Hey,
Is it just me or is this band becoming bigger and bigger. Every time I read the new reviews of their shows and albums on the this very website, I have to conclude that everyone is so positive on this band. ( of course they put only positive reviews on the site ;D, but nevertheless . . .) Well those are mainly american reviews , so I don't know how it's like in the other countries. But suppose you compare the popularity of mmj now with two or three years ago. I think more people really are getting to know this band and I think their third album is getting their definite breakthrough ( not a breakthrough as big as the breakthrough of the white stripes, but still a breakthrough)
In regards to White Stripes: Do you mean a White Blood Cells level of breakthrough or Elephant level of breakthrough?...like, 5 star Rolling Stone review?? ;)
I was panicking about this as well a few months ago. After hearing them on some radio show named "Alter Ego," which is supposed to break new bands but is usually the new Eels single, I nervously asked my girlfriend if the Jacket was going to break big.
"Huge," she said.
"You mean like Fugazi huge?"
"No," she said, "Pearl Jam huge."
That's probably unlikely, but when she said it my heart filled with a million loathsome thoughts about how I didn't want anyone else listening to MY band and how lame it would be to see them in an arena as opposed to a club. I can't even tell you the horrible fiddle/John Popper guest appearance scenarios that ran through my head when I heard they were signed to Dave Matthews' label. Bascially what got me past all of this, aside from realizing I was way too old to be acting this way, was seeing them on this latest tour. The new songs sounded incredible and they still turned the rock up to 11. They'll probably always kick ass. If they get Pearl Jam huge I guess that's a good thing. There's probably a few people in Louisville that think they've already sold out. Did I even answer your question? OK, disregard the previous: Yes, I think they're getting big.
Yes. Oh yes. The world's gonna be a brighter place when MMJ gets bigger than Pearl Jam...I can't wait. ;)
Also, no offense intended, but (in all seriousness) anyone who believes that MMJ has sold out has their head stuck up their ass...The truth is that you'll prolly never meet a more down-to-earth, lovable bunch of soon-to-be rock stars... 8)
I also think it's a good thing that such a young band with such honnest music and such potential can break through these days (and I really hope for them they do). Maybe my comparison with the white stripes deserves a little explanation. I meant indeed a break through regarding their third album white blood cells. Nevertheless I don't believe mmj will become as big as the white stripes. I think they'll come more closer to the status of Ben Harper or (well known by music lovers, ignored by the big public).
I don´t think they really appeal to young kids, and I think that´s necessary to become as big as Pearl Jam or White Stripes. As for the remark on the breakthrough thing in America, don´t forget they broke through with The Tennessee Fire in Holland...! Sorry, can´t stop pointing that out. Anyway, would I like them to break through or not? If it´d mean they´d visit Holland less often, ofcourse. As for the sell-out and arrogance they might get... I think they would always stay ´reachable` and nice. But yes, seeing them in big stadiums would suck. To make a long story short, I really have no idea. :-/
About the getting bigger... :-/, in one way it's really cool for them. They really deserve it! On the other hand, like Alex said, I also have that feeling not wanting everbody getting to know "my" (or better "our") superb band. Although I haven't seen them performing on big stage (but did see them twice in small club), I just know it'll never give the same intimate feeling (when Jim is playing solo) or good rockin' vibe (when whole band plays). Hope they'll stay indie and won't become mainstream. I'm not that familiar with labels, but I hope they'll still be able the make the music THEY (MMJ) want and not the (money-) kind the label wants.
Both times I saw them in those clubs, they just got a drink in between everyones else. So i got the opportunity to talk to them. When they'll get real famous and stuff, maybe that won't be possible anymore, which would be a pitty (Except when i kick the bodyguard's ass ;D)
I'm 19 and love MMJ but maybe that's because i know what great music is.
:o :o >:( ;D 8) :'( :) :D ;D This is what happens to me in time lapse over the course of an hour that I listen to these guys.
I'm 32 and have been a music lover for all but the first few years....and bands like this only happen about once every ten years (maybe twenty). Whether we all like it or not, the ball has begun rolling..and I don't think anything can or would dare try to stop it. We just have to trust them to know what's in their best interest.
With what they have done already in a few short years, yes I think this band is getting big. How big? I say the sky is the limit...forget Pearl Jam and Radiohead...it's more like the Stones and Beatles...Go get em guys...I'll keep buying tickets at any venue I can make.
Right on Otter! I couldn't have said it better myself!
Indeed, the sky is the limit and they've only just begun. ::)
Greetings from Central Coast of NSW, Australia. I heard "Lowdown" a month ago on Triple J radio; they break newish bands. I was hooked immediately; melody, vocals, reverb, echo, and a story.
Got Sweetbees this morning. It's a special Australian compilation of songs from At Dawn and Ohia. Listened to it around 15x. It's entirely appropriate; my relationship with my long-term girlfriend is crashing hard.
I'm 48, been a rock listener since '62. Saw Jimi, Cream, and Led all before '71. I grew up in San Diego. Remain as current as possible; looking for Clearlake's "Cedar", and just bought "Estuary English", a compilation of UK label, Memphis Industries. Anyone remember, "Tighten Up", by Archie Bell and the Drells outa Houston TX? What a sample it's made.
Back to my vodka crannie. Too jacked to write further.
The first time I saw them in 1999 (headliners during the Harvest webcast), there were 50+ people
About 2 years ago at the BBC there were 200+ people
2 months ago at headliners, the place was PACKED! I's guess and say 500+. When we got there, a line of about 50+ people streched out to Lexington road.
By far it was THE most exciting moment for louisville music I've seen and the band rocked louder than fuck!.
QuoteBy far it was THE most exciting moment for louisville music I've seen and the band rocked louder than fuck!.
Amen!
Now, if we could only get the LEO and the local radio stations to notice as well...and I don't mean some tiny byline or a small bit of airplay, either...these guys deserve to be noticed in the biggest of ways...like Muhummad Ali or Louisville Slugger big, damn it.
Hey, Ryan, when I said `young kids´, I meant 11 to 15. I´m 20 myself, and from what I know, people really get themselves a distinguished taste only when they reach 18, or 17, sometimes. But the bands that are really big often have lots of fans amongst really young kids. And MMJ is more a band that you start to appreciate when you really appreciate good music, wich I don´t really think 13-year-olds do. But maybe that´s a lame theory...
Man, I totally see where everybody is coming from here. I grapple with the "they're MY band" thing too. But then I think about how great the world would be if everyone loved MMJ. Think about this board, and multiply it by a billion. All the love that this band has spread across the world already, can go so much farther, and deeper. I really think that this band has grabbed hold of the pendulum and forced it in the other direction, where great music is popular music. It's a cycle, and I think we're in store for some great times musically. Bad times produce great music. Ah - the gifts that Dubya has given us! Bless him! ;)
I really hope MMJ makes it big. The whole "my band" thing is kind of lame. I try and show them to as many people as I can find... the more the merrier... I agree that the world would be a better place if everyone liked em. I suppose it would be a little sad to not be able to see them in a small venue anymore, but I think they could still rock a stadium. It would be pretty cool to have 50,000 people absolutely silent with Jim playing strangulation or something... And we'd all be that much cooler for seeing them in a small venue... later...
i can attest that mmj is definately growning. everyone that i make listen likes em. and they have a new fan in franfurt, DE too. rock on mmj!!!
laura
let's face it... they ARE growing big... but they are doing it in a good way... by working their asses off with constant touring... it's the whole grass roots thing... slowly building up a solid and loyal fan base... of course there will be those who check out the band because they are the "hot new buzz band"... in the long run, i think their loyal fan base is gonna give them staying power... people are definately catching on and taking notice... the first time i saw them in 2001... they played to about 20 people... now in 2003 they are playing to rooms that hold over 500...
soon will come a day where every show they play sells out immediately... and it will suck when the hardcore fans like us can't get tix... but think of the alternative... what if nobody liked them and they couldn't make any money playing music... and what if they had to give up their dream and get a job in the real world... we, the fans, would be sad... but just think how sad the band would be...
they have something special and important going on here... and i think it is going to chance the history of music, if not the history of the world... there's no stopping them now! 8)
There is definite movement of the expanding variety over here. My son went to a University open day 2 weeks ago sporting a Wildhearts t-shirt. The guy showing him round said "forget them, listen to MMJ". My boy told him " Don't have a choice. My dad's into them in a big way". Word of mouth is a big thing. Onwards and upwards ;D
:D :D 8) I just wanted to say howdy....
and that man, I have been raving about this band since I first heard them play with Doves back in December here in Vancouver...Canada. my friends and other people didn't like them tho... But then recently I was just thrilled that they were invited to play here for New Music West Fest, back in May '02...what a great show...and this time my friend that went just loved them! we were blasted for hours after...the energy of their music and guitars and beautiful songs.
anyways, I'm a 'Pete Yorn fan'...do most of my music talking, yakking and even ranting sometimes on his message board. so as often as I have been able...I have raved and mentioned this outstandingly talented band (in my mind anyways). Then recently I check out Glastonbury festival website and am just almost ecstatic to see that they are playing there! cuz that means they are totally being recognized...in my mind again. But then...it gets even better....MMJ and Pete Yorn play successively at 2 New York shows! Ok, now I am totally excited. But then....my god and so happy....find out that MMJ is now part of the current Foo Fighters and Pete Yorn tour. (which means get to see them again next week and it will be a far, far more enjoyable show too! to replace cancelled/postponed show last month due to Dave Grohl's voice etc)
anyways....the point is....YES!!! (I think...and that's GOOD...I think) Really, really happy about this!!
hi! ;D
Hi! Man! Just reading the previous post, I can picture someone who's just crazy excited about MMJ, and music in general. That's how I feel when I tell people about MMJ. I get all flustered, and worry that my little words just aren't enough to describe the real greatness of the band. Whew! Anyway - has anyone noticed that there seems to be a new influx of posters here? My heavens! MMJ are indeed growing big! Hopefully, soon, they will grow to be the biggest. I WAS disappointed that they weren't included in Rolling Stones "artists to watch" issue. Yeah - the one that described Eminem as a "Genius." I just bought my last copy. Rolling Stone's one goal must be to wipe good music from the face of the earth. But let's end on a good note... I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance!
8) now look here first of all everyone tackels with the whole my band thing including myself... but its not your band its there band they own themselves. lots of people love the jacket and first of all if they break into mainstream its not all that bad.... i mean maybe youll drive down the street and just one thing comes on the radio it might just be the best 3 minutes of your car ride let alone life...(this applies to those without cd players in their cars ;) ) it sucks if some stupid punk kid comes up to you and is like have you heard of mmj i like that song they do..( when they havent heard any of the good ol stuff) but for the band this makes them rich and when you make music as good as the jacket you damn well deserve to be rich. Concert prices may go up but then again one day maybe mmj will topple pearl jam ( another amazing band) and theyll be the headliners with pearl jam as nothing more than an opener hahahahahaha now that would be cool. you must agree. the world would be better if we all had a common ground when it came to talking about the jacket!!!!
I hope they do become big... they damn-well deserve it.
If they do, we can all go around saying "I knew them when they drew a few hundred or less, and were big only in Holland!" and we can reminisce. Let's face it, their music retains its personal meaning to each of us no matter how "big" they get... no fame, fortune or publicity can take that away.
My defining moment with MMJ, was hearing 'The Bear' on the radio as I awoke on that spring morning of 1999. I still haven't heard them on the radio since, but that stuck with me, and brings back great memories. It was a complete fluke, I still would never have heard of them if it weren't for that clock radio going off... I found them--- or they found me.
Another amen here, brother!
;D this is what im saying to all of us who have loved the jacket from day one, nothing will change... people will stay have ther opinions but the fact is all that counts is the music. if mmj continues to produce music that is mystifing and enchanting, as well as soulful and light while still being heart pumping and loud. it wont change a thing the guys will just cash in for making some of the best music ever heard.like my little friend ashton says "everytime I hear steam engine no matter how many times its played it makes me tickle, its almost like the song makes everything seem OK" mmj will never sell out because they make isnt the kind you can sell out with, its the kind you can buy lifelong fans with!
i hope thats the case, i want them to come to New York City pronto.
I really don't think MMJ are going to get big like Pearl Jam.......they might be cult icons or like underground heroes kind of like Sonic Youth or Fugazi or whoever, but I don't think they will ever hit mainstream appeal......mainly because of their looks......which has absolutely nothing to do with music but f**k MTV and commercial rock stations because they don't DESERVE to play good music like that
Whoever said that MMJ doesn't attract the youth was mostly right, but not entirely. I found out about MMJ when i was fourteen, because i saw them listed as one of the openers for the Foo Fighters on their latest tour. I "aquired" some of their songs, which just so happened to be heartbreaking man, and lowdown (2 of their best songs IMO). I instantly realiseds what I had been missing out on, and showed all my friends the music. They all liked it, even the kid who listens to rap music. Then myself, along with 3 friends went to see them opening for the Foos. They kicked ass infront of 9000 people, and I'll tell you, Live is the most amazing way to hear one big holiday ( the best MMJ song). I am now the biggest fan of MMJ in Canada ( possibly the only) and await the day they come to southern Ontario, hopfully to an all ages venue. Wait a second, wasn't this chat about whether they were becomming big? If I keep on showing people MMJ music, soon they will be. I agree with the people who say they want MMJ to stay a smaller band, because I love being one of the people lucky enought to have heard their music, but i wish them only the best of luck in the future. And PLEASE COME TO SOUTHERN ONTARIO. ill be there for sure.
QuoteI really don't think MMJ are going to get big like Pearl Jam... mainly because of their looks
Well I dont agree with this. What's wrong with their looks? They have long hair, so what? Did you ever seen chad kroeger, the singer of nickelback? Now that's a guy as ugly as fuck. He doesn't have the look and the music is like shit. He still gets airplay, why? ... because it's easy listening. And looks have nothing to do with it. oh and how about eminem or other rappers full of tatoos and piercings. Nothing against that but mmj has only long hair and I think they're pretty handsome boys. Johnny could be a model if he wasn't playing in the jacket.
So my point is looks have nothing to do with it. Just the music itself is the problem. mmj are not playing easy music. And a lot of commercial stations (like mtv) only want to play music that sells big time and follows the mainstream, and I don't think the jacket fits well into this picture.
But that's just my humble opinion.
The stupid thing is that here in Holland their shows are less well-visited then before... Their shows from last November only had about 100 or 200 people showing up, and they play smaller venues than 3 years ago in the The Tennessee Fire era... We're getting deafer and deafer over here. ;D
Well in Belgium the opposite has happened. In march 2003 I saw the jacket performing at the nijdrop (like a youth cafe that occasionally organizes concerts but is not in fact a real concerthall) for 200 people. In octobre I saw them for almost 500 people playing in the Ancien Belgique, which is a true concerthall. But due of the voice problems of Jim, the concert wasn't a real success so I don't know if there will be as much people as in octobre the next time they come around. But I think the press should have given more attention to this band.
This always seems to happen when I discover a "new" band. In the months after discovery I become paranoid that they are going to sell out and that the music will become lost. I don't think they will ever get Pearl Jam big because with respect they are too good. Look at Pearl Jam they have released many "dodgy" albums and still continue to sell millions of records. On the otherhand MMJ have had 3 kickking bottom albums and still haven't become big. The day they release an average album will be the day that they start playing arenas. So in answer to the question no they haven't sold out and I can never really see the day when the arena tour begins. I think they will become a cult band a bit like The Pixies.
I definitley think that MMJ will make it big. They have a sound like no one else and that's what people want. I hear all of these bands on MTV that sound exactly alike, I don't want to hear that. I want to hear something original like MMJ. Keep the tunes rollin.
The only thing MMJ has "sold out" are venues across the world!
I first saw them in 2001 at Headliner's in Louisville to a less-than-half-full house for a WFPK event. After seeing them there again just a year ago on 01.04.03, I turned to my friend and said, "you may call me crazy, but mark my word: one day MMJ will grace the halls and walls of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH!" She said I was dreaming, but you just wait 25 years or so and we'll see! ;)