Blowin' it?

[mahgeetah]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that the boys are kind of blowing it with their whole seclusion gig?  I understand the need for a break from relentless touring for any of the following reasons: rest, writing new music, recording, family, other pursuits, and seeking creative or personal inspiration via solitude, etc... but for a band like MMJ, riding the wave that they have been, with a solidifying and growing fan base that is eager to hear something from the band, nearly 9 months of no touring, no news (except threads from Rolling Stone and hearsay), and no new album release date... it seems like poor business sense.  I know myself, and most people on this board, will eagerly embrace the new album and future shows when they finally do appear, but this type of hiatus (if you want to call it that), can often times distract a lot of fans, especially newer ones, from future offerings by the band.  I've spent a few years fixated on every move this band has made and going to every show I could, traveling across the country if possible... but even my interest has begun to wane.

I understand too if the band just needs to check out and really go on "hiatus," but they've been recording, playing random gigs (although few and far between)... point is they're obviously still into it, they're just ignoring their fan base.  No Thanksgiving shows, no New Year's run, no short tours, no announcements about the new album, or teasers from it.  Successful bands (and I don't mean rich and famous) rarely take such a break without communicating their intentions a little bit.  Of course they're recording the new album, but come on, are they so busy for 9 straight months that they had to cancel the Thanksgiving tradition because they're that pressed for time? I'm not really buying it.  This isn't about making more money or taking the "appropriate steps" to becoming a bigger, badder band... it's about maintaining your fanbase... I understand that they are "artists" just like any other field, but art, especially live, rock bands, is a job like any other, and from a business perspective, and, I'll admit, from selfish interest in hearing and seeing more from the band, I think the boys are kind of blowing it.  

[ManNamedTruth]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that the boys are kind of blowing it with their whole seclusion gig?  I understand the need for a break from relentless touring for any of the following reasons: rest, writing new music, recording, family, other pursuits, and seeking creative or personal inspiration via solitude, etc... but for a band like MMJ, riding the wave that they have been, with a solidifying and growing fan base that is eager to hear something from the band, nearly 9 months of no touring, no news (except threads from Rolling Stone and hearsay), and no new album release date... it seems like poor business sense.  I know myself, and most people on this board, will eagerly embrace the new album and future shows when they finally do appear, but this type of hiatus (if you want to call it that), can often times distract a lot of fans, especially newer ones, from future offerings by the band.  I've spent a few years fixated on every move this band has made and going to every show I could, traveling across the country if possible... but even my interest has begun to wane.

I understand too if the band just needs to check out and really go on "hiatus," but they've been recording, playing random gigs (although few and far between)... point is they're obviously still into it, they're just ignoring their fan base.  No Thanksgiving shows, no New Year's run, no short tours, no announcements about the new album, or teasers from it.  Successful bands (and I don't mean rich and famous) rarely take such a break without communicating their intentions a little bit.  Of course they're recording the new album, but come on, are they so busy for 9 straight months that they had to cancel the Thanksgiving tradition because they're that pressed for time? I'm not really buying it.  This isn't about making more money or taking the "appropriate steps" to becoming a bigger, badder band... it's about maintaining your fanbase... I understand that they are "artists" just like any other field, but art, especially live, rock bands, is a job like any other, and from a business perspective, and, I'll admit, from selfish interest in hearing and seeing more from the band, I think the boys are kind of blowing it.  

i don't know where people are coming up with this "hiatus" stuff. :P

[bridget]

I actually think the opposite of your hypothesis is true, and the break works to their advantage. Now, when they come back, it's like a total reintroduction. A big banner headline. A way to grab new fans and watch the old ones really freak out.

I've thought about the updates thing too, but they're just not that kind of band. What if once a week one of the guys came on here and said, "It's going great. Yada yada... last night we ate grilled cheese..." I suppose it slakes the curiosity a bit, but what do you really have? You have the celebrity part of the thing, and none of the music. You don't have anything until you hear the new music. And they have every right - an obligation, even - to be protective of it 'til it's done.

I've watched a handful of beloved bands catch on and take off and you'd be amazed how little attention it takes for most artists to believe that everything that comes out of their mouth is fascinating and needs to be written about and heard by all. The fact that the guys - in the wake of the rocketing success they've experienced since '05 - have the courage to let their careers ride on the music and nothing else - no flashy pr or explanation needed - is a real rarity and a real blessing. I love it and I think they'll be just fine. This will be a very exciting year. I can't wait!! But I will... :)

[ycartrob]

I don't think they're blowing it at all. I think they have a pretty good idea of what they want to do with their lives and careers, especially after seeing the rock touring life blow Johnny Quaid and Danny Cash right out of the band. I respect your opinion and concerns, but you have to realize that the boys in the band (and their management) have probably given this, oh, I don't know, a million times more thought and consideration than you have.

I am down with whatever decisions they come up with b/c it's their life they're making decisions for, not mine. Plus, I really don't have a need to know their every move and thought. I also don't think they're in "seclusion"; seems like they're locked away in the studio, a very ordinary move, IMO.

  I think everything is going to be OK.

[the_wizzard]

I actually think the opposite of your hypothesis is true, and the break works to their advantage. Now, when they come back, it's like a total reintroduction. A big banner headline. A way to grab new fans and watch the old ones really freak out.

I've thought about the updates thing too, but they're just not that kind of band. What if once a week one of the guys came on here and said, "It's going great. Yada yada... last night we ate grilled cheese..." I suppose it slakes the curiosity a bit, but what do you really have? You have the celebrity part of the thing, and none of the music. You don't have anything until you hear the new music. And they have every right - an obligation, even - to be protective of it 'til it's done.

I've watched a handful of beloved bands catch on and take off and you'd be amazed how little attention it takes for most artists to believe that everything that comes out of their mouth is fascinating and needs to be written about and heard by all. The fact that the guys - in the wake of the rocketing success they've experienced since '05 - have the courage to let their careers ride on the music and nothing else - no flashy pr or explanation needed - is a real rarity and a real blessing. I love it and I think they'll be just fine. This will be a very exciting year. I can't wait!! But I will... :)

Very well put!

[Nikkogino]

I understand what Magheetah is saying...but come on.  Since Z, we have gotten a live album, the month of sundays album, c&i swirl, gold acoustic citsuoca, the re-release of the at dawn and tf demos, and just last month the sweet picture disc (Am I forgetting anything?).  Most bands don't give their fans ANYTHING in-between albums.  I look at this "hiatus" (although to me, hiatus is when a band isn't doing anything.....ask a weezer fan what a hiatus is.) as the guys taking a trip to Colorado to make something really special for us.  I am sure we will hear news extremely soon, but I could care less as long as they put their all into this next record (which they are obviously doing as we speak).  The band isn't ignoring its fans right now...they are making something special.  I don't know about you, but I would rather skip the appetizers and let the chef concentrate on an amazing main course.

[BH]

Z was released 26 monts ago for crying out loud.

Whatever Jim needs to allow him to keep writing creatively is fine with me.  You don't want all the songs on the new album to be about waking up on a tour bus and seeing Two Tone scratching in his underwear do you?  

Maybe one song, but not every song. :o

[Angry Ewok]

Perhaps the guys are trying to come close to perfection with this next album, so they're taking their time? I think it's nice that they don't feel rushed to produce material just because we want it...

...my interest hasn't waned, but I'm running out of patience! Cannot wait for some new material.

[EC]

I THOUGHT THIS THREAD WAS ABOUT BLOWJOBS
now i'm really disappointed

[kev]

I concur with pretty much everything you said mahgeetah and I see some of the others points made with taking time to be creative as well as putting out special CD's or picture discs for the fans.  I will also add that I can not wait to see the next concert listing and am really hoping they come back to The Orange Peel again in 08'.  What a great venue and concert that was earlier this year.  That was the first and only, so far, MMJ concert I have been to and it was great.  I don't go to many concerts, the only two this year were that one and DMB in Raleigh this past Sept., and I will say the MMJ concert was better just because of the setting and feel of it, and I am a HUGE DMB fan.  

Can't wait for tour dates!

[Nikkogino]

I concur with pretty much everything you said mahgeetah and I see some of the others points made with taking time to be creative as well as putting out special CD's or picture discs for the fans.  I will also add that I can not wait to see the next concert listing and am really hoping they come back to The Orange Peel again in 08'.  What a great venue and concert that was earlier this year.  That was the first and only, so far, MMJ concert I have been to and it was great.  I don't go to many concerts, the only two this year were that one and DMB in Raleigh this past Sept., and I will say the MMJ concert was better just because of the setting and feel of it, and I am a HUGE DMB fan.  

Can't wait for tour dates!

MMJ is awesome live....but it isn't very hard to be better than DMB live...their shows are too expensive and too crowded.  

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

I THOUGHT THIS THREAD WAS ABOUT BLOWJOBS

there is no possible way for me to verbalize how much i want to hang out with you 24/7. ;osd8ff;lhsdkl YOU TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH. except i was hoping for a blow job/cocaine combo

[realdeal]

I don't think they're blowing it at all. I think they have a pretty good idea of what they want to do with their lives and careers, especially after seeing the rock touring life blow Johnny Quaid and Danny Cash right out of the band. I respect your opinion and concerns, but you have to realize that the boys in the band (and their management) have probably given this, oh, I don't know, a million times more thought and consideration than you have.

I am down with whatever decisions they come up with b/c it's their life they're making decisions for, not mine. Plus, I really don't have a need to know their every move and thought. I also don't think they're in "seclusion"; seems like they're locked away in the studio, a very ordinary move, IMO.

  I think everything is going to be OK.

Not in the studio. I saw Jim out at Outlook (bar in Louisville) on Christmas night. And was fucking drinking a Coors Light.

[ycartrob]

I don't think they're blowing it at all. I think they have a pretty good idea of what they want to do with their lives and careers, especially after seeing the rock touring life blow Johnny Quaid and Danny Cash right out of the band. I respect your opinion and concerns, but you have to realize that the boys in the band (and their management) have probably given this, oh, I don't know, a million times more thought and consideration than you have.

I am down with whatever decisions they come up with b/c it's their life they're making decisions for, not mine. Plus, I really don't have a need to know their every move and thought. I also don't think they're in "seclusion"; seems like they're locked away in the studio, a very ordinary move, IMO.

  I think everything is going to be OK.

Not in the studio. I saw Jim out at Outlook (bar in Louisville) on Christmas night. And was fucking drinking a Coors Light.

This is a cutting edge report; you ever think about working for TEEN People magazine? I'm sure Jim appreciates you giving everyone the update.

[ratchetisfake]

HA!

[corey]

Just because they're not "in the studio" doesn't mean that they're not working on the album.
Also, just because someone is "in the studio", it doesn't mean that they are locked up there 24-7. Maybe they were there a few days and took some time off. Who really cares?
If they are done tracking, they're more than likely taking their time getting the mix right, artwork laid out and completed, marketing plans in place, etc....

I'm not really sure why everyone thinks that we "deserve an update" and shit like that. Yeah, it'd be nice, but I'm not losing any sleep over it. I love to know what's going on as it happens, like when bands post video updates in the studio and such, but there's also something so much more gratifying to get one big whoppin' update with tons of new shit.

Just because one of your other favorite bands does this or does that, it doesn't man that MMJ have to do the same thing. All bands are different. The DBTs used to be know for constantly breaking out new material and road-testing it before they would record it. MMJ rarely does that. Is there a method that's better? Not really. It's just a matter of the bands preferences.

I'm rambling.... but that's what I do when I get worked. I always promise myself that I won't post when I get worked up, but I always do anyway.

So... bottom line. We're not being ignored. We don't "deserve" updates and shit like that. Let 'em do what they wanna do and how they wanna do it.

[BH]

I for one, am expecting them to add a webcam to Jim's kitchen so I kind find out what he's having for breakfast every morning.   Then I know if the album will have a "grapefruit" feel to it, or maybe a Cap'n Crunch vibe.

[realdeal]

I don't think they're blowing it at all. I think they have a pretty good idea of what they want to do with their lives and careers, especially after seeing the rock touring life blow Johnny Quaid and Danny Cash right out of the band. I respect your opinion and concerns, but you have to realize that the boys in the band (and their management) have probably given this, oh, I don't know, a million times more thought and consideration than you have.

I am down with whatever decisions they come up with b/c it's their life they're making decisions for, not mine. Plus, I really don't have a need to know their every move and thought. I also don't think they're in "seclusion"; seems like they're locked away in the studio, a very ordinary move, IMO.

  I think everything is going to be OK.

Not in the studio. I saw Jim out at Outlook (bar in Louisville) on Christmas night. And was fucking drinking a Coors Light.

This is a cutting edge report; you ever think about working for TEEN People magazine? I'm sure Jim appreciates you giving everyone the update.

Keep your damn purple Croc's on old timer! I'm reportin' what I see. You know you would be all over him if you saw Jim in public.

[mymorningwood]

actually i agree the the "postmaster". There should be some sort of an an update. And yes i would be a bit happier if i knew they ate grilled cheeses for lunch and made a new track. Or even if they told us they got shitfaced for NYE.  I mean, Come ow-n you guys....  
  MMJ owes it to the fans IMO.

Also instead of these old streams and crappy recorded shows on archive.com how about some podcasts W/ live songs from shows. Thats would be amazingly awesome but it's merely wishful thinking.

[getinthevan]

I for one, am expecting them to add a webcam to Jim's kitchen so I kind find out what he's having for breakfast every morning.   Then I know if the album will have a "grapefruit" feel to it, or maybe a Cap'n Crunch vibe.

I don't know what it is, but I think you're on to something here.