*SPOILER* New Album Discussion

[Jon T.]

I posted this on another forum, but here goes again.

So I've given this 4 listens, all the way through at various points between last night and today.

Here are my thoughts... Just to give you some perspective, I became a big MMJ fan when It Still Moves came out, and I have been a huge (rabid I'd even say) fan since then. Some of my other favorite contemporary bands are Wilco, Radiohead, M. Ward, Animal Collective, Wolf Parade, Band of Horses..

"Evil Urges" is incredibly flawed. While there are moments of brilliance, which I'll get to, many of the disastrous experimentations almost overshadow these triumphs. The title track really kicks things off into high gear and hints at the experimentation yet to come. It's a very nice medium of the new and the old. However, it's followed by two atrocious tracks that disrupt the entire flow of the album, and are laughable musical compositions in themselves. "Touch Me Part 1" in particular seems out of place. The synths that squiggle throughout sound like something from the fucking Thompson Twins, and the "I can tell by the sounds you make when you are pleased" robot-voice Jim James puts on is particularly egregious. From then on the "I need a human by my side, untied" treads on space-schmaltz. Moving on, "Highly Suspicious" continues the trainwreck. The deep background vocals make this track virtually unlistenable. In addition, the song feels anemic. It lacks all of the energy the live version had, and just feels flat and without any sense of dynamic. People compare this song to Prince, and that's an insult to "the artist."

Luckily, the record jumpstarts with "I'm Amazed." Although the lyrics aren't the most cerebral to come out of Jim James' mouth, they're sung with conviction (often absent on this entire record) and the band is right there making every note and snare-hit count. The production really shines on this song - Chiccareli does a fine job giving the track a live feel. The one-two punch of "Thank You Too" and "Sec Walkin'" showcases two well-written songs that border on complete adult-contemporary, albeit in an endearing way. The strings on "Thank You Too" turn it into a complete sap-fest; luckily, the melody and the band sound great here. "Sec Walkin'" sounds like something I'd here at a truckstop in West Texas circa 1978, but it provides a nice intersection of country and soul that I find appealing.

Then there is "Two Halves." This is the point where I just start to shake my head. The lyrics in this song are inane, the doo-wop background vocals are contrived, and Jim James seems to be phoning this one in. In other words, it's another one that should have been left on the cutting room floor. Luckily it's followed by the lovely and perfectly arranged "Librarian." "Look At You" rides on a beautiful melody; unfortunately, the lyrics border on Christian rock. From here on, the record seems to kick. "Aluminum Park" finally shows Jim James singing/screaming his heart out while the band kicks with him the entire way. "Remnants" is Pearl Jam-lite, but manages to throw in some good riffs. Thankfully the record ends with two of the best songs. "Smokin' From Shootin" has great lyrics, is masterfully produced (the kick drum sounds like it's blowing wind), and climaxes in a moment of beauty and vocal-centric beauty. The lead-in to the groovy and climactic "Touch Me Part 2" is also one of the only times this feels like a cohesive album.

Essentially, MMJ threw a bunch of ideas at a wall, and unfortunately, many of them did not stick. Although I applaud the band's willingness to experiment and shed its skin, it has had some alienating consequences. Much of this exploration seems poorly thought out. This band has ventured into uncharted territory at risk of losing so much of what made them great in the first place. It's one thing to let the essence of your sound remain intact while trying new things, but this is not the case with "Evil Urges." While they may be the best live band in the world, their stake at claiming the title of best American band is in vain because of this new LP.

Although my views of this record are mostly negative, I allow room for this album to be a grower. When "Houses of the Holy" came out it got a lot of shit for the James Brown-aping "Crunge" and the reggae-tinged "D'yer Maker," but in retrospect those were bold choices and a lot of the Zeppelin's audience wasn't ready for it. The same could happen with MMJ. Evil Urges might be remembered as a classic in the years to come. Time will tell.

Rating: 6.2/10

Rating of this review: pieceofshit.2/10
This thing was so full of cliches it was almost entertaining (almost).  It reminds of the guy in Good Will Hunting at the bar that Will calls out for reciting from books (how you like dem apples?).  
Also, dude, when you listen to something you hear it you do not "here" it.  I'd hate for you to embarrass yourself while posing as a "journalist".

Seriously though, good read!

[notdarkyet]

i've been a rabid fan of the band for a number of years and, in regard to the trajectory of their career, i was just thinking the other day that, one day, i may be one of those people that says they like "early My Morning Jacket." maybe it's because i'm originally from the country myself, but i'm in love with the hazy, psychedelic vibe of The Tennessee Fire, At Dawn and It Still Moves. now, as far as Z goes, i think a great deal of the tracks are just excellent, but it lost the abandoned grain silo feel of the first three records, probably due in part to them replacing two members, and, um, not recording in a grain silo. again, i still think it's a very good album, but i don't find myself pulling it out as much as the others. being that Evil Urges seems to have the same sound, i feel like this record will be the same for me. i mean, "Smokin' From Shootin'" and "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream, Part 2" are fucking stellar, ya know? at any rate, i'd also like to say that i suppose that's personal and it's not as if i'm not willing to follow them in the direction they are heading or that i'd be close-minded in any regard. i might even change my mind...when Iron & Wine expanded into that tribal, world-music thing he/they have going on with The Shepherd's Dog, i thought i'd forever be a fan of "early Iron & Wine." that turned out not to be the case, as i now prefer that record to any of the others. having had experience with Z though, i feel as if this will not be the case.

...and i fucking hate "Highly Suspicious." that song is dumb.

-justin

[Wardog]

I look at the "progression" of MMJ like this... Consider what you were listening to 10 years ago... Think of how much you personally have grown in musical taste.  I enjoy the occasional trip down memory lane, but on the whole, I have moved in a different direction.  Now think about a band.  I myself think it would be borinbg if every album sounded exactly like the one before it.  (Thats when you get U2)  I will always love the "early" MMJ, but I am open to following them in whatever direction they go.  As far as "Evil Urges," I think the songs are built to be performed LIVE.  Look at "Highly Suspicious" its goofy, but at the same time it is fun.  After a couple concerts under his belt, imagine what Jim is going to do to those two solos.  Those could both go on for as minute each.  Also, I imagine Touch Me I'm GOing to Scream Pt.2 following Dondante.  Anyway, that is just my two cents.  All I can hope for is MMJ will be around for a long long time.

[Ive got an EVIL plan babe]

I'm hearing a lot of silliness about Highly Suspicious.  I'm looking forward to hearing Highly Suspicious live.  I'm especially looking forward to Jim's evil laugh as he rips into his guitar (check out the SXSW show).  I'm also waiting to here that ear peircing scream about 3:30 into the song.  God damn I can't wait.

[Ive got an EVIL plan babe]

Also, aMD, I'm glad you're still here.  On page 4 or so of this topic it reads that you are an "Ex Member."  At first, I didn't realize that this was a revived topic.  Welcome back from the dead?

[aMD]

Also, aMD, I'm glad you're still here.  On page 4 or so of this topic it reads that you are an "Ex Member."  At first, I didn't realize that this was a revived topic.  Welcome back from the dead?

Thanks! It's nice to feel welcome. some people on here just don't like me and try to make me feel unwelcome, I let them win for a little bit there, but it ain't happening again.


Thanks for this debate too guys. I still don't know exactly where I fall on it.  On one hand there are songs on the new record that are great and I know will be great live.  on the other hand, I just don't know if I like the album as a whole.  It's missing almost everything I love about the band other than tight-ass melodies.  I get that it's a departure and we shouldn't wish for the band to stay stagnant but I just don't think I like the new direction. i guess i figured the "departure" would be more experimental when in fact it's quite the opposite.

listening to it again I couldn't help but think, so this is what that Dave Berman was talking about, he is just faking it. and for the first time, the lyrics were something I tried not to pay attention to.  someone said they were too literal.  that's accurate but I don't know if that's really the problem.

I think what happened is for the first time they forced out an album.  ISM was in the bag for a long time before it was recorded so they had a long time to write Z.  I just feel like it's a little forced and therefore not as heartfelt or sincere.  Jim can still write better songs than most even when he's forcing it but when stacked up next to their other work, it falls short, IMO.

I don't have to like everything they do, hell my favorite artist in the world, bob dylan, has an entire decade of material I don't really like.  mmj will still continue to be my favorite band but when it comes to this album, mark me down as one of the alienated long-time fans wishing for a return to the good old days.

I'm glad we can talk about it without people jumping down our throats for whatever trip they are on (or at least we'll see how long it lasts).

[folieadeux322]

I just got the album, but I think I'm gonna wait for my friends to have a listening party.

I did have to sneak a hearing of Smoking for Shooting though. It was to good to pass up.

[Coltrane]

Also, aMD, I'm glad you're still here.  On page 4 or so of this topic it reads that you are an "Ex Member."  At first, I didn't realize that this was a revived topic.  Welcome back from the dead?

Thanks! It's nice to feel welcome. some people on here just don't like me and try to make me feel unwelcome, I let them win for a little bit there, but it ain't happening again.


Thanks for this debate too guys. I still don't know exactly where I fall on it.  On one hand there are songs on the new record that are great and I know will be great live.  on the other hand, I just don't know if I like the album as a whole.  It's missing almost everything I love about the band other than tight-ass melodies.  I get that it's a departure and we shouldn't wish for the band to stay stagnant but I just don't think I like the new direction. i guess i figured the "departure" would be more experimental when in fact it's quite the opposite.

listening to it again I couldn't help but think, so this is what that Dave Berman was talking about, he is just faking it. and for the first time, the lyrics were something I tried not to pay attention to.  someone said they were too literal.  that's accurate but I don't know if that's really the problem.

I think what happened is for the first time they forced out an album.  ISM was in the bag for a long time before it was recorded so they had a long time to write Z.  I just feel like it's a little forced and therefore not as heartfelt or sincere.  Jim can still write better songs than most even when he's forcing it but when stacked up next to their other work, it falls short, IMO.

I don't have to like everything they do, hell my favorite artist in the world, bob dylan, has an entire decade of material I don't really like.  mmj will still continue to be my favorite band but when it comes to this album, mark me down as one of the alienated long-time fans wishing for a return to the good old days.

I'm glad we can talk about it without people jumping down our throats for whatever trip they are on (or at least we'll see how long it lasts).

this is interesting.......

there are a lot of examples like the your Dylan analogy. Neil Young, the Stones, etc. Like Wilco, too....i enjoyed the last album, but I don't necessarily pull it out to change my mood or anything...it's just a solid album....

now, I haven't heard the leak (just live stuff) and i'm planning on waiting until June 10th. I just have to think that I'm going to love this record more than most that I've heard lately. There's a lot of generic, boring music being made right now--in and out of the indie rock world.

hey...we'll always have those dark lonely nights with "At Dawn" on the turn table, lying on the floor contempating our very existence....

they can never take that away....



man....what the hell am i talking about???

Babab Booey!

[Jon T.]

I know I'm alienating myself by not being a "good fan" but so be it.  I figured I'd offer some hope against the negative reviews.  These are some of the most beautiful arrangements I've ever listened to.  This album is dripping with soul.  Is it a departure from their earlier stuff, sure, but it's fucking gorgeous.  When I read some of the negative things I really can't believe we're talking about the same album.  So, stay strong ye moral millionaires it will not disappoint.

[Laylow27]

I hope Pitchfork gives this album a horrible rating, it'll just show how out of touch they continue to be concerning MMJ.

[bignewt]

I agree with Million when it comes to Dylan, he too is my fave but some of his catalog is piss poor. I kinda see this album as a combo of Self Portrait (Highly Sus, Remnants and Alum park) where they are trying to make bad stuff just to confound the critics and fans and Dylan's religious times(Im Amazed, Thank You and Look At You) these songs are obviously christian based songs even if you want to debate it till the cows come home. The idea of a "tweener' album is interesting also. I think these guys have such an immensly powerful body of work and a few of the new songs fit into that amazing sound like EU, Smokin and Touch Me Pt2. This may have been their album to get out of the way, reap the rewards of their long awaited recognition and then hole up for a rebirth. One thing is for sure in my mind, they are on a journey.

[travisr]

I have to say that Evil Urges may not be for everyone.
I honestly think it contains elements from "Z", elements from their first three albums, and something very new.
Okonokos proved to me (someone who hasnt had the gift of seeing them live, yet) that they are a great live band...and I thought that is what the band wanted to elaborate on with this record. They want to physically MOVE you.
I'm not going to rate on a scale, rather just give some thoughts.

"Evil Urges" - I feel this song is more closely related to Z than anything. Jim's falsetto is Curtis Mayfield-esque. The verses groove like "Off the Record" and the second chorus is very uplifting. The bridge breaks into an almost prog-rock jam...that I can only imagine will be killer to see live.

"Touch Me I'm Going To Scream (Part 1)" - The music reminds me of Radiohead, to tell you the truth. The electronic drums echo "Wordless Chorus" and the rhythm itself reminds me more of "It Beats 4 U". This is probably my least favorite track.

"Highly Suspicious" - I gotta say...when I saw the video on Rolling Stone for this, I wasn't sure what to really expect of this album. Jim's falsetto in this one sounds more like Prince than anything. The punchy drum/keyboard/guitar combo is right out of the 80's. I have to say though, regardless of being a departure of MMJ's past work, this song is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine. It does have a rockin' solo though.

"I'm Amazed" - This is where I feel the band starts sounding a little more familar. Jim's voice is 'back to normal'...great melody with a tinge of reverb. Great guitars. The band is just all on the same page here.

"Thank You Too" - It's kind of a sappy song...I mean, it's not bad. It's kind of soulful. I think the strings should have been left out of the first chorus to give the rest of the song a little more ethereal feeling. Again, it's not a bad song, just not the strongest track on the album. Great for a wedding or something, hahaha

"Sec Walkin'" - The band returns to it's country roots on this one. I'm a sucker for those old country western melodies, like what the band used in "Easy Morning Rebel" and others. This song's got it all. Good melody, good slide guitars. I love it, and it's probably one of my favorite tracks.

"Two Halves" - I read this was the first single? It's not a bad song, just not sure if would make a good first single, but hey, I don't make these decisions. The music sounds familar to "Lay Low" at first. The melody in the verses sounds familar to - ok, please don't kill me - Green Day's "Wake Me Up When September Ends". I know that's a crap comparison. Anyway, it almost sounds as if Jim is singing to us..."I know what you want, you want the better of two halves".

"Librarian" - Fingerpicked guitars and light strings brings Jim's vocals to the forefront. The narrator is fantasizing about the "sexiest librarian" as Jim sings "take off those glasses and let down your hair for me". This is kind of an oddly disturbing track to me, but this is coming from a band that sung about kittens on fire and babies in a blender. I like it though.

"Look at You" - A song with seemly religious references, as others have pointed out. A mellow song that could find it's home on one of MMJ's early records. Luckily, with only running at about three and a half minutes, it doesn't get too drawn out.

"Aluminum Park" - Things start kickin' again with this song. A little more upbeat, and easy to sing along to. The song brings back memories of "What A Wonderful Man" during the chorus and when Jim yelps before the guitar solo. Solid song.

"Remnants" - With a driving guitar riff, the band is rocking out again in probably the heaviest on the album. Solid, solid song. Will be great to see live.

"Smokin' From Shooting" - The song starts with a pulsing drum beat (that continues through out the entire song) with some faint laughter and the ringing of a bell in the background...enter in some slide guitar and it sounds as if the band is on it's way to create their own "Dark Side of the Moon". Great song. The song ends with some feedback and rumbling that, in classic Pink Floyd fashion, segues into...

"Touch Me I'm Going To Scream (Part 2)" - Luckily, the better half of the two part song...mesmerizing keyboards break into a disco-like beat that you can't help but move to. I feel this one will become a fan favorite, eventually. Along with the title track, this is probably my favorite of the "new" sound MMJ. Usually, I dread seeing a song over 8 minutes on my Ipod or Itunes, cause usually it's a real drawn out song that never seems to end, but I've never had a problem listening to this one in it's entirety. The last minute or so of keyboards sounds like The Big Wheel on the Showcase Showdown on "The Price is Right." I think the record should have ended here...

"Good Intentions" - But instead we get the waste-of-a-track of the band screaming. I thought it was kind of pointless.



Overall the album runs just under an hour, so it makes it a comfortable listen. I think this album will end up growing on a lot of people. But like I said, I think at least 9 of the 13 tracks (excluding "Good Intentions") are in some form or another, classic MMJ.

[kyjed48]

After the fifth listen, it just hit me.  For everyone that's a true fan, don't write this one off just yet.  It might be their best work to date! :)

[ManNamedTruth]

I look at the "progression" of MMJ like this... Consider what you were listening to 10 years ago... Think of how much you personally have grown in musical taste.  I enjoy the occasional trip down memory lane, but on the whole, I have moved in a different direction.  Now think about a band.  I myself think it would be borinbg if every album sounded exactly like the one before it.  (Thats when you get U2)  I will always love the "early" MMJ, but I am open to following them in whatever direction they go.  As far as "Evil Urges," I think the songs are built to be performed LIVE.  Look at "Highly Suspicious" its goofy, but at the same time it is fun.  After a couple concerts under his belt, imagine what Jim is going to do to those two solos.  Those could both go on for as minute each.  Also, I imagine Touch Me I'm GOing to Scream Pt.2 following Dondante.  Anyway, that is just my two cents.  All I can hope for is MMJ will be around for a long long time.

all their albums already sound so different. i don't think thats the problem here.

[ycartrob]

[Coltrane]

I know I'm alienating myself by not being a "good fan" but so be it.  I figured I'd offer some hope against the negative reviews.  These are some of the most beautiful arrangements I've ever listened to.  This album is dripping with soul.  Is it a departure from their earlier stuff, sure, but it's fucking gorgeous.  When I read some of the negative things I really can't believe we're talking about the same album.  So, stay strong ye moral millionaires it will not disappoint.

this is good to hear indeed.....


i remember seeing Jim sing "Wordless Chorus" for the first time.....not much light, alone, no guitar....and it felt so damn soulful. The wife and I commented later that it reminded us of the footage from Otis Redding at Monterey...

so to hear how soulful you think it sounds really warms my heart!

[vespachick]

(I'm quoting Coltrane above, but I jacked it up and can't fix it)

Speaking of Otis Redding, I have a friend who is a retired drummer of some prestige and he used to tour around in the late 50's and early 60's with all the greats.  Seriously, the greats: like Roy O. and shit. I hope I'm not speaking out of turn here.  This guy had loads of good stories, but in particular, this one time, he told me that they were somewhere in the South - I'm thinking they had driven from Nashville to Hotlanta, but I could be wrong here - and they were laying some stuff down in the studio.  At the end of the session everyone was kinda beat and ready to go but they had recorded everything they had intended so somebody said "anybody have anything else they want to record?" Nobody responded at first until they were just about to go ahead and wrap it up when the janitor made some noise in the back and said, yea, I have a song.  And Dock of the Bay was recorded for the first time.  

Seriously.  I'm not shitting you.

[Dillsnufus]

celine dion? wow that's way too evil for my taste.

[RandallFlagg]

Librarian isn't sung by Jim

[Ghosts_on_TV]

Librarian isn't sung by Jim

Huh? Didn't hear it yet, but I can't see that being true.