Re: Praise for Evil Urges?

[tannisroot]

Anyone who is shocked at the spirituality that may exist in Evil Urges is clearly an enormous idiot who has never paid close attention to My Morning Jacket's music on previous albums.  I mean, you needn't even go further back than Z to see it: "What a Wonderful Man" could very easily be (and, indeed, often is) interpreted to be about God or Jesus.  And "Gideon"?  There is obviously a concern for religion in that song.

So, for some reason, someone is listening to Evil Urges and all of a sudden sees Christianity or spirituality in the music?  Um, no fucking duh.  Where the hell have you been?

I probably won't post too much more here because it's becoming pointless but it's not all of a sudden with Evil Urges, I have noticed it all along.  I am hoping that I am just really noticing the presence of it on Evil Urges because I was looking for it to begin with.  Maybe it is no different than before.  Gideon, I thought, was a good way of saying what he was saying (admittedly I've never felt the need to open a Bible or go to church so I'm not getting the full impact on that one, although I use to assume that what I get from a concert must be similar to what others get from church, or Star Trek or football).  I remember reading an interview where Jim said Gideon was about a parrot, which made sense to me.  What I like about "What A Wonderful Man" is that at first glance it seems to be about one thing, but hopefully isn't.  Easy Morning Rebel the same thing.    What I think it boils down to is there is less of a void for Evil Urges to fill than there was for previous albums..

[RedPatokaSea]

Very nice post Angry Ewok.  :)

Although it ain't just Christianity that's lost its way ...  

I don't call myself a Christian, but I believe that Christ was undoubtedly one of the greatest spiritual teachers of all time.  

The only thing I saw in that Emerson quote that I'm not sure I agree with is the part about "within man is the soul of the whole".  While that may be true, whatever he means by the word "soul" probably resides in more than just man.

Maybe the section just preceding that Emerson quote will clear things up:

The Supreme Critic on the errors of the past and the present, and the only prophet of that which must be, is that great nature in which we rest, as the earth lies in the soft arms of the atmosphere; that Unity, that Over-soul, within which every man's particular being is contained and made one with all other; that common heart.
There are few who sense the pervasive presence of the divine in nature more acutely than Ralph Waldo Emerson.  These quotations are from an essay inspired by the Vedic concept of trancendental unity entitled, "The Over-soul".  

And thanks tannisroot, I enjoyed the quote you posted.  

No need to leave so soon.   ;)

Go listen to those links posted above.  They'll make you feel better.  And don't be so quick to find points of contention in the lyrics ... the meanings of these songs could be debated until the end of time.  Listen to Jim, allow the lyrics to take on whatever meanings you desire.  

[Nikkogino]

Anyone who is shocked at the spirituality that may exist in Evil Urges is clearly an enormous idiot who has never paid close attention to My Morning Jacket's music on previous albums.  I mean, you needn't even go further back than Z to see it: "What a Wonderful Man" could very easily be (and, indeed, often is) interpreted to be about God or Jesus.  And "Gideon"?  There is obviously a concern for religion in that song.

So, for some reason, someone is listening to Evil Urges and all of a sudden sees Christianity or spirituality in the music?  Um, no fucking duh.  Where the hell have you been?

What I like about "What A Wonderful Man" is that at first glance it seems to be about one thing, but hopefully isn't.  

but hopefully isn't?  if jim is religious and sings about god, allah, buddah, than that's up to him.  "Hopefully" Jim is singing about something he cares about.  

"Christianity and everyone who is Christian or makes any comment that could be construed as Christian is BAD BAD BAD." <---this seems to be  your viewpoint.

Evil Urges is not a Christian band playing songs for God....it is Jim being spiritual about whatever the hell he wants to be spiritual about....THAT IS A GOOD THING for him and for the listener.  can we end the discussion now????????????????

tappisroot-  nothing is being shoved down your throat. you are not a victim.  if you don't like these songs because you are pulling a "christian" feel from them, then stop listening.  also throw away all of the other records that mention the word god or thank or talk about something that COULD BE god.  

[megalicious]

  i
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 it

[theguy]

Pardon while I beat this dead horse here, but I just listened one more time and have to say, my view is shifted a bit. Not about commune with the divine, the band writing good songs, but on the point of the album not containing anything doctrinal.

(Note: I'm not a churchgoer, but I do like to ponder these kinds of things)

In Thank You Too he sings, "It was strange and it was soothing, and you could even say amusing the way you came to me. You devised a simple plan that would change the fate of man, you thought of everything." And later, "you really saw my naked heart, you really brought out the naked part." If he ain't talking about the big man, I'm not sure what he's doing. There are additional "churchy" references throughout, though the lyrics never come out and tell us "do this, do that, I'm right, you're wrong."

Here's what I think. Previous posts were right that religious questioning is all over MMJ. We can certainly all agree that one of the most tantalizing things about the music is the pathos of incompleteness. In Golden, "bars are dark and lonely, talk is often cheap and filled with air." In Death is the Easy Way, "alcohol just makes you tired." With Steam Engine, I hear the lyric "I do believe none of this is physical" as someone struggling to convince himself that he's found completion in another person. So what's drawn me to the Jacket is the search for meaning. Clearly drugs, alcohol, sex, and friendship have been explored. That's not to say that those avenues have been exhausted, because at least without the latter two, you're antisocial. Without all of them, why rock? I really don't want to tell you what the band is figuring out given that I've never talked them, but I think the newer lyrics simply reflect another approach to their search.

What's telling, however, is the line "I don't know what you would do, I just want to thank you for thinking of me." We don't need to worry about proselytization from our llama loving friends. If they've gotten religion, they've really gotten it, and maintained that all important humility. They aren't so bold as to think they know God's plan, but they're glad he's on the side of man.

With that, I'm going to quit talking about the album. Buzz is good, but it probably sucks to see the so much picking and prodding about your album that the verdict is in before it's even released.

[Hollow]

Dude, some of you all write a chapter per post.  This is a rawk band.  

Stay focused.

[Jon T.]

Dude, some of you all write a chapter per post.  This is a rawk band.  

Stay focused.

;D

[RedPatokaSea]

I didn't see a dead horse ...  :-?

The Christian mythos has an undeniable presence in the band's work.

Yet Jim's comments in the link above point to this ineffable concept that were trying talk about here.  His vague descriptions of thoughts on religion and spirituality like "I can never settle on anything ..." or "Jesus is neither hither nor thither for me, because I hear God" are enough for me to have enormous respect for the man.  It's clear he's no fool, and he's in his own personal search for meaning.  

There's a reason that the topic of spirituality pops up here so often.  Not only is a spiritual worldview reflected in the band's lyrics, but it's also the passion and the otherworldliness of their music that really lays the groundwork for trancendental experience.  And then the mushrooms ... those don't hurt either.  

[ycartrob]

I am reading all this, hanging on to every word as if it were life and death, and, I look down, and noticed that my shoes are on the wrong feet.

[tomEisenbraun]

Dude, some of you all write a chapter per post.  This is a rawk band.  

Stay focused.

I'm going to go ahead and suggest you stay out of any of the spirituality discussions if you don't want to see any books being written around here. Seriously, not to be an ass at all, but as someone who's been around here for quite a while and who winds up writing books most of the time when I post, it's pretty disheartening to have a comment like yours pop up after we've put some serious effort into what we've written.

The above commentary is really insightful, powerful, well-written and well-thought-out. You may not personally care to read such material, and if that's your stance, then don't. But there's absolutely no need to chide anyone for doing so, and to rub it in repeatedly. That's been done before. That's been worn into the ground before. It's frustrating for the writer, and it really doesn't promote or propagate good discussion. Rather, it puts the brakes on. And with newer members providing such good long insights, I'd really rather not lose them because the first shorter response to their posts has been yours.

Once again, not to be an ass. Just choose your words wisely, and take note of when what you say will be something helpful, useful, interesting, provoking, funny, or just all around GOOD. If it doesn't contribute something positive, then it's probably best to leave it out.

Feel the board out a little more, and if you like, please join in on the discussion here. And if you don't care to, might as well leave the responding to those who are interested here. Because I guarantee, there are a good deal of us who are honestly heavily digging what these two new guys have had to say.

That said, this is a rawk band! And a really inspired one at that.

Peace,
Tom

[rob]

It's really strange how you hear things so much clearer after the first listen. I've only had three so far, but you know what......I love this album. And this love is coming from an old school MMJ fan who could listen to an eternal loop of I Needed It Most/Nashville To Kentucky/Sweetheart/Rollin' Back. Highly Suspicious is just fun....period. Don't overanylyze it. To me, the weakest song is probably Aluminum Park.....it sounds like something they could've tossed off in their sleep. I'm Amazed sort of conjures the same thoughts, but I just like it more. Two Halves didn't seem like much at first, but gets better with repeat listens. Touch Me Part 1 is quite a revelation....really interesting sound. Touch Me Part 2 is a downright classic.....I want a whole MMJ disco album someday. Thank You Too is pure beauty. Librarian and Sec Walkin' are other early faves. And it surprises me to say this, but I think Remnants is amazing. But the guys are on a path and there's no turning back. Listen to the 5 albums in a row, it's clear. Lookin' forward to release day for the better sound of the real CD. Great job guys.

[Sherpa]

Dude, some of you all write a chapter per post.  This is a rawk band.  

Stay focused.

I'm going to go ahead and suggest you stay out of any of the spirituality discussions if you don't want to see any books being written around here. Seriously, not to be an ass at all, but as someone who's been around here for quite a while and who winds up writing books most of the time when I post, it's pretty disheartening to have a comment like yours pop up after we've put some serious effort into what we've written.

The above commentary is really insightful, powerful, well-written and well-thought-out. You may not personally care to read such material, and if that's your stance, then don't. But there's absolutely no need to chide anyone for doing so, and to rub it in repeatedly. That's been done before. That's been worn into the ground before. It's frustrating for the writer, and it really doesn't promote or propagate good discussion. Rather, it puts the brakes on. And with newer members providing such good long insights, I'd really rather not lose them because the first shorter response to their posts has been yours.

Once again, not to be an ass. Just choose your words wisely, and take note of when what you say will be something helpful, useful, interesting, provoking, funny, or just all around GOOD. If it doesn't contribute something positive, then it's probably best to leave it out.

Feel the board out a little more, and if you like, please join in on the discussion here. And if you don't care to, might as well leave the responding to those who are interested here. Because I guarantee, there are a good deal of us who are honestly heavily digging what these two new guys have had to say.

That said, this is a rawk band! And a really inspired one at that.

Peace,
Tom

Tom, you are my hero. Wise words from a wise MMJ fan.

[tomEisenbraun]

Haha, I do my best!

Shit's been hard to keep civil around here, but I think the storm of assery has subsided, and it shows itself pretty nicely in these two new guys that showed up today. Figured it was time to write some more books and get back to normal, eh?

[sweatboard]

Haha, I do my best!

Shit's been hard to keep civil around here, but I think the storm of assery has subsided, and it shows itself pretty nicely in these two new guys that showed up today. Figured it was time to write some more books and get back to normal, eh?

I have to say, you sure are all over the topics of an album you haven't even heard.  I would have guessed you would be avoiding these types of threads, considering your feelings about listening to an album that was not even intended to be listened to......yet.  I hope it's not spoiling anything for you.  ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

-Brian

[Jon T.]

Dude, some of you all write a chapter per post.  This is a rawk band.  

Stay focused.

I'm going to go ahead and suggest you stay out of any of the spirituality discussions if you don't want to see any books being written around here. Seriously, not to be an ass at all, but as someone who's been around here for quite a while and who winds up writing books most of the time when I post, it's pretty disheartening to have a comment like yours pop up after we've put some serious effort into what we've written.

The above commentary is really insightful, powerful, well-written and well-thought-out. You may not personally care to read such material, and if that's your stance, then don't. But there's absolutely no need to chide anyone for doing so, and to rub it in repeatedly. That's been done before. That's been worn into the ground before. It's frustrating for the writer, and it really doesn't promote or propagate good discussion. Rather, it puts the brakes on. And with newer members providing such good long insights, I'd really rather not lose them because the first shorter response to their posts has been yours.

Once again, not to be an ass. Just choose your words wisely, and take note of when what you say will be something helpful, useful, interesting, provoking, funny, or just all around GOOD. If it doesn't contribute something positive, then it's probably best to leave it out.

Feel the board out a little more, and if you like, please join in on the discussion here. And if you don't care to, might as well leave the responding to those who are interested here. Because I guarantee, there are a good deal of us who are honestly heavily digging what these two new guys have had to say.

That said, this is a rawk band! And a really inspired one at that.

Peace,
Tom

I like insightful posts as much as the next guy, but I took this as a light hearted joke.

[folieadeux322]

Bob Dylan was a Christian for a good while and some of his best music (Slow Train) reflected that.



Bob Dylan was born a Jew and still is one.

You don't know your Bob Dylan Friend-o

He was born a Jew converted to Christianity for a while and then converted back to being a Jew.

[tomEisenbraun]

Dude, some of you all write a chapter per post.  This is a rawk band.  

Stay focused.

I'm going to go ahead and suggest you stay out of any of the spirituality discussions if you don't want to see any books being written around here. Seriously, not to be an ass at all, but as someone who's been around here for quite a while and who winds up writing books most of the time when I post, it's pretty disheartening to have a comment like yours pop up after we've put some serious effort into what we've written.

The above commentary is really insightful, powerful, well-written and well-thought-out. You may not personally care to read such material, and if that's your stance, then don't. But there's absolutely no need to chide anyone for doing so, and to rub it in repeatedly. That's been done before. That's been worn into the ground before. It's frustrating for the writer, and it really doesn't promote or propagate good discussion. Rather, it puts the brakes on. And with newer members providing such good long insights, I'd really rather not lose them because the first shorter response to their posts has been yours.

Once again, not to be an ass. Just choose your words wisely, and take note of when what you say will be something helpful, useful, interesting, provoking, funny, or just all around GOOD. If it doesn't contribute something positive, then it's probably best to leave it out.

Feel the board out a little more, and if you like, please join in on the discussion here. And if you don't care to, might as well leave the responding to those who are interested here. Because I guarantee, there are a good deal of us who are honestly heavily digging what these two new guys have had to say.

That said, this is a rawk band! And a really inspired one at that.

Peace,
Tom

I like insightful posts as much as the next guy, but I took this as a light hearted joke.

Dammit--I need to not post so late at night. Either way, I'm diggin the threads and insightful posts

...maybe throw in some winks until we get to know you new guys' senses of humor better? So there's no bad blood or messy communication? This is the internet, folks...

That said, after getting harassed a bit by someone here, it made me a bit resentful, because when I wanted to post a big thing about something I was really into, I had that person's words going through my head discouraging me. Not a whole lot of fun, and I don't really give a crap what said person thinks anymore, but it was definitely discouraging. Probably even moreso to someone with a lower post-count.

So, no sweat. Sorry if I ranted. Especially sorry if I messed up the joke or took it too seriously--just didn't want to see people run off when they were sharing some good thoughts by misunderstanding a comment like that.

Dammit--I wrote another book.

Peace!
Tom

[Angry Ewok]

That said, after getting harassed a bit by someone here, it made me a bit resentful, because when I wanted to post a big thing about something I was really into, I had that person's words going through my head discouraging me. Not a whole lot of fun, and I don't really give a crap what said person thinks anymore, but it was definitely discouraging. Probably even moreso to someone with a lower post-count.

Well, thankfully, he's gone... and all is right with the world once again.

:)

[chunt983]

Tom, great post. I couldn't agree with you more. I am 75% lurker and I really enjoy some of the insight you guys put into your posts. If someone doesn't care to read it, all they have to do is skip the post to the "easier" ones, haha. Or maybe they can just read the posts with pictures, maybe that wouldn't be so hard on the brain.

I love discussing lyrics and meanings to songs, because there is no right/wrong answer. Definitely some interesting takes on new/old songs that definitely made me think about a lot of things, and that is what great music does.


P.S. I'm still trying to figure out what the hell Jim meant when he said "I was wantin' some ICE CREEEAAAM, he knew exactly what I meant." ......just brilliant

[mcarroll]

I read a great piece on My Morning Jacket the other day.  All the discussion in this thread about My Morning Jacket being a Christian band or what Jim James' religion is can easily be answered in his own words, and his answer was pretty much what I figured it would be, given what I've interpreted his lyrics as meaning and from what I've read about his views on the subject before.  This is from the very end of the article:

'The album's title, Evil Urges, reflects James' own fascination with organized religion, morality and his personal struggles to find faith.

"It's funny thinking of human beings and their urges, and how their urges can be unrealistic fantasies at times. The whole notion of morality has been skewed by organized religion. People end up doing all kinds of crazy things and are willing to engage in all sorts of arguments about faith," James says. "I think about religion a lot, from listening to gospel music, to attending church trying to find some sort of faith for myself. I haven't been able to find it yet. I've tried hard, but something's just not hitting me."

Maybe he should go to a My Morning Jacket concert.'

You can find the full article here and I highly recommend you read it:

http://www.laweekly.com/music/music/why-my-morning-jacket-is-the-best-live-band-in-the-world/18716/?page=1