Jim James vs. Neil Young

[dogandponyshow]

Why do I see time after time Jimmy as a Neil Young persona in every article you read about the band or live show reviews.  Personally, I don't get it at all....can some one explain to me the why this is repeated over and over again. Two different artists completely in my mind....

D.

[marktwain]

It's a shortcut to thinking.  Reviewers have read others compare Jim to Neil, and borrow that comparison rather than doing their jobs.  

I think it's a fair comparison b/c both sing falsetto, both are known as much for kick-ass rock & roll as for beautiful folksy acoustic numbers, and both are incredibly earnest and moving songwriters.

THAT said, the comparison is played out.  Too many people talk or write without having anything to say.

At least it's neil young, and not skynyrd.

[wordawg]

At least it's neil young, and not skynyrd.

Nowt wrong with Skynyrd kidda ;)

[wordawg]

It's a shortcut to thinking.  

I like that!

[Tameegee]

I've heard it said by more than one person that Jim says he will never do a Neil Young cover.  Can anybody expand ???

I love Neil and I think Jim could do a smokin version of "Sugar Mountain."

[peanut butter puddin surprise]

I agree with Tundra, it IS a shortcut to thinking...Jim's voice is very distinctive.  Yes, one thinks of NY when you hear it for the first time, but the comparision, although very complimentary, has gotta get old after you've read it 100000 times.  Jim's voice is, of course, Jim's voice and no one elses-like MMJ's sound, which is unique to them.

Now, with all that said, a Sugar Mtn or anything acoustic from Live Rust as a cover would be cool...but let's let Jim sing and play what he wants to play.  Sometimes I hear elements of Wayne Coyne from Flaming Lips, sometimes I hear elements of long forgotten country singers, but mostly, I hear Jim James.  And after 4+ years, it still gives me chills and makes my wife cry!  (that's a good thing, BTW)

[SMc55]

 And after 4+ years, it still gives me chills and makes my wife cry!  (that's a good thing, BTW)

Chills and crying - you've got it so right John. One song that always brings a tear to my eye is Hopefully. "There's one thing I can't stand ....etc" You'd need a heart of stone not to melt at that (or maybe it's just my own cicumstances making me react that way). Not that there isn't a lot of joy in the music. Lowdown has a really uplifting tune - I love that contradiction  8)

[Jellyfish]

I think it's a fair comparison but way overplayed.Jim's voice does have that NY sound to it.I have wondered if Neil has even heard MMJ.Neil says he dosen't listen to any thing but I wonder if he heard them when they were at Bonnaroo last year.I think if he heard them he would like them maybe enough have them as an opening act on a tour or something.

[ntertayneME]

When I first heard them it was live and I definitely heard the similarity in their voices.I even turned to one of the people with me and commented on it.At the time I hadn't read any articles on them so it was a fresh thought.However,after listening to them more I don't notice it so much because Jim has a sound that's pure Jim.

[marktwain]

Nowt wrong with Skynyrd kidda

Nothing against Skynyrd, man, I've been known to sing along to Simple Man with my windows rolled down on a nice day.  It's just that the ONLY reason MMJ sees those comparisons is because reviewers want to be the first to proclaim the Southern Rock Revival. (what I don't understand is: If you want to talk abt Southern Rock, why skynyrd, and why not the Allmans?)

[MMJ_fanatic]

Nothing against Skynyrd, man, I've been known to sing along to Simple Man with my windows rolled down on a nice day.  It's just that the ONLY reason MMJ sees those comparisons is because reviewers want to be the first to proclaim the Southern Rock Revival. (what I don't understand is: If you want to talk abt Southern Rock, why skynyrd, and why not the Allmans?)

I think most critics and fans don't lump The Allmans in with the typical whisky sluggin' powerchord twanging prototypical southern rockers.  I think the Allmans are a more cerebral group focused on elements of jazz, blues, rock, polyrythmic world beats, etc whereas a Molly Hatchet or a Skynyrd crank up the amps and blast some ass kickin southern fried rock.  Perhaps MMJ deserves comparison with the Allmans...

[Fingerz]

I think most critics and fans don't lump The Allmans in with the typical whisky sluggin' powerchord twanging prototypical southern rockers.  I think the Allmans are a more cerebral group focused on elements of jazz, blues, rock, polyrythmic world beats, etc whereas a Molly Hatchet or a Skynyrd crank up the amps and blast some ass kickin southern fried rock.  Perhaps MMJ deserves comparison with the Allmans...

I agree with your assement in part...The Allmans are truly more of a blues/rock band w/ elements of jazz...MMJ has their influence in these elements, but are very distinctive in their muse.  They are not southern rock by any stretch of the imagination...although at times you can hear a Skynyrd fill when they break out into their guitar solos...

[MMJ_fanatic]

I agree with your assement in part...The Allmans are truly more of a blues/rock band w/ elements of jazz...MMJ has their influence in these elements, but are very distinctive in their muse.  They are not southern rock by any stretch of the imagination...although at times you can hear a Skynyrd fill when they break out into their guitar solos...

And the bottom line is......its ALLLLLLL GOOD!