So....what are your thoughts on the future of MMJ?

[sweatboard]

It seems to me that Jim really enjoys the recording process and I'm very greatful for this, seeing how the band has put out three beautifuly produced albums.  I would think that recording the next album outside of the barn could lead to Jim getting really creative and experimental with some new recording techniques.  I'm hoping for some more jammed out songs. I would like to hear a couple 12-15 min NOISE JAMS on this next record, lots of feedback and reverb.  A duet with Cat Power would be cool to.  How about Jim and Chan dueting on a cover of the Rupert Holmes classic "Escape" that's right bitches the all mighty Pina Colada Song.  I'm super pshyched about picking up the two albums coming out next week (Sandworm and Learning)  then my mouth will really be watering for the next studio release.  I just pray Jim doesn't go all political on us after being a part of the Vote For Change tour.  As some of you may know, my other favorite band is Pearl Jam and I'm just really burned out on politics I want an album that I can put on my headphones and just "Escape" With!   :D

[Chills]

Only one option. They become Masters of the Universe through massive radio airplay and a sudden and mysterious increase of good taste. Too bad for The Rasmus, they are history!

[drtpants]

since there aren't any indications that the Jacket's popularity has crested you'd have to count on a new album with at least one extensive world tour.but you have to wonder if quaid's departure kind of signifies the end of MMJ as a band with a stable lineup.maybe they go the way of a wilco or any number of other "bands"that exsist in name only and are really a vehicle for one guy,in this case Jim James.nothing wrong with that.no disrespect to Tommy,Patrick and the other guys past,present and future.on the contrary i can't imagine the Jacket being the Jacket without the current rythym section.and if you've gotten ahold of recordings from some of the shows  last tour(toronto is my favie)you no doubt agree that Bo and Carl don't take a back seat to the guys they replaced by any means.that being said,this is a band where one guy does the overwhelming bulk of the songwriting if not all of it.for that reason alone i think the longterm future of this band is in doubt.but hey,the longterm future of EVERYTHING these days is in doubt.don't worry,be happy...on a final note,i must admit that i'm wishing they'd throw us all a bone info wise on the bands current and future activites.there's alot we don't really know when you think about it.hell,we don't really even know if Bo and Carl are actually in the band.maybe there's other new members.maybe there's guys who will be on the new album that aren't going to tour,etc...when and where will recording take place?will there be an outside producer this time?i personally really want to know when the next euro club/theatre tour will be.i'm hoping to plan a vacation to the netherlands based around the tour.i'll bet taking in the Jacket with the people who've been down from day one would be the shit.

[Chills]

Wow, that's some interesting stuff, what a first post. certainly more insightful than the stuff I've written down here  ;)
There's just too much to react to.
Right now I just can't imagine the Jacket not being around, But with Danny and Johnny leaving it does create a sense of instability. I heard Bo and Carl did a great job on the live shows, but what about new material? What will be their input on the next album, I'm certainly curious.

About the outside producer: Why do that?
About that vacation in The Netherlands: An MMJ-themed vacation?- Rock 'n roll!

[MMJ_fanatic]

Rock n' Roll in Europe is kinda like valhalla ;) groups from the states seem to break their live cherries over there--Hendrix, Joplin, MMJ........ :D

[Oz]

If you need a place to stay in Holland, visit Utrecht! Anytime... :)

[RootsRock]

I hope these guys keep going.  I got turned onto MMJ in Jan. or Feb. 2004 and missed a show at the Cotton Club in ATL.  Sold-out and they would not let us in due to firecode regs.  Trust me the place was on fire that night.  I stood out on a barely covered stoop in the pooring rain listening until my light weight friends insisted on going back to the car.

Anyway, I'm pretty new to the band and I am so glad these guys came along.  These guys care about their audience too.  Two Tone Tommy answered an email I sent to the band praising them for what they have bestowed upon us.  His words were real encourging and I hope he does not mind that I share them with you.  But it may be helpful as I have seen a few mesage where people are worried about the future.  I have cut and pasted the text ( email dated 12/05/04):

" ... we're currently gearing up for rehearsals and recording for the next album which should take us through the spring.  hope to see you out at a show next year when the gears in the best start to grind once again."


We may have to wait but I think I'll get my chance to catch them live ... dont care how far I have to drive.

By the way, I can't stop listening to these guys, packing my CD everywhere I go and watching the videos over and over.  I've also been spreading the word to other music junkies.  I'm damn near obsessing, hell I may have to seek help if this keeps up!

[The Boar]

Roots, you have definitely caught the fever buddy -- never fret, it only gets more intense from here. I think we are all ecstatic to hear Two Tone's encouraging words, so many thanks for sharing them!

As for waiting to see them live, man oh man, in some ways I wish I was still in your position. When I saw the guys at Mississippi Nights in St. Louis for the first time this past May, I experienced probably the purest musical experience of my life -- watching Jim's fingerwork as he rocked out literally a foot from my face, his hair lashing above my head -- sublime. Perhaps the only thing that topped that experience was watching a seemingly apocalyptic storm roll in during the afternoon show at Bonnaroo, just as the first notes of Steam Engine started up.

Hope your live experiences are as gratifying as mine have been. Welcome aboard!