Michigan ink

[thebigbang]

My Morning Jacket
By Andrew Gaerig
Daily Arts Writer
September 10, 2003
http://www.michigandaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/09/10/3f5e9c5615760


My Morning Jacket have an extraordinary way of making time pass. Their airy, slow-burn, country jams stretch out like miles of lonely telephone wire. Bandleader Jim James' voice, caked in a country mile of reverb, flows elegantly over the psychedelic twang. All of this has a warping effect, making their lengthy strolls seem much shorter.

This is hardly anything new for the band, however. Their debut album, 1999's The Tennessee Fire, was a lo-fi acoustic smash, and 2001's At Dawn was notable for its epic interpretation of the band's unique vibe. Despite all the success, their recent signing to Dave Matthews' ATO Records - a label known mostly for jam bands and David Gray - raised some righteous underground eyebrows.

It's unlikely, however, that the purists will argue much with It Still Moves, as the album covers much of the same territory. Never does the band fall into jam territory, and the songs, despite their increased length, are notably more consistent. "Dancefloors," for instance, is the band's most accomplished composition to date. Juxtaposing a driving percussion section with tight piano fills, singing lead guitar and a rousing horn-section, the song is both melodic and soulful. James still sounds like a superhero Neil Young, his cavernous voice and inspiring lyrics filling the songs with a beautiful, molasses presence.

The rest of the disc is remarkable for both its consistency and range. "Mahgeetah" is notable for its reggae guitar sound, and "One Big Holiday" is an excitable guitar rave-up. "I Will Sing You Songs," the only track that finds the band extending their formidable guitar interplay, builds on a remarkably simple lyrical turn before suspending the listener in a stratosphere of six-string warmth.

The band's one fault has always been a tendency to fall too easily into the trappings of Americana and country. It Still Moves, while still occasionally relying on traditionalism, shows a strong move away from this tendency. Indeed, the band is most captivating when it challenges standard conventions, pushing its creative, inspired sound forward while leaving its heart in the past. It Still Moves is an enthralling listen, the sound of a band too distinct to remain rooted, and too loyal to stray far from home.