Despite being into this band for ten years I never managed to see them live, mostly because no one was around to implore me to do so and partly because my actual passion for them bloomed later in the game. But I finally saw them, at Hangout. I suppose I should have seen them on their own for my first time, but circumstances and convenience dictated otherwise - I have family around Mobile, so I was able to get two birds stoned at once. And I definitely wouldn't trade it.
I'll try not to ramble but... As soon as they walked on stage and I realized it was finally happening, I had to choke back tears. I wasn't hysterical or anything, but I'm pretty sure the chick next to me thought I was crazy. I held it together long enough to get through the evening - I was having too much damn fun to cry, and Beck's closeout was a nice cushion to fall back on, but I bawled my eyes out on the way back to the hotel. I'm still trying to process the feeling of seeing them there in front of me for the first time. And though I've always admired Jim, as he is responsible for all of these songs that have become a huge part of my life over the years, I suddenly felt ineffable things about him that I hadn't felt before. He just has this peculiar energy, and I was in its presence, and I guess I'm several rungs down on the karmic ladder.
But man, CARL. I knew if I ever made it to a show I'd want to be on his side of the stage, and I was completely blown away. He went above and beyond. The full 110%. He was so into it, moreso than usual, at least compared to all the footage I've watched. At one point he was hitting the strings so hard he almost fell over. He was like a little kid up there. I'm amazed that someone can get that physical with their instrument and still sound so damn good. An incredible showman. We made eye contact a couple of times but I kept looking away. I already had too much on my plate at the moment, so I definitely couldn't deal with all that. I was afraid to make eye contact with any of them, really. You couldn't tell with Jim, because of his shades, so I felt most comfortable watching him.
And it wasn't even that long of a set. I was so deep into the experience that it feels like it happened in the blink of an eye. I can hardly imagine how much shit I'm going to lose when I see them in Dallas.
Everything feels different now. John Muir would talk about his mountain baptism... I feel like I had a Jacket baptism. I now understand why people followed the Dead. Just wondering if this is normal or if I've finally gone off the deep end.
Thanks for reading. I'll proceed to lurk now.
ruralt, that was beautiful. :cry:
welcome to the fold! the feeling never diminishes! see y'all in Dallas
Love this! millerjustin is right....that feeling never seems to go away. Every show you see will be better than the last. :thumbsup:
Jacket baptism...I like that! Welcome!
Outstanding! Yes, Carl Side!
Awesome!
Please, please don't scream "we love you Carl" the entire f'n show.
Quote from: walterfredo on May 21, 2015, 10:01 AM
Awesome!
Please, please don't scream "we love you Carl" the entire f'n show.
Yeah, just join in the "Carl Side!" chant right after Victory Dance. :wink:
Love these stories!
It never ceases to amaze me the transcendence and spirituality that people feel from their shows. I don't know any other band that moves such a wide range of people at any given show. It seems like EVERY show review I read includes some kind of magical or spiritual feeling, whether it's the person's first show or 100th show.
It's so funny you posted this. I am in Dallas, and was listening to the ticket, a handful of their guys went to hangout. One of the guys had a "religious experience" when the jacket came on. I have seen them many times, and I shed a tiny music tear every single time. I don't know why, it just happens.
These guys have that effect. It's pretty awesome.
I couldn't agree more with all of you. From my first time seeing them, which was only a six song set opening for Pearl Jam, I've gotten teared up every time they walk on stage (not to mention countless times during each set). It always makes me feel so good knowing so many others experience the same things with this band. And yes, I don't know another band, especially of this generation, that can do that to people of so many different ages and backgrounds. We're all so lucky to be a part of this experience with them, no matter where you may have come in to the fold along the way.
No matter how many times you see them, that feeling will never diminish, and you will always leave amazed. See what I did there?
Also, I'm new to the forum scene, and I think there should be a thread dedicated to peoples first show experiences with MMJ. The positivity and good vibes would be intoxicating. Discuss...
Buckle up for more of the best live music you will ever see. And get ready to plan for another one after Dallas.
amskinz.... great comments. There is a thread dedicated to what you are suggesting called "How did y'all stumble upon MMJ" the top of "The Band" link.
I find myself being truly envious of those attending their first MMJ concert. That first experience is really hard to beat. The only way to top it is a 3 night run...
Quote from: bhyman on May 21, 2015, 12:23 PM
I find myself being truly envious of those attending their first MMJ concert. That first experience is really hard to beat. The only way to top it is a 3 night run...
Dont lose hope... I'd seen jacket 4 times and my fifth was at a show in Raleigh.
For what ever reason, that show in Raleigh was the most memorable. Just takes the right set list and setting!
Quote from: dub82 on May 21, 2015, 11:13 AM
It's so funny you posted this. I am in Dallas, and was listening to the ticket, a handful of their guys went to hangout. One of the guys had a "religious experience" when the jacket came on. I have seen them many times, and I shed a tiny music tear every single time. I don't know why, it just happens.
These guys have that effect. It's pretty awesome.
I'm also in Dallas and a Ticket P1. I'm assuming it was Corby who was talking about his Hangout/MMJ experience?? If it was the Hardline, what day was it? I'd like to go back on the app and listen to their recap.
Great post ruralt :thumbsup:
Ruralt, quite an inspiring post. Thanks for sharing. So happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience. I think you've come to the right place to express your love. I feel the same way every time I see them. I'm seeing them for the first time on Saturday since OBH and my entire family feels it -dad is in a great mood. They are simply the greatest band on earth. Their music is different, inspiring and original with a positive energy. And it also rocks hard. The band members are incredible musicians who play with passion and give it their all every single time. And jacket fans are courteous, pleasant, peaceful and positive people who create such an amazing energy. I feel very fortunate to have such influential music in my life and to be able to share it with like minded people like those on this forum.
Thanks again for a moving post and I hope to see you at a show real soon.
Adios
Wow. Thanks for all of these awesome responses. Wasn't expecting that. It is so wonderful to read these things and know that these feelings are shared. Very glad to be here among people that understand. I already made one friend at the Hangout show, and hope to make many more.
Re: the spiritual experience. The other great part about the show was seeing other people being moved, when I managed to tear my eyes away long enough. There was one guy there who was so enraptured that I will never be able to forget the image of him. I couldn't help but smile any time I caught a glimpse of someone you could tell was a huge fan. I've never seen anything like it at any other band's show. These guys are special and bring a beautiful thing into peoples lives.
Much love to all y'all.
Yeah the Jacket sure do move people...I highly suggest making it to Red Rocks...I don't have the words to tell you what it felt like to be there for the first time...the sea of people in between two red mountains...the music making your soul tingle. I wish I was there to have experienced that show with you...and give you a hug...so off topic now...how many of you have dreams that feature music? I was about 11 years old the first time I did. I was learning Hey Joe on the guitar and listening to it and playing along with it constantly and then I was crashed out one night and technicolor dream with the song Hey Joe playing almost in its entirety...I ask this question because my History of Rock and Roll Professor and I had a real riveting discussion about ASMR Autonomous sensory meridian response which is basically when you get the chills or cry or have a physical change when listening to music or watching a flick...but I think my point is that some of us...especially Jacket Heads and Wilco fans are just people who get the ASMR effect so often that we fall in love with it...I remember being 14 and listening to Murder By Death's album entitled LIke the exorcist but more break dancing....anywho the opening cello riff followed by the falling guitar chords with the drums building just made me weep and have chills all over...my mom wanted to take me to the hospital I was having a serious religious spiritual experience and it made sense to me. but no one until understood it until I started playing guitar with other musicians. Us die hard music fans and especially Jacket Heads we are a special breed. I use to dance down the aisles at the bookstore i worked at singing to the Temptations...it's fun. i ramble a lot. i love you guys!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: I love this post. I have felt this same way so many times and this is why I would never miss a local show and always get up close (always on Jim's side!), why I paid a LOT of money to see them in Mexico, and why I am going to see them 3 nights in a row (and that still won't be enough, or soon enough) in SF. My husband and I always talk about how Jim is like this humble musical mystic right up there with the likes of Jim Morrison, and even (to a lesser extent) Bob Marley. I am so fucking addicted to this band. Nobody totally gets it until they seem them live.
And God, I so badly want to go to a MMJ show before SF. I'm dying. I just don't know anyone else willing to fly to another city to see them. :cry:
"Us die hard music fans and especially Jacket Heads we are a special breed." Yes we absolutely are! :cheesy: :drum:
You've come to the right place! Welcome!
@timandre- yes it was corby and his crew talking about hangout. It was on Wednesday.
I bet corby is sick of me emailing him and Danny about how great this band is. Been doing it for years!
I understand completely. My first jacket show was way long after I started listening to them and also a festival set. I felt like this must be what people who get something out of going to church feel. Welcome to the fold. When everyone in your daily life doesn't understand why you talk about them incessantly, come to us.
@ffghtrs I would love to go to Red Rocks but I cashed out all my vacation time for Hangout and won't have it built back up in time. I hope maybe someday. And now that you mention it, I've never had music in my dreams, that I can recall. I never hear anything at all, even when I'm talking to people. It all seems telepathic or something. They are just very visually vivid. I do get those physical sensations though, but it's very specific to chord quality and progression. I'd like to see some music cognition dissertation on why that may happen!
I'd also like to hear this radio show that's being talked about. I will have to check it out.
@debbie I smell what you're steppin' in. I only had this vague sense of how Jim is operating on a level different from most people, but it didn't really smack me in the face until that show. Have fun at your three nighter!
Quote from: Fully on May 22, 2015, 02:00 PM
When everyone in your daily life doesn't understand why you talk about them incessantly, come to us.
:cry:
Thanks again, guys.
Hi Ruralt: what an honest and wonderful post about this band.
Welcome to my life. The first time I saw them back about 8 years ago, I was truly astonished. I've seen my share of great bands over the years, but this band grabbed me and pulled me in like no other.
Their cohesiveness is abosolutely astounding. I cry listenting to their music, at the shows and sometimes just thinking about the band and how one song can bring me out of a deep funk and put the funk back in my soul. Truly, I believe they are THE Band!!!
Great post and welcome to your new obsession! Each show is like a new tattoo on your brain and each sonic experience will be with you for life... And the best part is that no one can ever take that away from you.
Your post is awesome and welcome to the forum. There are few things in life that I love more than being at an MMJ concert. What they accomplish up on stage is pure magic! Oh and the fans...I remember walking through the gates at my very first Jacket concert and being like Yes, these are my people!!
I'm glad I got around to reading this... You're in the right place! :beer:
Wife - what time did you come to bed last night?
Me - about midnight.
Wife - yikes. Why so late?
Me - after the Rangers game, Bennett asked about MMJ so I showed him Okonokos. He's hooked.
Wife - you're like a scientologist of My Morning Jacket
Laughter. So true!!
great review, ruralt. tfs :thumbsup:
Quote from: RobRoy286 on May 21, 2015, 11:01 AM
I don't know any other band that moves such a wide range of people at any given show. It seems like EVERY show review I read includes some kind of magical or spiritual feeling, whether it's the person's first show or 100th show.
Quote from: ruralt on May 21, 2015, 06:48 AM
I now understand why people followed the Dead.
I recently had my first MMJ concert experience and it went down in history as one of the best moments of my life.
Wordless Chorus was playing and I looked at all the people, all MY people, who love this band just as much as I do.
I heard the people singing their hearts out, knowing every inflection to each word, anticipating the next note. I broke out into tears- happy, beautiful tears. I laughed, feeling hysterical, feeling crazy, but I saw the love the crowd felt, and I knew that they were feeling the same thing I was.
When something touches you so deeply and profoundly, it's an amazing experience. But when a group of people share that experience with you, you know you're not alone. These things we feel are real, validated- a collective experience. I'm so grateful to have that experience and be able to share mine with those who know exactly what my heart speaks of, thank you.
I feel the same. JaneCool tried for a few years to get me into what I called "the hairy dudes". I tried to listen to some stuff. I didn't dislike them. I wasn't crazy about them. Then I went to OBH1 so she would have a room mate. HOLY SHIT! I've never seen or felt anything quite like that at any concert before, and it wasn't just THEM - it was everyone around us. It was the most amazing indescribable thing. I just can't find the words. When I saw Patrick that week, I had to tell him that the entire vibe, the energy they put out on stage and the energy coming back from the fans in this glorious circle just blew me away.
Ever since then, I have gone deep. I haven't loved a band this much since The Who or Genesis, and that says a lot about me. I totally understand now how people come to follow bands around, because that is all I want to do. I wish that I could. They make me happy. The music is beautiful and it touches so many. There is an additional perk though: the fans. MMJ fans seem to be a glorious universal tribe. I am blessed to have made many new friends through this forum, FB, Twitter, and shows. And I just can't get enough...
wow ruralt this is insane,
I too have been a fan of MMJ for 10 or so years ever since I was freshmen in college and discovered Z.
And I too saw MMJ for the first time at Hangout and felt what you felt. I was with my best friend who has seen them a couple times but being there with him and knowing he was the only person that I knew that was a bigger fan than me made it special, a true Bro-ment.
I just knew I had to go see them at Red Rocks (another first experience for me) it was perfect. I flew up Friday afternoon, went to the show and came back home on Saturday, the most amazing 24 hours of my life.
I'll be seeing them on night 2 in Austin, Tx and driving up to Dallas on Saturday so I still have some MMJ left this year and I absolutely cannot wait.
Maybe we should date???
So happy to see this thing still gets replies, with such awesome, beautiful stories! Love you guys.
Quote from: MMJTX on Aug 18, 2015, 09:52 AM
wow ruralt this is insane,
I too have been a fan of MMJ for 10 or so years ever since I was freshmen in college and discovered Z.
And I too saw MMJ for the first time at Hangout and felt what you felt. I was with my best friend who has seen them a couple times but being there with him and knowing he was the only person that I knew that was a bigger fan than me made it special, a true Bro-ment.
I just knew I had to go see them at Red Rocks (another first experience for me) it was perfect. I flew up Friday afternoon, went to the show and came back home on Saturday, the most amazing 24 hours of my life.
I'll be seeing them on night 2 in Austin, Tx and driving up to Dallas on Saturday so I still have some MMJ left this year and I absolutely cannot wait.
Maybe we should date???
That is fucking crazy. I went to Red Rocks as well (also a first for me). I already planned on going to Dallas, but after Red Rocks I decided I also have to go to Austin, but I can't go Thursday so will just be there for the second night.
This is some straight up twilight zone shit.
(https://i.imgur.com/wF3cu6j.png)
haha no way, that's wild,
glad we're going through this amazing journey together even if we've never met.
Enjoy the shows, maybe we'll meet :thumbsup:
Quote from: MMJTX on Aug 18, 2015, 08:56 PM
haha no way, that's wild,
glad we're going through this amazing journey together even if we've never met.
Enjoy the shows, maybe we'll meet :thumbsup:
You guys should probably just get married, if for no other reason to save on hotels at all the out of town MMJ shows. :rolleyes: :grin:
But in all seriousness, very touching sentiments in this string about our connections with this band. I can absolutely relate. :beer:
Fuck yeah to every damn post!
Ive sadly only seen the Jacket once and theyve been my favorite band since 2004. My only show was a 2 hours 30 minute stomp at Twilight concert series in Salt lake city 2012 , the day before the first night at Red rocks 2012. It was a perfect setlist (other than not getting either Steam or Dondante) for a first time show: the crazy psych freak out jam on Off the Record tire my face apart. The opening song being Evil Urges blew my mind as id wished id been able to see them on that tour. Getting an Evelyn's Not Real at my first show was insane! Circuital blew my mind with its Bob Dylan crossed with Rolling Floyd atmospherics. And the best two: a 10 minute War Begun and the epic epic 2012 version of Phone. They were experimenting heavily that night on the jams, trying to find the right balance for the Red Rocks shows.
My lady and I made out during Mahgeetah as that w as the song she says made her fall in love with me :) despite the bootleg missing the encore of Victory Dance Wordless and OBH, each one besides Wordless was over 8 minutes long and full of the most intense jamming id ever heard let alone witnessed.
Jim was flying around like a freak on a leash soloing and singing in a way as to make us all laugh as well as cry and of course scream the fuck a long.
Magic happened during the beginning of Touch Me Pt II which u can hear on the bootleg: out of the darkness with a thumping beat from Pt.II, thousands of glowsticks went flying up into the air being thrown at the crowd but the effect was STARTLING: IT WAS AS IF THE SKY WAS RAINING GLOWSTICKS! !! the guys were laughing onstage at our wonderment and the whole show had the atmosphere of one big summer party.
I will NEVER forget that night. EVER
Quote from: pattilovesmmj on May 22, 2015, 04:14 PM
Hi Ruralt: what an honest and wonderful post about this band.
Welcome to my life. The first time I saw them back about 8 years ago, I was truly astonished. I've seen my share of great bands over the years, but this band grabbed me and pulled me in like no other.
Their cohesiveness is abosolutely astounding. I cry listenting to their music, at the shows and sometimes just thinking about the band and how one song can bring me out of a deep funk and put the funk back in my soul. Truly, I believe they are THE Band!!!
ME TOO TO EVERYTHING YOU SAID SERIOUSLY