I was outside during an intermission of a Dark Star Orchestra show in Charleston SC recently, talking music with a group of college students. Obviously we talking about the Dead, but when I asked them how they felt about MMJ all I got was blank stares. Never heard of them.
My nephew, is at a NE boarding school and listens to the Dead all the time. When I asked him if his friends are getting into MMJ - - "who?" - - - he asked around: none of his friends had heard of them.
A budy of mine was at a bar in Gainsville FL recently and was playing MMJ on the Juke. He called me later. "man, not one kid at that bar has heard of MMJ. They need to own this shit!"
Look, I came to the game late. Hell, I am 40 and I caught up.
Is it just me? I cant stand the idea of the younger generations missing out on this. To me it would be like missing Zeppelin or the Dead (etc, etc) in the 70's - tragic!
MMJ is that good. Where are the kids? This should be their band.
(all this has just occured to me recently - - so I havent really been looking around at the shows. )
I agree. I live in Louisville, and many people here haven't heard of them. Kids on campus (I go to u Of l) ask what my shirts mean. I'm pretty surprised that 20 something's don't know of such a popular band from their home town
Well I will be in Louisville in the middle of July - - so I can do my own survey!!!! :thumbsup:
I was on the phone with a rep from Best Buy's Geek Squad the other day and in the course of routine chit chat she revealed her location as Louisville. SO I immediately asks how much she love MMJ and I also recieved th "Who?" response! I almost fell out of my office chair--c'mon you're in their stomping ground and you never heard them??? UGH ::)
I have been to the two Best Buy stores in Louisville, and they only had a couple of copies of Circuital and one copy of Yim Yames' Tribute CD. I work in Louisville and live near Elizabethtown which is about 45 minutes south of Louisville. Elizabethtown's Best Buy only had Circuital. I told the managers at all three stores how shameful it was for them to not be more supportive of Louisville's best band. But to tell you the truth, they have been decreasing their entire stock of music recently. They blame it on digital downloads. I blame them! Without stores offering music, there won't be as much interest in or opportunity to explore new and older music. On a more positive note... The FYE store in the mall in Elizabethtown does have more MMJ. They have copies of It Still Moves, Evil Urges, Okonokos, and Circuital. I REALLY MISS EAR-X-TACY!!!!! That is where I got most of my MMJ stuff. Here is what Jim James had to say when Ear-X-Tacy shut their doors for good.
Quote"there is a tear in my eye right now as i hear about the closing of one of my favorite places on earth- ear-xtacy. i send thanks and healing vibes to john and everyone who has worked so hard at the store over the years...the presence of that sacred place will be sorely missed. people- let this be a big wake up call to us...we need these places to gather as a community and share ideas about music and art and love and life and.... for the love of god.... it cant all take place online...or i fear that one day we will all wake up bleary-eyed and hung over from our technology binge and find the real world long gone... let us be inspired by places like "please and thank you," "carmichaels," "pops retail and consignment," "heine brothers" and all the great independent ma and pa stores around the globe- leading us into a new era of what a creative business can be...we need to support these places and help create more...the mp3 has killed the idea of what a traditional record store used to be, but that should only be cause for us to re-invent and support things the computer can never kill...we need these real places... where you can still buy a record from a local band or a hard to find label or root thru stacks of used vinyl...or get a cup of coffee...or buy an old stereo system or a synthesizer or a pair of jeans...or learn a new skill...or teach a new skill...and love your fellow human in person and face to face and all in the same place. lets brainstorm. lets build more of these places. lets stick together. lets support each other. lets figure it out." – jim james
just posting to say I'm 20 and have seen MMJ 9 times, first when I was 16, and I have a fairly large number of friends who also like them and have seen them play on numerous occasions. One of my favorite bands, and certainly my favorite live band
There are fans out there!
Having seen them in 2003 with about 100 people at the Exit In in Nashville, I'd say I'd much prefer to go back to those days rather than these days when "no one has heard of them" and you are encouraged to join something called Roll Call to ensure that you have a decent place in line for tickets for their shows...
Quote from: De1euze! on Mar 25, 2012, 11:45 AM
just posting to say I'm 20 and have seen MMJ 9 times, first when I was 16, and I have a fairly large number of friends who also like them and have seen them play on numerous occasions. One of my favorite bands, and certainly my favorite live band
There are fans out there!
Clearly there are fans out there, or we would not be typing so much stuff about them, and they would not be touring as much as they do. The point being made by the OP, I think, is how unknown they are to a large segment of population that would love them if they knew about them. In a relative sense, they are very unknown considering what they have achieved musically, and what they have to offer as far as unparallelled rock and roll shows. The local reviews here in Ca. are like a 9 on a scale of 10, and one even stated Jim is taking over for what Springsteen meant to live music in the 70's and 80's. He was on the cover of Time and Newsweek THE SAME WEEK, before he ever had one hit.
Quote from: Tracy 2112 on Mar 25, 2012, 12:19 PM
Having seen them in 2003 with about 100 people at the Exit In in Nashville, I'd say I'd much prefer to go back to those days rather than these days when "no one has heard of them" and you are encouraged to join something called Roll Call to ensure that you have a decent place in line for tickets for their shows...
There is some truth to this statement, but let's face it. Your logic is based solely on selfish reasons. Nothing wrong with that, but I am sure the band does not want to be playing in front of 100 people every night. They probably would have split up if that continued.
Quote from: rincon on Mar 25, 2012, 12:22 PM
Quote from: Tracy 2112 on Mar 25, 2012, 12:19 PM
Having seen them in 2003 with about 100 people at the Exit In in Nashville, I'd say I'd much prefer to go back to those days rather than these days when "no one has heard of them" and you are encouraged to join something called Roll Call to ensure that you have a decent place in line for tickets for their shows...
There is some truth to this statement, but let's face it. Your logic is based solely on selfish reasons. Nothing wrong with that, but I am sure the band does not want to be playing in front of 100 people every night. They probably would have split up if that continued.
I am selfish, yes. But the idea that "no one has ever heard of MMJ" is silly. I'm just glad I got in when I did before they became so unpopular ;)
I agree it's weird. I go to The University of Arizona and I'm always talking about MMJ and no one has ever heard of them. I can't think of many other bands that frequently play basketball stadiums all across the country and yet so few people have heard of them
Quote from: Tracy 2112 on Mar 25, 2012, 12:37 PM
Quote from: rincon on Mar 25, 2012, 12:22 PM
Quote from: Tracy 2112 on Mar 25, 2012, 12:19 PM
Having seen them in 2003 with about 100 people at the Exit In in Nashville, I'd say I'd much prefer to go back to those days rather than these days when "no one has heard of them" and you are encouraged to join something called Roll Call to ensure that you have a decent place in line for tickets for their shows...
There is some truth to this statement, but let's face it. Your logic is based solely on selfish reasons. Nothing wrong with that, but I am sure the band does not want to be playing in front of 100 people every night. They probably would have split up if that continued.
I am selfish, yes. But the idea that "no one has ever heard of MMJ" is silly. I'm just glad I got in when I did before they became so unpopular ;)
It is all relative. Considering what they offer, and how the general public is not familiar with them, it is fair to categorize them as "unknown". They could not sell out Santa Barbara, yet Radiohead sold out the same venue instantly. They could not even sell out The Gibson, a 3,000 seat venue in the second biggest market in the U.S. That is weird.
I agree that "unknown" is somewhat subjective. They're selling out some big venues, they've got celebrity fans, they're darlings of the festival circuit and late night talk shows, they've got two Grammy noms.
Here are the reasons I think MMJ is still relatively unknown.
1. Weird name
2. That band on American Dad was real?
3. They release singles like "Holdin' on to Black Metal", not the most representative example of their music
4. The only video they've done, for HOTBM, was fun for fans, but probably kinda "meh" to everyone else
5. They don't make pop music
6. Long hair and beards
7. A lot of people I've tried to turn on to MMJ find Jim's voice "harsh" and "annoying" (I know, I know...)
8. They don't play the game
9. No T & A anywhere, 'cept in the pit ;)
10. No big arrests for drugs, DUI, punch photographers, paternity suits, etc.
I actually first heard of MMJ on the music channel Fuse back in 03. They played the OBH video on a show called Oven Fresh. I figured they were on their way to stardom back then as Fuse was the channel all us 'cool' highschool kids watched to find out about the cool new bands out there. It's kind of amazing that a band that was on a music tv channels 10 years ago has remained so 'unpopular.'
The day after seeing that video when I went to the music store to buy It Still Moves, I was intrigued and somewhat confused that there was no name on the cover. I like it that way, I think it is neat, but I think that may also have an effect on their popularity. Kids walking up and down the aisles of the music store never actually see the words 'My Morning Jacket' (until their latest album). I've seen the names of hundreds of bands that I have never listened to. When people say 'have you heard of XXXXXX?' I say yeah, but not because I have actually ever listened to them, I just saw their record at the store.
A year or so ago the hubby and I were road trippin' from Portland back home to Sacramento and we hit up a rest stop. Parked next to a car with a big steal your face sticker on the back window. Hubby, being a big dead fan, starts chatting up the guy sitting in the car. They share some sweetleaf and hubby asks the guy if he is in to MMJ? The guy has no idea what hubby is talking about. Hubby immediately proceeds to remove the It Still Moves disk out of our player and hands it to the guy and tells him it'll change his life.
I bet it did.
I kinda had a front row seat to what popularity did to the Grateful Dead.
I joined up when I was 15, 16 in the early/mid 80's to the bemused looks of the grizzled Dead veterans who (for the most part) took us under their collective wings. It wasnt long, though, that swelling crowds out grew or tore down (literally in Pittsburgh) the smaller venues. Summer shows were soon relagated to to the souless canyons of Giants Stadium and RFK and the delights of Merriweather Post and Red-Rocks were a distant memory.
It was sad to lose that intimacy but there was also something comforting in the massive recognition: that there were so many like me who saw how special that band was.
That being said, I will happily spend a night (or two or three) every summer til the end of time seeing MMJ at MWP, scratching my head and wondering why it isnt full.
I think the biggest factor is a lot of people just don't like Jim's voice. My boss, for example, says "he always sounds like he's whining or crying."
Also the lyrics being hard to understand may turn new listeners away.
.02
It is bizarre. It doesn't bother me so much that they're not more popular and/or recognizable than they are - it's just a shame. For me, it's more about spreading the Jacket love because I know what I've gotten from the music and being a fan. ;)
On the one hand, I wish everyone knew how great this band is. I've turned several students on to them and anyone else that will listen to me. On the other hand, most bands that get as popular as I think this band should be play really shitty, radiohit music. Also, the people that come to the shows are there because they know one or two songs instead of being diehard fans. Plus, it will be that much harder to get tickets. I think that people who really love music are into this band. People who jump on the bandwagon because of one hit song don't tend to think about music as much. If MMJ were selling out 20,000 seat arenas every show, we would have a much more difficult time enjoying our favorite band.
My thinking is that most people don't actually like music. Of course, when asked, anyone will say they LOVE music, but they really don't care to hear stuff that sounds different from what they're used to or challenges them, and most prefer to stay comfortable with something that they know they like, or that they know that other people like and will approve of. Hence, the state of radio today. As Fully says, that's fine with me, more for us!
i have actually heard of more people that are familiar with band of horses than mmj. but, when i sent to see BOH and then MMJ in dallas this year, there were way more people at mmj.
i have been obsessed with this band for 10 years, and frankly, couldnt give a shit if anyone else has heard of them. my opinion is in concrete with this band. they are my alltime favorite, and i do not even care anymore to convince others why. if you dont get it, thats a you problem.
Quote from: dub82 on Mar 26, 2012, 03:50 PM
i have actually heard of more people that are familiar with band of horses than mmj. but, when i sent to see BOH and then MMJ in dallas this year, there were way more people at mmj.
i have been obsessed with this band for 10 years, and frankly, couldnt give a shit if anyone else has heard of them. my opinion is in concrete with this band. they are my alltime favorite, and i do not even care anymore to convince others why. if you dont get it, thats a you problem.
I am not looking for validation. I am completely with you. They are simply my favorite and I could care less what anybody else thinks. But when my 17 year old nephew, a huge music lover, a kid that is listening to the Allmans and Jerry, has never even heard of MMJ, it makes me sad. ;)
He is missing a band that is in it's PRIME.
(which is why this uncle is trying to get the boy to Forecastle!!)
Yesterday I worked with this new guy. first time I ever met him. We do a lot of field work, and I showed him the mp3 player sinc cord I keep in the work van. He asked me what music I like. I played Highly Suspicious, just because it is so unlike the rest. He put his i-phone to the speaker and up popped info on My Morning Jacket. He had never heard of them. I played him Okononkos highlights. Back at the office, on his phone, we watched the Conan OBH video, and the Letterman Gidoen. He said they rocked and was totally going to check them out more.
I don't think it has anything to do with Jim's voice or obscure lyrics. Plenty of people hate Plant and Morrison also. I truly think it starts with a kindergarten sounding name. People just roll their eyes when you mention them, and are prejudiced before they listen. That is why I never told the new guy at work their name, I just played some. Technology overruled me though.
Having been a fan since the beginning I get a kick out of how many people know. I used to tell everyone to check them out. Now it seems that everyone already has
Quote from: tbear on Mar 26, 2012, 09:28 AM
I kinda had a front row seat to what popularity did to the Grateful Dead.
I joined up when I was 15, 16 in the early/mid 80's to the bemused looks of the grizzled Dead veterans who (for the most part) took us under their collective wings. It wasnt long, though, that swelling crowds out grew or tore down (literally in Pittsburgh) the smaller venues. Summer shows were soon relagated to to the souless canyons of Giants Stadium and RFK and the delights of Merriweather Post and Red-Rocks were a distant memory.
It was sad to lose that intimacy but there was also something comforting in the massive recognition: that there were so many like me who saw how special that band was.
That being said, I will happily spend a night (or two or three) every summer til the end of time seeing MMJ at MWP, scratching my head and wondering why it isnt full.
Well said as I had a similar seat watching the Dead venues get huge and the scene get out of hand. I live in the nyc area and now I'm nervous that MMJ will only play MSG going forward which I hope is not the case. I pray they don't get popular and we keep it as our little secret.
The fact is that most people in this country simply do not know good music when then hear it. Nobody is willing to "listen" and give the music a chance to grow on them. God forbid a tune is mellow/slow, doesn't have a hook, etc. If it doesn't grab them right away they lose interest... welcome to America.
A great band like MMJ just floats around under the radar (for the most party anyway) and a band like the Black Keys sells out MSG in 15 min. I'm taking nothing away from the BK but they aren't half the band MMJ is IMO and their music has nowhere near as much depth. The difference... a hit record and a lot of hooks.
I do agree with the original post that it's sad so many younger kids have yet to be turned on to MMJ who is arguably in their prime. They are one of the best live bands on tour right now and a lot of folks are missing out on an incredible musical experience.
I wish less people had heard of them so I could see them in small clubs again! ;)
My brother John just posted on Facebook that he thinks my hometown's Summer Celebration should get MMJ to perform. Usually the acts are old bands and small time pop stars. I am not sure people there even know who MMJ are.
Quote from: Woody on Mar 27, 2012, 09:09 PM
Quote from: tbear on Mar 26, 2012, 09:28 AM
I kinda had a front row seat to what popularity did to the Grateful Dead.
I joined up when I was 15, 16 in the early/mid 80's to the bemused looks of the grizzled Dead veterans who (for the most part) took us under their collective wings. It wasnt long, though, that swelling crowds out grew or tore down (literally in Pittsburgh) the smaller venues. Summer shows were soon relagated to to the souless canyons of Giants Stadium and RFK and the delights of Merriweather Post and Red-Rocks were a distant memory.
It was sad to lose that intimacy but there was also something comforting in the massive recognition: that there were so many like me who saw how special that band was.
That being said, I will happily spend a night (or two or three) every summer til the end of time seeing MMJ at MWP, scratching my head and wondering why it isnt full.
Well said as I had a similar seat watching the Dead venues get huge and the scene get out of hand. I live in the nyc area and now I'm nervous that MMJ will only play MSG going forward which I hope is not the case. I pray they don't get popular and we keep it as our little secret.
The fact is that most people in this country simply do not know good music when then hear it. Nobody is willing to "listen" and give the music a chance to grow on them. God forbid a tune is mellow/slow, doesn't have a hook, etc. If it doesn't grab them right away they lose interest... welcome to America.
A great band like MMJ just floats around under the radar (for the most party anyway) and a band like the Black Keys sells out MSG in 15 min. I'm taking nothing away from the BK but they aren't half the band MMJ is IMO and their music has nowhere near as much depth. The difference... a hit record and a lot of hooks.
I do agree with the original post that it's sad so many younger kids have yet to be turned on to MMJ who is arguably in their prime. They are one of the best live bands on tour right now and a lot of folks are missing out on an incredible musical experience.
I've been a Keys fan for awhile. They didn't make their big jump in popularity until they started licensing their music to EVERYONE! Been watching the NCAA tourney? Can't get away from them.
Quote from: Woody on Mar 27, 2012, 09:09 PM
Quote from: tbear on Mar 26, 2012, 09:28 AM
I kinda had a front row seat to what popularity did to the Grateful Dead.
I joined up when I was 15, 16 in the early/mid 80's to the bemused looks of the grizzled Dead veterans who (for the most part) took us under their collective wings. It wasnt long, though, that swelling crowds out grew or tore down (literally in Pittsburgh) the smaller venues. Summer shows were soon relagated to to the souless canyons of Giants Stadium and RFK and the delights of Merriweather Post and Red-Rocks were a distant memory.
It was sad to lose that intimacy but there was also something comforting in the massive recognition: that there were so many like me who saw how special that band was.
That being said, I will happily spend a night (or two or three) every summer til the end of time seeing MMJ at MWP, scratching my head and wondering why it isnt full.
Well said as I had a similar seat watching the Dead venues get huge and the scene get out of hand. I live in the nyc area and now I'm nervous that MMJ will only play MSG going forward which I hope is not the case. I pray they don't get popular and we keep it as our little secret.
The fact is that most people in this country simply do not know good music when then hear it. Nobody is willing to "listen" and give the music a chance to grow on them. God forbid a tune is mellow/slow, doesn't have a hook, etc. If it doesn't grab them right away they lose interest... welcome to America.
A great band like MMJ just floats around under the radar (for the most party anyway) and a band like the Black Keys sells out MSG in 15 min. I'm taking nothing away from the BK but they aren't half the band MMJ is IMO and their music has nowhere near as much depth. The difference... a hit record and a lot of hooks.
I do agree with the original post that it's sad so many younger kids have yet to be turned on to MMJ who is arguably in their prime. They are one of the best live bands on tour right now and a lot of folks are missing out on an incredible musical experience.
I gotta say I disagree with a lot of this other then our mutual love of MMJ. The Keys and Dan have quite a discography of good to great music and I'll take most of their output over the last two albums by MMJ. Also, it's quite the generalization you make about America. I'm not sure if you are familiar with pop music in Asia, South America, and Europe in general but it often dominates more than American pop music does here in their respective cultures while they do not produce the depth and variety of music that is created here. I grant an exception to the Swedes who know what's up for sure :thumbsup:
I've had this discussion here and by no means do I know your musical interests. However, my personal experience with a large number of Deadheads is that they are so blinded by competition to see as many shows and compare their knowledge of each show setlist, that they do not have the attention nor time to explore a great variety of music. Additionally, when they do, they often are limited to modern jam bands, classic rock, reggae and some standard jazz. I understand that it is all relative but I feel the same way about all the local bands that I go to support that will never make a living off of music but are infinitely superior to the bands that are hyped in the music media. There is only so much market space.
And MMJ is nobody's little secret. Besides RUSH, they are the biggest and most expensive band that I'll go see regularly. I wish I can go back as far as the hard core old schoolers here. I miss being able to see these guys at the 930 club.
Agree with a lot of that, Ruckus. ..and MMJ are def the ONLY band (other than Springsteen this once) that I would see in an arena. MMJ aren't really under the radar---more like they're circling the radar, swooping down, then flying up and over....all over the place----my other favorite band (Drive-by Truckers) is the hardest working/hardest touring band in the country and they fly WELL under the radar--I understand that because they're an acquired taste. ..
MMJ are universally appealing to alt country fans (TTF, AD, ISM) and to indie/pop fans (EU, Circuital) and anywhere they meet in the middle (Z). They've been on Storytellers and have broken through the jam band mold, the southern rock mold, the indie mold. They're really not defined by any one type of music----thank GOD they're not playing arenas because that would suck for all of us.. if you take TTF and compare it to Circuital---it's like night and day...that wasn't even the same BAND....(although I love what's happened)..each album is different and when you can't be defined, sometimes not everyone will like or get it...a lot of die hard posters on HERE haven't been happy with the last 2 albums...
The Black Keys have gotten better as songwriters and producers while keeping the main base of their fans (Rock and blues), they've managed to break into mainstream by staying the same yet getting better. MMJ are all over the map----they've added a ton of new fans but have lost some of the old die hards. I have friends who haven't bothered seeing them since 2009 (and MMJ was one of their favorite bands). When you grow and change, you're gonna lose fans but add new ones. I think TBK haven't lost any fans--they're one of the few if THE ONLY band I've seen in the past 5-10 years that has grown into a stadium mainstream rock act while staying completely awesome.
Quote from: tbear on Mar 24, 2012, 05:23 PM
I was outside during an intermission of a Dark Star Orchestra show in Charleston SC recently, talking music with a group of college students. Obviously we talking about the Dead, but when I asked them how they felt about MMJ all I got was blank stares. Never heard of them.
My nephew, is at a NE boarding school and listens to the Dead all the time. When I asked him if his friends are getting into MMJ - - "who?" - - - he asked around: none of his friends had heard of them.
A budy of mine was at a bar in Gainsville FL recently and was playing MMJ on the Juke. He called me later. "man, not one kid at that bar has heard of MMJ. They need to own this shit!"
Look, I came to the game late. Hell, I am 40 and I caught up.
Is it just me? I cant stand the idea of the younger generations missing out on this. To me it would be like missing Zeppelin or the Dead (etc, etc) in the 70's - tragic!
MMJ is that good. Where are the kids? This should be their band.
(all this has just occured to me recently - - so I havent really been looking around at the shows. )
A couple of things. I feel the same way you do, but I'm a college kid so NO ONE I talk to, ever, has heard of them. Call me lame but I kind of prefer having a band "all to myself" - it's our little secret. I'd hate for some college freshman to come up to me and say, hey, have you ever hear "Wordless Chorus"? I'd punch him square in the face. :P
Also, I'm originally from Gainesville FL and those kids are all punks. No, literally, they listen to metal and punk exclusively. Whateva.
By the same token, you will see kids or "bros" or whatever at the shows. They represent but they don't make up any significant portion of the audience. It's a fantastic mix of young and old, new fans and not-so-new fans, high and sober, and fan and FANATICS. I like it that way. :)
In sum, I'm a kid, and this is my fuckin shit!
Quote from: johnnYYac on Mar 25, 2012, 06:00 PM
I agree that "unknown" is somewhat subjective. They're selling out some big venues, they've got celebrity fans, they're darlings of the festival circuit and late night talk shows, they've got two Grammy noms.
Here are the reasons I think MMJ is still relatively unknown.
1. Weird name
2. That band on American Dad was real?
3. They release singles like "Holdin' on to Black Metal", not the most representative example of their music
4. The only video they've done, for HOTBM, was fun for fans, but probably kinda "meh" to everyone else
5. They don't make pop music
6. Long hair and beards
7. A lot of people I've tried to turn on to MMJ find Jim's voice "harsh" and "annoying" (I know, I know...)
8. They don't play the game
9. No T & A anywhere, 'cept in the pit ;)
10. No big arrests for drugs, DUI, punch photographers, paternity suits, etc.
THIS!!! ^^^
Im 25, went to schools and work in TN, would say i have a large amount of acquaintances of all types. Willing to bet at least 80% has heard of them now. Back in the day a different story.
Quote from: Cameron on Mar 27, 2012, 09:15 PM
I wish less people had heard of them so I could see them in small clubs again! ;)
I'm with you and Tracy on this. I like hanging out after the show and being able to talk to Jim and the guys (or buy him a beer ;)). Those feelings naturally conflict with the knowledge that bigger success was needed for them to sustain the band as their gainful employment, so ultimately I'm totally glad they continue to make it and will be makin great tunes for the forseeable future!
While we can lament that they are too well known or hardly known at all, I think they are in a pretty good place right now.
No one who really follows rock/indie has an excuse now for not knowing them. We can still see them in relatively intimate venues or they stretch and fill MSG. Hell, I saw them play before 300-400 in Birmingham and 700-800 in Leeds the month before MSG this past year. I was telling everyone at the venue, "do you know these guys are playing MSG in a few weeks to over 10,000 people?". I felt incredibly lucky to essentially be in a throw-back to 10 or so years ago in terms of their typical crowd size.
Enjoy it while you can. I blew seeing a number of great bands in their prime at the Fillmore East while I was going to high school only blocks away. Not going to happen again.
I think the band doesn't "play the game" of being a radio friendly band, unless you are talking college radio. They don't really have a genre to fall into and most radio is owned by big coorporations who want to play Nickleback every hour or so due to the rating charts they use. I don't think I have ever heard MMJ played on a regular radio and only a hand full of times on college radio and xm stations. I know whenever I tell people I am traveling to see shows they never have heard of these guys.
Don't get me wrong they have gotten more popular since I started following them in 06, but I don't think they will ever get to the point of being everwhere like some bands like the Kings of Leon or Maroon 5 because of they way the band is as I think they are too low key. .02
People! Let's not complain! They are big enough to make some caysh to go on, and intimate enough to satiate us for the rest of our lives (I think, on both counts.) Don't worry, be happy! More room for us! I thought the time would come where we'd be wedged out of the rail but I think we have some breathing room. I can't put my finger on why the ENTIRE world doesn't see them thru our rose colored glasses, but they don't, and we are lucky. It's an acquired taste. And it works for me!!
Forget about it in the UK, though that said, I was impressed by the attendance at Somerset House last summer. There were alot of Americans at the Roundhouse! I think MMJ are a band for fans of music, not casuals.
Quote from: Beat Poet on Apr 01, 2012, 06:37 PM
Forget about it in the UK, though that said, I was impressed by the attendance at Somerset House last summer. There were alot of Americans at the Roundhouse! I think MMJ are a band for fans of music, not casuals.
[/i]
True but there are also alot of 'fans of music' who write mmj off because they dont get it. Im just hoping jim keeps concentrating on being a band leader more than being Yim Yames by himself.
Quote from: Luna Moth on Apr 02, 2012, 03:56 AM
True but there are also alot of 'fans of music' who write mmj off because they dont get it. Im just hoping jim keeps concentrating on being a band leader more than being Yim Yames by himself.
Why take the time to immerse yourself in MMJ when you can get into Kings Of Leon? That's probably the point from people who don't get MMJ.
Quote from: manonthemoon on Apr 01, 2012, 12:26 AM
I think the band doesn't "play the game" of being a radio friendly band, unless you are talking college radio. They don't really have a genre to fall into and most radio is owned by big coorporations who want to play Nickleback every hour or so due to the rating charts they use. I don't think I have ever heard MMJ played on a regular radio and only a hand full of times on college radio and xm stations. I know whenever I tell people I am traveling to see shows they never have heard of these guys.
Don't get me wrong they have gotten more popular since I started following them in 06, but I don't think they will ever get to the point of being everwhere like some bands like the Kings of Leon or Maroon 5 because of they way the band is as I think they are too low key. .02
I hate to say it, but I am not buying the "MMJ doesnt play the game" idea. It seems to me they have been trying to become more mainstream/commercial with their last two albums, the HOTBM video and the relatively entrenched recent setlists. I, in no way, think this is a wrong or some sort of sell-out. All artists want to reach as large of an audience as they can, and it does not always have to do with money. It is just the natural course of all things: to grow.
Quote from: Beat Poet on Apr 02, 2012, 07:37 PM
Quote from: Luna Moth on Apr 02, 2012, 03:56 AM
True but there are also alot of 'fans of music' who write mmj off because they dont get it. Im just hoping jim keeps concentrating on being a band leader more than being Yim Yames by himself.
Why take the time to immerse yourself in MMJ when you can get into Kings Of Leon? That's probably the point from people who don't get MMJ.
I was referring to folks who require varying setlists or extended jamming or soloing in every song. They don't get what mmj is about. The other group, scenester/hipster really only care about what is 'cool' or what no one has heard of yet. They don't get it either but im willing to bet The New Multitudes is cool enough for them to talk about, at least for a week.
When the band gets a large catalog they like enough to vary setlists(their old stuff rocks dont know why they dont play it more), let Bo jam more on the keys (kind of like how Tom's bass role was more prominent in Victory Dance, he kicks ass), they will have people following them around the country and setting up lots & 'shakedowns' - Jacket style, everywhere. My guess is 5-8 years? then after 5 years of that they will take a hiatus and all of the MMJ fans will have to find new music for a year or so.
funny thread is funny.
crazy to think that such an unknown band could play madison square garden...twice.
Quote from: lasvegas on Apr 03, 2012, 04:35 PM
funny thread is funny.
crazy to think that such an unknown band could play madison square garden...twice.
Again, someone who does not understand relativity. Can't sell out a 3,000 seat theater in a metro area of 12,000,000 people (LA). For 2 years I have been telling people about them, people from age 15 to 65. About 3 have heard of them. The ones who really like them after exposure vary in age from 15 to 65. I have been to used vinyl shops in suburban LA where the hipster 20something age guy working there has never heard of them. that has happened more than once. For a band to play MSG, and be that unknown to the general masses it fucking weird, no matter how you want to spin it.
you've only been telling people about them for 2 years?
well there is the problem.
we've been talking about them on the east coast for close to 15 years now.
Quote from: rincon on Apr 04, 2012, 10:34 PM
Quote from: lasvegas on Apr 03, 2012, 04:35 PM
funny thread is funny.
crazy to think that such an unknown band could play madison square garden...twice.
Again, someone who does not understand relativity. Can't sell out a 3,000 seat theater in a metro area of 12,000,000 people (LA). For 2 years I have been telling people about them, people from age 15 to 65. About 3 have heard of them. The ones who really like them after exposure vary in age from 15 to 65. I have been to used vinyl shops in suburban LA where the hipster 20something age guy working there has never heard of them. that has happened more than once. For a band to play MSG, and be that unknown to the general masses it fucking weird, no matter how you want to spin it.
You know, the LA thing is funny. Even monstrously huge sell-out-every-show bands like Phish barely play LA (or just give it a night, as opposed to a 3-night SF run, say.) I can't put my finger on why LA is not a good stop for some bands, but it's just not. The Gibson was empty in Dec.
Quote from: lasvegas on Apr 03, 2012, 04:35 PM
funny thread is funny.
crazy to think that such an unknown band could play madison square garden...twice.
MSG was about 2/3 full this past December. The Black Keys sold-out MSG, two-nights, in minutes. To me, that is ass-backwards.
Again, I would be perfectly happy if MMJ setteled into one of those bands that does multiple runs at the Beacon, Red Rocks and MWP every year. But as of right now, they wont be selling out those venues either.
Quote from: zanjam on Apr 08, 2012, 11:12 AM
You know, the LA thing is funny. Even monstrously huge sell-out-every-show bands like Phish barely play LA (or just give it a night, as opposed to a 3-night SF run, say.) I can't put my finger on why LA is not a good stop for some bands, but it's just not. The Gibson was empty in Dec.
That is what I find most baffling, is that attendance at the Dec 2011 shows sounded pretty bad in places other than LA as well. From what some friends told me, they played smaller places in Texas and NC than they usually do and still didn't sell them out.
That means people are seeing them and then not coming back, which is what boggles my mind about this. I don't know anyone who hasn't seen them and then become a fan and want to see them again.
Who are these people who see them once and then don't come back? I want to study them from an antrhopological perspective, I just don't get it. How could you see them and not want to go back again, and again, and again...
Quote from: MrWhippy on Apr 09, 2012, 10:00 AM
Quote from: zanjam on Apr 08, 2012, 11:12 AM
You know, the LA thing is funny. Even monstrously huge sell-out-every-show bands like Phish barely play LA (or just give it a night, as opposed to a 3-night SF run, say.) I can't put my finger on why LA is not a good stop for some bands, but it's just not. The Gibson was empty in Dec.
That is what I find most baffling, is that attendance at the Dec 2011 shows sounded pretty bad in places other than LA as well. From what some friends told me, they played smaller places in Texas and NC than they usually do and still didn't sell them out.
That means people are seeing them and then not coming back, which is what boggles my mind about this. I don't know anyone who hasn't seen them and then become a fan and want to see them again.
Who are these people who see them once and then don't come back? I want to study them from an antrhopological perspective, I just don't get it. How could you see them and not want to go back again, and again, and again...
this was mentioned earlier, the groups who you are talking about:
1.) requires varying setlists with extended jamming or soloing in every song.
2.) scenester/hipsters who only care about what is 'cool' or what no one has heard of or who hasn't made it yet
3.) the raver people who love glowsticks and dubstep
These 3 groups make up a substantial portion of ticket sales going on in the industry today in no particular order(not pop or country). MMJ had a killer Spring and Summer Tour, that shit was FUCKING
EPIC and packed shows, only caught the Nashville show in Dec. tour and they played the best Dondante I ever heard, it was a weird arena venue, and not sold out.
OK, got to test the the idea in the thread out a bit today.
I'm currently in Seattle on a business trip, and started talking to a couple this afternoon in Pike's Market who were also clearly visiting. They were probably early to mid-30's and did not look like they lived under rocks. I asked them where they were from and they said Louisville. I said my favorite band, My Morning Jacket is from there, and they said they had never heard of them.
This kind of blows me away, I mean, how many things are there that really give Louisville national attention, anyway? Even if you aren't a music fan, don't you think you would at least know the name of the biggest band from your town and one of the few local international touring acts?
Quote from: MrWhippy on Apr 09, 2012, 07:38 PM
OK, got to test the the idea in the thread out a bit today.
I'm currently in Seattle on a business trip, and started talking to a couple this afternoon in Pike's Market who were also clearly visiting. They were probably early to mid-30's and did not look like they lived under rocks. I asked them where they were from and they said Louisville. I said my favorite band, My Morning Jacket is from there, and they said they had never heard of them.
This kind of blows me away, I mean, how many things are there that really give Louisville national attention, anyway? Even if you aren't a music fan, don't you think you would at least know the name of the biggest band from your town and one of the few local international touring acts?
Some people say anecdotal evidence is worthless. Your example is priceless. Truly makes the point, however disturbing it might be. Were you amazed at how great all that fish smelled at Pikes?
Yeah, Pike's Market is pretty incredible, not just the fish but how you can buy just about anything there.
Mostly at the moment, though I'm just amazed at how much Radiohead just tore my face off at Key Arena.
Quote from: Tracy 2112 on Mar 25, 2012, 12:19 PM
Having seen them in 2003 with about 100 people at the Exit In in Nashville, I'd say I'd much prefer to go back to those days rather than these days when "no one has heard of them" and you are encouraged to join something called Roll Call to ensure that you have a decent place in line for tickets for their shows...
Quote from: aMillionDreams on Mar 27, 2012, 10:45 AM
Having been a fan since the beginning I get a kick out of how many people know. I used to tell everyone to check them out. Now it seems that everyone already has
Quote from: Cameron on Mar 27, 2012, 09:15 PM
I wish less people had heard of them so I could see them in small clubs again! ;)
Quote from: lasvegas on Apr 03, 2012, 04:35 PM
funny thread is funny.
crazy to think that such an unknown band could play madison square garden...twice.
Hey Mr. Whippy,
I do think that if I went up to the random person in Baltimore not locked into the music scene or your average Towson and Hopkins student, they would not know who Beach House was as well. Louisville and Baltimore have comparable populations and would be considered fertile breeding grounds for music and art. Then again, I'd argue that 90% of the Baltimore population doesn't know who the Grateful Dead is as well so.
I think Luna makes a solid point about the nature of concert goers among the younger fans. Believe me, when I was 17 (or 34), I wouldn't want to be blasting Wonderful and First Light to my friends.
On a sidenote, I know it's a popular thing to do around here to kinda bash hipsters but they deserve all the credit for what they are great at. Truly supporting small bands and local scenes so they get enough buzz so that the general listening public catches wind of them (when they aren't the ones hitting all the sweaty weekday club shows in front of 25 people). Then they can go onto the band's website all knowingly 13 years after their inception and ask why they aren't popular.
;D. I thought I was in a good mood when I woke up. Apologies for the last sentence. What a douchey post. :embarassed:
I'm not an oooooold timer like amd or Vegas but in my mind, I feel like they've blown up so I'm having trouble comprehending this thread. Also I completely understand not seeing them over and over again. It's a real expensive ticket for those with little disposable income.
Quote from: zanjam on Apr 08, 2012, 11:12 AM
Quote from: rincon on Apr 04, 2012, 10:34 PM
Quote from: lasvegas on Apr 03, 2012, 04:35 PM
funny thread is funny.
crazy to think that such an unknown band could play madison square garden...twice.
Again, someone who does not understand relativity. Can't sell out a 3,000 seat theater in a metro area of 12,000,000 people (LA). For 2 years I have been telling people about them, people from age 15 to 65. About 3 have heard of them. The ones who really like them after exposure vary in age from 15 to 65. I have been to used vinyl shops in suburban LA where the hipster 20something age guy working there has never heard of them. that has happened more than once. For a band to play MSG, and be that unknown to the general masses it fucking weird, no matter how you want to spin it.
You know, the LA thing is funny. Even monstrously huge sell-out-every-show bands like Phish barely play LA (or just give it a night, as opposed to a 3-night SF run, say.) I can't put my finger on why LA is not a good stop for some bands, but it's just not. The Gibson was empty in Dec.
LA is weird for shows because it is not a music town. It is a "I wanna be famous town" and/or "look how awesomely rich I am town" and 95% of people there don't go to shows for the community or for the music, they go to promenade and to see who they can meet in order to network. As well, LA is woefully short on great venues, imo. In fact, one of the only venue's you're guaranteed a great time is at The Belly Up. And it's in San Diego.
Quote from: tbear on Apr 03, 2012, 12:16 PM
Quote from: manonthemoon on Apr 01, 2012, 12:26 AM
I think the band doesn't "play the game" of being a radio friendly band, unless you are talking college radio. They don't really have a genre to fall into and most radio is owned by big coorporations who want to play Nickleback every hour or so due to the rating charts they use. I don't think I have ever heard MMJ played on a regular radio and only a hand full of times on college radio and xm stations. I know whenever I tell people I am traveling to see shows they never have heard of these guys.
Don't get me wrong they have gotten more popular since I started following them in 06, but I don't think they will ever get to the point of being everwhere like some bands like the Kings of Leon or Maroon 5 because of they way the band is as I think they are too low key. .02
I hate to say it, but I am not buying the "MMJ doesnt play the game" idea. It seems to me they have been trying to become more mainstream/commercial with their last two albums, the HOTBM video and the relatively entrenched recent setlists. I, in no way, think this is a wrong or some sort of sell-out. All artists want to reach as large of an audience as they can, and it does not always have to do with money. It is just the natural course of all things: to grow.
I am not saying they don't want to grow or don't play the game to some extent, but when you hear their stuff you don't immediately think of an episode of Dawson's Creek or someother horrible TV show like I do when I hear the Dawes or Band of Horses, etc. I think everyband likes to try different things, that is why the last two albums have been somewhat different to keep it fresh.
I think I would put them into the mold of a band like Pearl Jam, who are a very big band, but there was a time in the late 90's where it was speculated that their record label wanted them to be marketed differently to allow them to reach the heights of superstar levels. They declined and have been a highly successful band none the less, but they are not the megaband a lot of people thought they could be. I like that they remained that way, but thats just me.
I hope that MMJ stays at this current level here personally as its still accessible to get good tickets to shows if you do it quickly enough and they still play some smaller venues which I prefer. Its just funny to me that so many people don't know who the band is when I think they are one of the best around when everyone has heard of other bands without half as much talent.
Quote from: Luna Moth on Apr 03, 2012, 01:41 PM
Quote from: Beat Poet on Apr 02, 2012, 07:37 PM
Quote from: Luna Moth on Apr 02, 2012, 03:56 AM
True but there are also alot of 'fans of music' who write mmj off because they dont get it. Im just hoping jim keeps concentrating on being a band leader more than being Yim Yames by himself.
Why take the time to immerse yourself in MMJ when you can get into Kings Of Leon? That's probably the point from people who don't get MMJ.
I was referring to folks who require varying setlists or extended jamming or soloing in every song. They don't get what mmj is about.
So here's the thing about that...I first got into this band and loved them like there was no tomorrow. But I had one complaint. They didn't have varying setlists or extended jamming or soloing in every song! HOWEVER, I was addicted immediately, and much to my delight, they suddenly turned into a "jammier" band. I would have stuck with them thru thick and thin, but they miraculously heard my cry and turned a bit in that direction. That said, I still need a varying setlist. Not like a Grateful Dead-different-every-single-night setlist...but in order for me to feel completely satiated with MMJ I need at least a nugget or two. A standout. And I always get at least a little sumpin sumpin. So as far as I'm concerned, they've achieved Superstar Status in my book and if they never get any bigger, we are all the luckier for it!
What other band has had an entire episode of a cartoon sitcom dedicated to it? (Phish only had a few minutes in the Simpsons.) Do you see Wilco getting a mention in Happy Endings?? Which band headlined like five MAJOR festivals (that were webcast, no less) last summer?? And was it over, when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!! And it ain't over now. Cause when the going gets tough...the tough get going! Who's with me??!
^ reminds me of bluto's speech in animal house, don't really know what we have to rally about but im with you! :D
Wow- great thread! I love all the introspection by people who love this band and yearn for others to have the same appreciation. I agree with most comments.
MMJ and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals are bands I've really gotten into; but I am frustrated they haven't hit the arena level in popularity. What separates them from the Black Keys, who I saw as a support act for MMJ at Red Rocks only few years ago? ( The BK bluesy grundgey sound was OK for awhile, but it never changed and bored me after about 20 minutes)?
The Black Keys finally got some mainstream FM-Love. Same with Avett Bros. or KOL >>> FM Love. But I'm mystified here too. Both MMJ (on Evil Urges) and GPN's last album had several outstanding FM friendly songs. Somehow they didn't get traction. Is it bad promotion? I don't know. When this happens (FM love) it will drive more casual fans to shows and their live acts will retain a bunch of those fans.
And varied setlists really only matter if you are a hard core follower. For the masses, they only hear one set when see MMJ, so it doesn't matter.
Quote from: Luna Moth on Apr 11, 2012, 10:04 AM
^ reminds me of bluto's speech in animal house, don't really know what we have to rally about but im with you! :D
It is, of course, Bluto's speech! We are rallying that even though they're not the biggest, they still get major props - everywhere - and we are the lucky ones who fully understand and appreciate the critics' darlings. We reap the benefits of other people being complete ignoramuses. Sure it could change. The next album could be monstrously huge. So we have to soak it all in while we can b/c we don't know what tomorrow may bring. If I had to see them at Shoreline I would probably cry (unless I was in the first couple rows.) We've got it so good right now, there should be no complaining.
Quote from: johnnYYac on Mar 25, 2012, 06:00 PM
10. No big arrests for drugs, DUI, punch photographers, paternity suits, etc.
They have a couple of intimidators to keep that stuff out of the headlines! Don't be fooled. They are bad, bad, troublemakin', heartbreakin' freaks!
Quote from: MrWhippy on Apr 09, 2012, 07:38 PM
OK, got to test the the idea in the thread out a bit today.
I'm currently in Seattle on a business trip, and started talking to a couple this afternoon in Pike's Market who were also clearly visiting. They were probably early to mid-30's and did not look like they lived under rocks. I asked them where they were from and they said Louisville. I said my favorite band, My Morning Jacket is from there, and they said they had never heard of them.
This kind of blows me away, I mean, how many things are there that really give Louisville national attention, anyway? Even if you aren't a music fan, don't you think you would at least know the name of the biggest band from your town and one of the few local international touring acts?
Music (and pop culture in general) is walled off into separate rooms these days and have been getting more and more so for that past 20 years here in America. If it were not for the internet and youtube, it would be downright oppressively segregated.
For example, Nichole Scherzinger is another performer from Louisville who has toured internationally with Edens Crush and the Pussycat Dolls. I have read about her in the Louisville Papers, but I am not in the teen dance pop market niche and have never heard her music. To this day, if I have heard one of her songs on radio or television I was not aware of it. I would have to search YouTube intentionally to hear her.
Other Kentucky bands I have read about that are fairly big internationally but never heard on the radio are Cage the Elephant and before that Days of the New. Heck, I have rarely heard Will Oldham and Nappy Roots. Unless I read about them on the Internet and seek them out I never will most likely.
Commercial radio is almost exclusively hip hop, country or dance pop in Louisville. The local PBS station plays 80 percent horrible singer song writer material. They have generally awful taste, and their efforts to attract younger listeners (the other 20 percent) are just as bad.
So, the internet or a friend is about the only exposure to My Morning Jacket or any other contemporary rock band one is likely to get around here, except for the promotional tie-ins that flourish these days; sound tracks, commercials and PR tricks.
I kinda like that MMJ isnt super popular. It makes it just. That much more special.
Quote from: Willard1979 on Sep 09, 2012, 04:20 PM
I kinda like that MMJ isnt super popular. It makes it just. That much more special.
I totally agree with you Willard. In fact I'm real funny about introducing people to MMJ's music. Only when I think they have generally good taste in music and are open minded enough to appreciate a band you can't pigeon hole into a specific genre do I elect to tell people about the band. And so far that's been a whopping 2 people.
However I work with a lot of young southern hipster types who all know and love MMJ. Lucky me :)
Sent from my LG-E739 using Tapatalk 2
they definitely reach an older demographic. i've turned on a number of people to them---mostly by taking them to shows---and my friends in their 40's definitely get it more than the 20-somethings i've intro'd. my 30 year old GUITAR INSTRUCTOR didn't even know who they were. after teaching me dozens of MMJ riffs, he's a fan.
i think with all of the music out there and all of the digital access, people get into there niche and aren't exposed to much else. that's despite the fact that it is easier than ever to find new music. too many "if you like A, you'll like B" computer generated suggestions that keep you from ever finding "C".
It's our job to educate and evangelize. I've trained up my 3 boys (20, 18, 15) properly as they've become big fans. They are spreading the word too, but unfortunately falling on too many deaf ears.
We should enjoy this moment though. If they blow up I suspect there will be no more sound check sets, and all the floor seats will get scalped within minutes. Even worse, they'll end up playing arenas and stadiums instead of intimate theaters and mid-size amphitheaters. I love the Black Keys, but I much prefer seeing them stripped down at the Tabernacle instead of from the upper deck of a basketball arena.
Peace.
in my opinion they are in a very good place...not too many fans yet just enough to fill historic venues and give us affordable ticket prices...still a few too many frat boys but it's not as bad as some popular bands these days. i quit trying to convert people years ago...if they really want to they will find it...you all did
Wise words, scosby2.
I'd have to say, their growth has been pretty organic. They've made consistently good (if varyingly styled) music and that's built their audiences at a manageably steady pace. These are guys who LOVE playing music. The quality of their performances is astoundingly high. I'm pretty sure if they could get $50 000 to play a 200 person club they'd do that in a heartbeat. I'm also certain that if they could fill a stadium consistently, they'd look for ways to avoid that by playing multi shows at theatres or mid-sized arenas. In fact, we can see them avoiding arena shows now by opting to do 3 nights at the Wiltern, etc.
I'm reminded of the line from Steam Engine, "take your money and your drugs". I always interpreted that as a statement to the corporate rock world who could have taken MMJ and offered them all the money and drugs they could dream of - in exchange for their souls - and that MMJ deliberately rejected that in favour of reimagining the dream of success as musicians. And I'm sooooooo glad they did.
Yes, it blows me away that so many people haven't heard of MMJ. But it also blows me away the quality of fan they have. We are the obsessives, of course, but even the more casual fans seem to have a healthy respect for the band's music and understand its place in the world of rock.
I like it all the better that in order to get exposed to MMJ, one has to read pretty decent critical writing about them or be personally introduced by other fans. I like that I don't hear them on the radio when I'm shopping in a mall or see stories on Entertainment Weekly (that's still a thing, right? Haha!). It sort of guarantees that the folks who are buying tickets to an MMJ show would be people whose vinyl collection I'd feel good about rooting through.
Words to live by indeed! Well said scosby! :beer:
I was just talking about this the other night with my wife about how perfect of a band MMJ really are. Obviously their music is kick ass and damned near perfect. But also, their popularity seems to be just right for my tastes. They seem to have plateaued for the time being and I am damn fine with right where they're at. They aren't too big to where you have a bunch of teeny boppers and drunken frat boys running around ruining the shows like what you see at DMB concerts these days. And they aren't too small that they are struggling to make ends meet.
Seems like the perfect balance to me and I hope it continues because the intamacy with the fans is one of the MANY things I love about this band...
I like that MMJ are our secret. But, on the other hand I get annoyed when people haven't heard them.. so I'm a bit both ways on this.. I want them to be our secret but still credited as being a great band... hows that.
I started this thread before the summer tour, and I think my position has shifted a little. I was really gratified to see both the Mann center and MWP considerably more full this summer over last (if not totally sold out.) I agree with the posters who say we are lucky that they are at the level they are at now--- intimate venues, incredible energy and, finally, varying setlists!
My only disapointment was bringing my older (50) brother and his nephew to Brooklyn. I asked my bro, who saw the Dead 50+ times what he thought in the middle of it and he answered that he was "not impressed". The brooklyn venue did not have great sound, and the crowd was relatively subdued - too cool - but it still kinda bummed me out. I had hoped for his, if not approval, at least some appreciation. To be honest, my bro never really moved on from the Dead -- which is too bad for him.
On the other hand, I grabbed my nephews (13, 14) and we snaked our way upfront - I think they enjoyed it thouroghly.
(Edit: Ok I just checked to see if there are still tix availible to Capital Theatre -- yup --- all three nights. WTF? - this is the kinda thing that makes no sense to me.)
But, on the other hand, at least I have not seen Yimmy on any Gap adds. The Avett Bros. are posted all over NYC in Gap adds and I fear the Avetts have jumped the shark.
So, like allot of people, torn.
i seem to find A LOT of dead heads that aren't impressed with MMJ. The last one in particular that I spoke with, who was cool as hell, said he went to the Yum Center show and there were a fantastic band, but the pop-ier, non guitar heavy songs weren't up his alley. On the other hand, my mom, not a big music person at all, and dad, loves the eagles :cry:, LOVE Circuital, but can't seem to get into pre-evil urges work. Guess its all just preference. For those of us that "get it", theres a beauty in the fact that they're so diverse that different people like only chunks of their catalogue.
Then again, there are a ton of ton of dead heads that are jacket fans.
This is like my favorite/biggest band that people regularly don't know anything about. I like exposing them to others though :)
Yeah, it happens often to me when the subject of "favorite band" comes up... people are like "My what?" and then I repeat it and they just look at me funny. Just the other day a co-worker asked me what the best concert I've been to is and immediately I said MMJ - been to quite a few, RCMH, orange peel, others... anyway, she's like "Who?" SMDH
I recently moved into a new apartment and the family below me has a son in high school. His favorite band is Pink Floyd, so I started chatting with him about Animals, Echoes and all the goodies that band has put out. He was also really into the Grateful Dead. At this point I figured it was best that I bring up MMJ. Not surprisingly, he had never heard of them before. I told him to listen to Dondante live Okonokos on YouTube. I had to leave for work, but I told him if he liked what he saw that I could give him some MMJ to try out. I came home that night and I had just sat down when I heard my doorbell ring. I walked downstairs to find the kid from earlier at my door. He had a friend with him.
Me: "Hey, what can I do for ya?"
Him: "Dude, I listened to Dondante and I need that music."
Me: "Go grab your flashdrive and I'll let you try some of their stuff out."
He sprinted to his house and came back shortly afterwards. I haven't heard from him since I gave him the music, but I am sure if he loves Pink Floyd as much as I do, he will surely love MMJ.
MMJ is my favorite band, but not only that, MMJ is the best rock band and live act going right now. They are the Zeppelin, GD or Floyd of this generation and so many people are missing out. My generation is pathetic (I'm 20), all they listen to is rap and top 40 and never try to expand their tastes. None of them are adventurous. I have turned on a couple of my friends to MMJ, but they hardly listen to them. One of them acts like he loves them, but he really never takes the time to just listen to their music. I'll ask him what he thought about Steam Engine or what have you and he won't know what I am talking about.
Quote from: EverythingChanges on Oct 16, 2012, 11:32 PM
I recently moved into a new apartment and the family below me has a son in high school. His favorite band is Pink Floyd, so I started chatting with him about Animals, Echoes and all the goodies that band has put out. He was also really into the Grateful Dead. At this point I figured it was best that I bring up MMJ. Not surprisingly, he had never heard of them before. I told him to listen to Dondante live Okonokos on YouTube. I had to leave for work, but I told him if he liked what he saw that I could give him some MMJ to try out. I came home that night and I had just sat down when I heard my doorbell ring. I walked downstairs to find the kid from earlier at my door. He had a friend with him.
Me: "Hey, what can I do for ya?"
Him: "Dude, I listened to Dondante and I need that music."
Me: "Go grab your flashdrive and I'll let you try some of their stuff out."
He sprinted to his house and came back shortly afterwards. I haven't heard from him since I gave him the music, but I am sure if he loves Pink Floyd as much as I do, he will surely love MMJ.
MMJ is my favorite band, but not only that, MMJ is the best rock band and live act going right now. They are the Zeppelin, GD or Floyd of this generation and so many people are missing out. My generation is pathetic (I'm 20), all they listen to is rap and top 40 and never try to expand their tastes. None of them are adventurous. I have turned on a couple of my friends to MMJ, but they hardly listen to them. One of them acts like he loves them, but he really never takes the time to just listen to their music. I'll ask him what he thought about Steam Engine or what have you and he won't know what I am talking about.
You're with family now, EC. Welcome to the fold. Don't stop trying to spread the word, but take heart in being part of the best kept secret in music. Not really "kept", this secret, as we all try to convince others that the only sane choice is to agree to MMJ's greatness. Still, our frustration is also our joy, and - perhaps - the joy of the band, too. They seem mighty happy where they are. I'm sure they wouldn't turn down a hit record, but that will change a lot, much the way it changed the Dead.
I met a family of 5 from Kentucky the other day (oldest kid probably low teenager and parents probably around 40), and I had to ask. Surprisingly, they never heard of MMJ. That pretty much ended the conversation..... although I did say how incredible they were and recommended them.
I just gave a friend a copy of Okonokos on CD. He says he likes it, and its relaxing to listen to. He says he likes Lay Low.
Quote from: johnnYYac on Oct 16, 2012, 11:38 PM
Quote from: EverythingChanges on Oct 16, 2012, 11:32 PM
I recently moved into a new apartment and the family below me has a son in high school. His favorite band is Pink Floyd, so I started chatting with him about Animals, Echoes and all the goodies that band has put out. He was also really into the Grateful Dead. At this point I figured it was best that I bring up MMJ. Not surprisingly, he had never heard of them before. I told him to listen to Dondante live Okonokos on YouTube. I had to leave for work, but I told him if he liked what he saw that I could give him some MMJ to try out. I came home that night and I had just sat down when I heard my doorbell ring. I walked downstairs to find the kid from earlier at my door. He had a friend with him.
Me: "Hey, what can I do for ya?"
Him: "Dude, I listened to Dondante and I need that music."
Me: "Go grab your flashdrive and I'll let you try some of their stuff out."
He sprinted to his house and came back shortly afterwards. I haven't heard from him since I gave him the music, but I am sure if he loves Pink Floyd as much as I do, he will surely love MMJ.
MMJ is my favorite band, but not only that, MMJ is the best rock band and live act going right now. They are the Zeppelin, GD or Floyd of this generation and so many people are missing out. My generation is pathetic (I'm 20), all they listen to is rap and top 40 and never try to expand their tastes. None of them are adventurous. I have turned on a couple of my friends to MMJ, but they hardly listen to them. One of them acts like he loves them, but he really never takes the time to just listen to their music. I'll ask him what he thought about Steam Engine or what have you and he won't know what I am talking about.
You're with family now, EC. Welcome to the fold. Don't stop trying to spread the word, but take heart in being part of the best kept secret in music. Not really "kept", this secret, as we all try to convince others that the only sane choice is to agree to MMJ's greatness. Still, our frustration is also our joy, and - perhaps - the joy of the band, too. They seem mighty happy where they are. I'm sure they wouldn't turn down a hit record, but that will change a lot, much the way it changed the Dead.
Thank ye sir!
Quote from: EverythingChanges on Oct 16, 2012, 11:32 PM
I recently moved into a new apartment and the family below me has a son in high school. His favorite band is Pink Floyd, so I started chatting with him about Animals, Echoes and all the goodies that band has put out. He was also really into the Grateful Dead. At this point I figured it was best that I bring up MMJ. Not surprisingly, he had never heard of them before. I told him to listen to Dondante live Okonokos on YouTube. I had to leave for work, but I told him if he liked what he saw that I could give him some MMJ to try out. I came home that night and I had just sat down when I heard my doorbell ring. I walked downstairs to find the kid from earlier at my door. He had a friend with him.
Me: "Hey, what can I do for ya?"
Him: "Dude, I listened to Dondante and I need that music."
Me: "Go grab your flashdrive and I'll let you try some of their stuff out."
He sprinted to his house and came back shortly afterwards. I haven't heard from him since I gave him the music, but I am sure if he loves Pink Floyd as much as I do, he will surely love MMJ.
MMJ is my favorite band, but not only that, MMJ is the best rock band and live act going right now. They are the Zeppelin, GD or Floyd of this generation and so many people are missing out. My generation is pathetic (I'm 20), all they listen to is rap and top 40 and never try to expand their tastes. None of them are adventurous. I have turned on a couple of my friends to MMJ, but they hardly listen to them. One of them acts like he loves them, but he really never takes the time to just listen to their music. I'll ask him what he thought about Steam Engine or what have you and he won't know what I am talking about.
I think most of us have "been there done that". The big difference is your age. Never would have guessed by the content of your post that you are 20. I have 2 sons, 18 and 22. I have dragged both of them to MMJ concerts, and they were very impressed, but they never listen to them. Maybe they were trying to please the old man. I have also taken 4 of my male friends, all ages 50-60. They all liked it, but only one, the lucky one who saw night 3 at the Wiltern, has become a nut like me for the band. (My sons don't listen to much rap, and no top 40.They are extremely versed in modern punk and whatever is playing the Warped Tour or Coachella, and can talk about bands I never heard of like they are talking about the Stones and The Who, whom they are also very familiar with)
Most people I know who are average music fans have never heard of MMJ. Unless you are really into music I don't think you would know who they are. They are not a universally known band in today culture like bands like Zep and the Stones were back in the day. The music business is just so different now. There are only a few universally known acts. Playing MSG doesn't make you big anymore..because there are a million bands who do that now. Jim James can walk down the street in NYC and I bet if you asked 10 people who he was maybe one or two would know. Probably something that he really enjoys. I don't think a single person in my family has a clue who MMJ are and I have uncles who were really into music back in the 60's and 70's..they saw huge bands. I think the days of those types of bands are gone...they are now replaced with the Taylor Swifts of the world sadly.
I was recently down at Fort Myers Beach, was wearing my Spontaneous Curation t-shirt, and someone said Jim James rocks! I was floored! That may have been the first time someone recognized the band and said something to me about them!!
But then I start talking to some folks at a bar and this very musically inclined individual had never heard of them... I let that pass though since he started bringing up bands I never listened to either.... It's a weird phenomenon that's for sure!!!
I'm just glad I went in early for those PJ shows back in the day!!