of mmj 

I actually played him Out In The Open and he really, really likes it! And he's usually very take it or leave it with Jacket
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Apr 07, 2025, 03:52 PM
Quote from: Lucius on Apr 06, 2025, 04:53 AM
Quote from: Lonndown27 on Apr 05, 2025, 11:15 PMWhoever said OUT IN THE OPEN sounds like a James song done by MMJ, that's absolutely brilliant and so damn on the money.
And guess what???
My Morning Jacket LOVE James.

James is actually my son Sage's middle name.

James are an incredibly solid live band - not unlike Jacket on stage. Never play the same show twice, spontaneous jams etc. Just great music. I'm a fairly recent convert but my better half is sliiiiiiiightly older than me and he's a day one fan. We see them live at least once a year. Definitely can't recommend them enough to fans of mmj 

I actually played him Out In The Open and he really, really likes it! And he's usually very take it or leave it with Jacket

OUT IN THE OPEN is MMJ's Sometimes 😄
James kick ass and they've got a lot of those chugging acoustic rhythms mixed with snappy dancy propulsive drum parts involving lots of snare.
Are they exclusively acoustic in every era???
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lucius on Apr 16, 2025, 05:23 PM
BREAKTHROUGH! Half A Lifetime has finally clicked with me, couldn't stop singing it to myself on todays dog walk :grin:     

Quote from: Lonndown27 on Apr 07, 2025, 03:52 PM
Quote from: Lucius on Apr 06, 2025, 04:53 AM
Quote from: Lonndown27 on Apr 05, 2025, 11:15 PMWhoever said OUT IN THE OPEN sounds like a James song done by MMJ, that's absolutely brilliant and so damn on the money.
And guess what???
My Morning Jacket LOVE James.

James is actually my son Sage's middle name.

James are an incredibly solid live band - not unlike Jacket on stage. Never play the same show twice, spontaneous jams etc. Just great music. I'm a fairly recent convert but my better half is sliiiiiiiightly older than me and he's a day one fan. We see them live at least once a year. Definitely can't recommend them enough to fans of mmj 

I actually played him Out In The Open and he really, really likes it! And he's usually very take it or leave it with Jacket

OUT IN THE OPEN is MMJ's Sometimes 😄
James kick ass and they've got a lot of those chugging acoustic rhythms mixed with snappy dancy propulsive drum parts involving lots of snare.
Are they exclusively acoustic in every era???

Their 90s output definitely fits that mold but like Jacket they've become a very "we'll try anything lol" kinda band. Their "second act" gives me hope for a lot of other bands, including Jacket. 40 years in and still writing some really great meaningful stuff, trying new things, putting on great shows. "Way Over Your Head" from their most recent album hit me & my group hard last time we saw them. 
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Jackets N Pones on Apr 17, 2025, 04:39 PM
Quote from: Lucius on Apr 16, 2025, 05:23 PMBREAKTHROUGH! Half A Lifetime has finally clicked with me, couldn't stop singing it to myself on todays dog walk :grin:   

Quote from: Lonndown27 on Apr 07, 2025, 03:52 PM
Quote from: Lucius on Apr 06, 2025, 04:53 AM
Quote from: Lonndown27 on Apr 05, 2025, 11:15 PMWhoever said OUT IN THE OPEN sounds like a James song done by MMJ, that's absolutely brilliant and so damn on the money.
And guess what???
My Morning Jacket LOVE James.

James is actually my son Sage's middle name.

James are an incredibly solid live band - not unlike Jacket on stage. Never play the same show twice, spontaneous jams etc. Just great music. I'm a fairly recent convert but my better half is sliiiiiiiightly older than me and he's a day one fan. We see them live at least once a year. Definitely can't recommend them enough to fans of mmj 

I actually played him Out In The Open and he really, really likes it! And he's usually very take it or leave it with Jacket

OUT IN THE OPEN is MMJ's Sometimes 😄
James kick ass and they've got a lot of those chugging acoustic rhythms mixed with snappy dancy propulsive drum parts involving lots of snare.
Are they exclusively acoustic in every era???

Their 90s output definitely fits that mold but like Jacket they've become a very "we'll try anything lol" kinda band. Their "second act" gives me hope for a lot of other bands, including Jacket. 40 years in and still writing some really great meaningful stuff, trying new things, putting on great shows. "Way Over Your Head" from their most recent album hit me & my group hard last time we saw them. 

(https://i.imgur.com/vmDJH7U.png)
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on Apr 19, 2025, 09:27 PM
Quote from: Jackets N Pones on Apr 17, 2025, 04:39 PM
Quote from: Lucius on Apr 16, 2025, 05:23 PMBREAKTHROUGH! Half A Lifetime has finally clicked with me, couldn't stop singing it to myself on todays dog walk :grin:   

Quote from: Lonndown27 on Apr 07, 2025, 03:52 PM
Quote from: Lucius on Apr 06, 2025, 04:53 AM
Quote from: Lonndown27 on Apr 05, 2025, 11:15 PMWhoever said OUT IN THE OPEN sounds like a James song done by MMJ, that's absolutely brilliant and so damn on the money.
And guess what???
My Morning Jacket LOVE James.

James is actually my son Sage's middle name.

James are an incredibly solid live band - not unlike Jacket on stage. Never play the same show twice, spontaneous jams etc. Just great music. I'm a fairly recent convert but my better half is sliiiiiiiightly older than me and he's a day one fan. We see them live at least once a year. Definitely can't recommend them enough to fans of mmj 

I actually played him Out In The Open and he really, really likes it! And he's usually very take it or leave it with Jacket

OUT IN THE OPEN is MMJ's Sometimes 😄
James kick ass and they've got a lot of those chugging acoustic rhythms mixed with snappy dancy propulsive drum parts involving lots of snare.
Are they exclusively acoustic in every era???

Their 90s output definitely fits that mold but like Jacket they've become a very "we'll try anything lol" kinda band. Their "second act" gives me hope for a lot of other bands, including Jacket. 40 years in and still writing some really great meaningful stuff, trying new things, putting on great shows. "Way Over Your Head" from their most recent album hit me & my group hard last time we saw them. 

(https://i.imgur.com/vmDJH7U.png)

I can't wait to get into them deeply!! JAAAAMES. I LOVE artists where the discography is a journey unto itself, much like MMJ, Rolling Stones, The Flaming Lips, Wilco, Ween, Neil Young of course, but now James...intriguing. I will dive deep and with zero oxygen.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: C.S. on Apr 22, 2025, 07:37 PM
Y'all, this album rocks. I can't wait to make the stories that will go with each one of these songs.
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Lonndown27 on May 05, 2025, 10:45 AM
RIVER ROAD is so cool live and it makes me appreciate the studio version more. But I don't get why they didn't just go for it that way in the studio.

I can hear your love is still flat for me..

LEMME KNOW reached new heights when the power went out and the crowd kept chanting the chorus like it was a spanish ⚽️ match. It was glorious.

DIE FOR IT is only getting better. It's a total steambreathing experience of psychosexual exaltation.

The album just keeps getting better with more listening and the more we see these songs live. They're propulsive live. A lot more furious. I wish they could finally capture that In a record, but they did for moments here on the album that shocked me. They're getting closer!
Title: Re: Thoughts on "is"
Post by: Nikkogino on May 05, 2025, 11:44 AM
Quote from: Lonndown27 on May 05, 2025, 10:45 AMRIVER ROAD is so cool live and it makes me appreciate the studio version more. But I don't get why they didn't just go for it that way in the studio.

I can hear your love is still flat for me..

LEMME KNOW reached new heights when the power went out and the crowd kept chanting the chorus like it was a spanish ⚽️ match. It was glorious.

DIE FOR IT is only getting better. It's a total steambreathing experience of psychosexual exaltation.

The album just keeps getting better with more listening and the more we see these songs live. They're propulsive live. A lot more furious. I wish they could finally capture that In a record, but they did for moments here on the album that shocked me. They're getting closer!
100% agree.  I feel like this album coulda been a neat classic with a more fleshed out River Road, Die for It, and Beginning from the Ending.  It'd be like Z not allowing Lay Low and Dondante to stretch their legs...I hope the next album they combine the hood songwriting of "is" with the extended fun of self-titled.  Not all songs need 3-4 minutes of jamming, but when appropriate, they need to let them have some more time.  I guess O'Brien was not a fan of jamming.