My Circuital Review

[DougMac]

You can't remove context, I'm afraid.  Cicruital and Evil Urges don't exist in vacuums.  Standards have been set and if fans don't think those standards are being met they will come away disappointed. 

Mark my words: no publication will ever rank Circuital or any album after it as the best MMJ album.

I agree rock journalists are idiots but if this does indeed happen it may, just may be because those albums aren't as good.  Rock critics aren't fans of MMJ like the folks here.  Who's to say 'they' even think ISM or At Dawn are 'great' or 'classic' records like 'we' do anyway?   Besides, Z has their most consistent ranking over on metacritic despite being noticably different from what came before so, clearly, the critics aren't hung up on ISM and that particular MMJ sound and are quite capable of judging each album on its own merits.

I'm sure this album will grow on me and after the huge disappointment of Evil Urges (don't get me started!) this has re-confirmed that the band still has 'it' but Circuital still falls short of being 'great', or even 'very good' and three years on from Evil Urges I don't think this is enough.  Not for ME anyway. 

I'll still turn up to see 'em live though if I get the chance. 

The Good...

Victory Dance
Circuital
You Wanna Freak Out (maybe)
Wonderful
Movin' Away
Slow Slow Tune

Average

The Day Is Coming
Outta My System (unsure about this one tbh)

Meh

Black Metal
First Light (worst song on the album)

[Ghosts_on_TV]

Jeff  Tweedy recently had lunch at Sky Blue Sky Sandwich Company. His review...

"I liked the sandwich, but I prefer their earlier, more experimental sandwiches."

[el_chode]

Ruckus thank you for your reply to this post.  While I'm a new poster on this forum I've been reading and following the band through this site since I discovered them in '06.  The review by the OP'er sounds like retreads from Pearl Jam's site ever since Riot Act came out.  The guitar's this, rhythm section that, Jim shoulda sang it this way.  Same folks who get mad because the band didn't play their particular deep cut favorite during the 10th time they've seen the band live while they sit on their hands because they've lost the magic of just enjoying what's being created.  But that's just my particular opinion not being able to play a note on an instrument while having listened to a lot of music over my many years.  ::)

To be honest, I think this is one of my major beefs with music fans these days. The way that music is consumed, through entire catalogues that that can be found essentially for free over the internet if you so choose, fans invest a lot less energy in one particular band, and look too much at the big picture.

Instead of buying records from a band that writes a lot of GOOD Americana songs, modern fans only want to buy the BEST Americana songs, as objectively chosen by God-knows-who. As much as I love top 10 lists, they're a big part of the problem; they try to hold unique, worthwhile songs up to the "greatest" songs in a genre, which they will never be able to reach because those original songs defined the standards in the first place. So many modern reviewers make a living off of this type of journalism, only ever comparing albums to their influences and giving middling grades for not living up to those standards.

In the same way, if a band ever makes a "great" record, everything they do after will be judged unfairly against it. Because Circuital is somewhat similar in sound to Z, all the reviews will complain about what Circuital doesn't do that Z did: no rockers, not as innovative, etc. Yet at the same time, innovation gets frowned upon too; Z still gets criticism for not being It Still Moves Pt 2, because so many people couldn't be arsed to view the band as anything other than "southern-fried" and "alt-country". Mark my words: no publication will ever rank Circuital or any album after it as the best MMJ album.

But us saying that picking between MMJ albums is like picking between children isn't just an exaggeration; that's exactly how it is. In both cases, there's no good reason for you to be picking between them in the first place.

/rant. Enjoy Circuital. It's pretty amazing.

Duuuuuuuuuude you just made my philosophical heart asplode.

[wolof7]

But us saying that picking between MMJ albums is like picking between children isn't just an exaggeration; that's exactly how it is. In both cases, there's no good reason for you to be picking between them in the first place.

/rant. Enjoy Circuital. It's pretty amazing.

Great point here. What I struggle with is fans pointing out these predetermined ideas of what the band should be in comparison to the past. For me I am just happy they have made another album (and seemingly will make many more, they're still a young band). I can't think of what the creative process is for them because I'm not creative, and I'm not in MMJ. I take the stance that I leave the musical direction to the band (bc that's the way it should be) and therefore, if I like the band, generally speaking, I will most likely enjoy their output (not always true but I never wind up not liking something bc its different).

I guess in simpler terms, I enjoy trying to figure out how the band settled on these songs, what they were going for in each individual track and then as an album whole. Each album should be viewed as its own unique entity having its own identity and one of the great mysteries in music is going with the sounds, seeing where it takes us (and the band), and deconstructing the creative process. I know this is heady and maybe I am the only one who thinks this but for me its a much better way to approach music from a band I love and trust. So to judge an album based upon a band's previous efforts would seem arbitrary to me, it also seems like a highly unenjoyable way to take in new music. It's a much more transient process

Additionally, a point was made by Easyryder about the band's age and that the musical direction could be connected to that, along with their own development as individual people and a band. I think this is definitely true. Hell, I just learned of the band Big Star and this week on music series Patrick talked about seeing them and how much Carl and Patrick were influenced by them. Didn't know that before. Most of us don't know them personally, and what makes their creative juices flow, apparently Big Star does and I need to consider that that band is a part of the band's collective unconscious now. Just like our own personal identities are made up of different influences.

Also I don't take issue with people not liking the album, however not liking it bc it doesn't "compare" in an individual's terms to their previous efforts is that individuals opinion. Just stating that Circuital is dissappointing is fine for the person saying it, but doesn't make it true. Just like saying Circuital is their best effort does not necessarily make it true for me either. Haven't heard the album yet, just speaking to the nature of what reviews/opinions are, subjective.

Sorry for the ramble, unsure if this makes sense but I needed to get some of these points out.

[Ruckus]

Ruckus thank you for your reply to this post.  While I'm a new poster on this forum I've been reading and following the band through this site since I discovered them in '06.  The review by the OP'er sounds like retreads from Pearl Jam's site ever since Riot Act came out.  The guitar's this, rhythm section that, Jim shoulda sang it this way.  Same folks who get mad because the band didn't play their particular deep cut favorite during the 10th time they've seen the band live while they sit on their hands because they've lost the magic of just enjoying what's being created.  But that's just my particular opinion not being able to play a note on an instrument while having listened to a lot of music over my many years.  ::)

To be honest, I think this is one of my major beefs with music fans these days. The way that music is consumed, through entire catalogues that that can be found essentially for free over the internet if you so choose, fans invest a lot less energy in one particular band, and look too much at the big picture.

Instead of buying records from a band that writes a lot of GOOD Americana songs, modern fans only want to buy the BEST Americana songs, as objectively chosen by God-knows-who. As much as I love top 10 lists, they're a big part of the problem; they try to hold unique, worthwhile songs up to the "greatest" songs in a genre, which they will never be able to reach because those original songs defined the standards in the first place. So many modern reviewers make a living off of this type of journalism, only ever comparing albums to their influences and giving middling grades for not living up to those standards.

In the same way, if a band ever makes a "great" record, everything they do after will be judged unfairly against it. Because Circuital is somewhat similar in sound to Z, all the reviews will complain about what Circuital doesn't do that Z did: no rockers, not as innovative, etc. Yet at the same time, innovation gets frowned upon too; Z still gets criticism for not being It Still Moves Pt 2, because so many people couldn't be arsed to view the band as anything other than "southern-fried" and "alt-country". Mark my words: no publication will ever rank Circuital or any album after it as the best MMJ album.

But us saying that picking between MMJ albums is like picking between children isn't just an exaggeration; that's exactly how it is. In both cases, there's no good reason for you to be picking between them in the first place.

/rant. Enjoy Circuital. It's pretty amazing.

Damn Sportscenter generation!  Only watching the slam dunks and not weakside rotations...
I appreciate your point about the way music is"consumed" nowadays but what I don't understand is why an individual is not allowed to dislike an album or when they do, it is due to a deficiency in the way they listen to music.

RUSH is my favorite band ever.  I find approximately a quarter of their output to be unlistenable.  A Tribe Callled Quest, another of my favorite artists.  1st four albums were great (2nd and 3rd being masterpieces IMHO) while their 5th was an utter travesty.  Sound familiar? ;)

I dunno.  I guess I just don't get why people take it personally when someone doesn't do the OMG dance for the Jacket.  Sure reviews are often self serving and obnoxious but can I like one dish at my favorite restaurant more than another?  Are all Picassos equally respected?

[DougMac]

But us saying that picking between MMJ albums is like picking between children isn't just an exaggeration; that's exactly how it is. In both cases, there's no good reason for you to be picking between them in the first place.

/rant. Enjoy Circuital. It's pretty amazing.

So to judge an album based upon a band's previous efforts would seem arbitrary to me, it also seems like a highly unenjoyable way to take in new music. It's a much more transient process

And what should it be judged against?  The last Kings Of Leon album?  Justin Bieber? Ravi Shankar? Context is there and you can choose to ignore it if you want, that's cool, but it's hardly arbitrary for fans of a band to judge their albums against previous ones, is it?  It's entirely logical and predictable.  We don't judge Beatles For Sale on its own merits; we judge it based on the quality of the songs and that is based on the records that came before and after. It's found wanting hence it's a minor Beatles album. 

Also I don't take issue with people not liking the album, however not liking it bc it doesn't "compare" in an individual's terms to their previous efforts is that individuals opinion. Just stating that Circuital is dissappointing is fine for the person saying it, but doesn't make it true. Just like saying Circuital is their best effort does not necessarily make it true for me either. Haven't heard the album yet, just speaking to the nature of what reviews/opinions are, subjective.

all opinions are subjective, who knew? 

[DougMac]

Ruckus thank you for your reply to this post.  While I'm a new poster on this forum I've been reading and following the band through this site since I discovered them in '06.  The review by the OP'er sounds like retreads from Pearl Jam's site ever since Riot Act came out.  The guitar's this, rhythm section that, Jim shoulda sang it this way.  Same folks who get mad because the band didn't play their particular deep cut favorite during the 10th time they've seen the band live while they sit on their hands because they've lost the magic of just enjoying what's being created.  But that's just my particular opinion not being able to play a note on an instrument while having listened to a lot of music over my many years.  ::)

To be honest, I think this is one of my major beefs with music fans these days. The way that music is consumed, through entire catalogues that that can be found essentially for free over the internet if you so choose, fans invest a lot less energy in one particular band, and look too much at the big picture.

Instead of buying records from a band that writes a lot of GOOD Americana songs, modern fans only want to buy the BEST Americana songs, as objectively chosen by God-knows-who. As much as I love top 10 lists, they're a big part of the problem; they try to hold unique, worthwhile songs up to the "greatest" songs in a genre, which they will never be able to reach because those original songs defined the standards in the first place. So many modern reviewers make a living off of this type of journalism, only ever comparing albums to their influences and giving middling grades for not living up to those standards.

In the same way, if a band ever makes a "great" record, everything they do after will be judged unfairly against it. Because Circuital is somewhat similar in sound to Z, all the reviews will complain about what Circuital doesn't do that Z did: no rockers, not as innovative, etc. Yet at the same time, innovation gets frowned upon too; Z still gets criticism for not being It Still Moves Pt 2, because so many people couldn't be arsed to view the band as anything other than "southern-fried" and "alt-country". Mark my words: no publication will ever rank Circuital or any album after it as the best MMJ album.

But us saying that picking between MMJ albums is like picking between children isn't just an exaggeration; that's exactly how it is. In both cases, there's no good reason for you to be picking between them in the first place.

/rant. Enjoy Circuital. It's pretty amazing.

Damn Sportscenter generation!  Only watching the slam dunks and not weakside rotations...
I appreciate your point about the way music is"consumed" nowadays but what I don't understand is why an individual is not allowed to dislike an album or when they do, it is due to a deficiency in the way they listen to music.

RUSH is my favorite band ever.  I find approximately a quarter of their output to be unlistenable.  A Tribe Callled Quest, another of my favorite artists.  1st four albums were great (2nd and 3rd being masterpieces IMHO) while their 5th was an utter travesty.  Sound familiar? ;)

I dunno.  I guess I just don't get why people take it personally when someone doesn't do the OMG dance for the Jacket.  Sure reviews are often self serving and obnoxious but can I like one dish at my favorite restaurant more than another?  Are all Picassos equally respected?

Yes.

It's not the album it's YOU!

People said the same with Evil Urges.  You just don't 'get' it hence your opinion is invalid. 

[wolof7]

But us saying that picking between MMJ albums is like picking between children isn't just an exaggeration; that's exactly how it is. In both cases, there's no good reason for you to be picking between them in the first place.

/rant. Enjoy Circuital. It's pretty amazing.

So to judge an album based upon a band's previous efforts would seem arbitrary to me, it also seems like a highly unenjoyable way to take in new music. It's a much more transient process

And what should it be judged against?  The last Kings Of Leon album?  Justin Bieber? Ravi Shankar? Context is there and you can choose to ignore it if you want, that's cool, but it's hardly arbitrary for fans of a band to judge their albums against previous ones, is it?  It's entirely logical and predictable.

Also I don't take issue with people not liking the album, however not liking it bc it doesn't "compare" in an individual's terms to their previous efforts is that individuals opinion. Just stating that Circuital is dissappointing is fine for the person saying it, but doesn't make it true. Just like saying Circuital is their best effort does not necessarily make it true for me either. Haven't heard the album yet, just speaking to the nature of what reviews/opinions are, subjective.

all opinions are subjective, who knew?

1) You're right, it is logical and predictable. However, with a band who is changing things up each time as MMJ does, I was speaking to the idea that it is important to not let these comparisons get in the way and taint one's view of the new album bc it is not MMJ trying to be "alt-country" or "space rocky" or "insert tired band label here"

2) C'mon man have you seen all the shitty "Circuital is dissappointing" proclaimations by relatively new posters round here....it's a lazy, depressing and negative statement when it's not backed by "my opinion is that...." I mean I ain't no lawyer but these statement seem invalid.

[BigHerm]

But us saying that picking between MMJ albums is like picking between children isn't just an exaggeration; that's exactly how it is. In both cases, there's no good reason for you to be picking between them in the first place.

/rant. Enjoy Circuital. It's pretty amazing.

So to judge an album based upon a band's previous efforts would seem arbitrary to me, it also seems like a highly unenjoyable way to take in new music. It's a much more transient process

And what should it be judged against?  The last Kings Of Leon album?  Justin Bieber? Ravi Shankar? Context is there and you can choose to ignore it if you want, that's cool, but it's hardly arbitrary for fans of a band to judge their albums against previous ones, is it?  It's entirely logical and predictable.

Also I don't take issue with people not liking the album, however not liking it bc it doesn't "compare" in an individual's terms to their previous efforts is that individuals opinion. Just stating that Circuital is dissappointing is fine for the person saying it, but doesn't make it true. Just like saying Circuital is their best effort does not necessarily make it true for me either. Haven't heard the album yet, just speaking to the nature of what reviews/opinions are, subjective.

all opinions are subjective, who knew?

1) You're right, it is logical and predictable. However, with a band who is changing things up each time as MMJ does, I was speaking to the idea that it is important to not let these comparisons get in the way and taint one's view of the new album bc it is not MMJ trying to be "alt-country" or "space rocky" or "insert tired band label here"

Could not agree more. 

[Ruckus]

Whatever Wolof.  I want my shit wet dog in the rainforest during that time it rains a lot season soaked and drenched and dripping in reverb soaked wet. ;D

[wolof7]

HAHA I don't even know how to respond to that Ruckus....Wolof over and out


Back to Purity Rings for my virgin ears, eyes and mind!

[Ruckus]

HAHA I don't even know how to respond to that Ruckus....Wolof over and out


Back to Purity Rings for my virgin ears and mind!

;D. It's funny that I'm holding off too.   Part of it is that I got new Polk speakers and I wanna spin the vinyl 1st but also I'm feeling rather rebellious and contrarian and you guys are helping me pass the time.  I'm in full troll mode! ;D

[bold992006]

I don't agree with everything in the review but the essence is correct.  It's better than Evil Urges (not hard) but that's two average records in a row by a band who are capable of a so much more.   I can't lie, I'm disappointed and I suspect many others will be as well.

you suspect right.  I've given it a little time and my mind is not changed.  This is the worst album this band has ever done IMO.   I honestly did not think it was possible to make a worse record than EU.  I've gotten about 10 new albums in the last 3 weeks or so..and this is the last one I want to listen to.

[Honest Man]

I think people are disappointed since they expected an At Dawn, It Still Moves mix and it isn't. My only beef is it is really all over the place with the recording. Outta My System is the only song I skip over but I don't think it is their worst album. I think some of these songs are going to translate good live. We'll see....

[DougMac]

But us saying that picking between MMJ albums is like picking between children isn't just an exaggeration; that's exactly how it is. In both cases, there's no good reason for you to be picking between them in the first place.

/rant. Enjoy Circuital. It's pretty amazing.

So to judge an album based upon a band's previous efforts would seem arbitrary to me, it also seems like a highly unenjoyable way to take in new music. It's a much more transient process

And what should it be judged against?  The last Kings Of Leon album?  Justin Bieber? Ravi Shankar? Context is there and you can choose to ignore it if you want, that's cool, but it's hardly arbitrary for fans of a band to judge their albums against previous ones, is it?  It's entirely logical and predictable.

Also I don't take issue with people not liking the album, however not liking it bc it doesn't "compare" in an individual's terms to their previous efforts is that individuals opinion. Just stating that Circuital is dissappointing is fine for the person saying it, but doesn't make it true. Just like saying Circuital is their best effort does not necessarily make it true for me either. Haven't heard the album yet, just speaking to the nature of what reviews/opinions are, subjective.

all opinions are subjective, who knew?

1) You're right, it is logical and predictable. However, with a band who is changing things up each time as MMJ does, I was speaking to the idea that it is important to not let these comparisons get in the way and taint one's view of the new album bc it is not MMJ trying to be "alt-country" or "space rocky" or "insert tired band label here"

2) C'mon man have you seen all the shitty "Circuital is dissappointing" proclaimations by relatively new posters round here....it's a lazy, depressing and negative statement when it's not backed by "my opinion is that...." I mean I ain't no lawyer but these statement seem invalid.

It makes no difference.  Every Beatles album is different but we still judge and rank them.  This album is slightly different to the last therefore it needs to be judged by different criteria?  No, it really doesn't. The only criteria I have is 'memorable songs', that's all.  The last two albums have been short of this, amongst other annoyances.   I don't expect It Still Moves part two but I do expect an album with more songs as potent as Victory Dance. 

The newness of these posters is irrelevant.  Their opinion is worth no less.  Everything we say here is subjective for cring out loud.  We are all offering opinions on the music of MMJ.  It does not need to be reiterated tediously with 'in my opinion, of course' at the end of every post.  Depressing?  Yes, it is depressing when you are let down by an album.  Negative?  Well if they don't like it the post will, undeniably, be a bit 'negative' from your perspective.  Other people are such a fucking pain in the ass, eh?  Maybe you shouldn't be reading this thread if it's bringing you down, man but fans are just offering up their thoughts. 

*not a dig at you* If some people can wait till the end of the month before hearing Circuital then maybe they should avoid opening certain threads until then as well.

[DougMac]

I think people are disappointed since they expected an At Dawn, It Still Moves mix and it isn't. My only beef is it is really all over the place with the recording. Outta My System is the only song I skip over but I don't think it is their worst album. I think some of these songs are going to translate good live. We'll see....

I'm glad you know what the people expected.  You must be able to read minds.

I didn't expect that AT ALL for the record.

[wolof7]

Oh boy, fine, I submit, look what I started, I officially don't care anymore....no more trolling for Wolof

[Jon T.]

I am going to put myself out on a limb here and say this album is going to be pretty divisive.   ;D
I like your point, Wolof, about not comparing it to their other releases.  IMO, I feel like maybe the expectations are a little too high with all of the talk of "returing to their roots", etc...  I don't really get that from this album.  So I think in that context people might be a little let down or disappointed.  However, now that I am past my confusion of it not being what I was expecting necessarily, I'm enjoying the shit out of it.  I'm not going to judge it against anything else or grade it because I've had it for one full day.  I listened to it several times yesterday and when I woke up this morning, I had First Light in my head.  That was one of my least favorites on my first listen, yet I woke up with it in my head.  That's a good sign for me.  I really can't wait to hear these songs live cuz I think they are going to be pretty effing sweet.  I can see Victory Dance going all skitzo at the end like Via Chicago.  Awww hell, now I'm ramblin' again.

[wolof7]

Thank Jon T. but I respectfully decided to decline trolling on this thread anymore about 2 posts back, but I am glad the album is growing on you, I hope I like it too.  :D

[Tennessee Jed]

I think people are disappointed since they expected an At Dawn, It Still Moves mix and it isn't. My only beef is it is really all over the place with the recording. Outta My System is the only song I skip over but I don't think it is their worst album. I think some of these songs are going to translate good live. We'll see....

I wish they had recorded this album in a much more live setting...it's just had so much of its life sucked out in the studio. They should have also stretched out some of them with more epic jamming, IMO...