Here is a write up on the album from the Newbury Comics website. There is a breakdown/description of a few of the songs with quotes from the band. They are also taking preorders of signed copies of the cd!
https://www.newburycomics.com/products/my_morning_jacket-my_morning_jacket_cd_autographed?variant=40447356993716
Purchase includes CD booklet signed by My Morning Jacket.
Widely ranked among the greatest live bands of their generation, My Morning Jacket have long maintained their status as one of the most vital forces in American rock-and-roll. With their thrillingly expansive and eclectic sound, the Louisville-bred band has influenced an entire era of musicians, largely by staying one step ahead of mainstream pop culture and following their instincts to endless innovation. On their long-awaited new full-length—a self-titled body of work that marks their ninth studio album—My Morning Jacket reaffirm the rarefied magic that's made them so beloved, embedding every song with moments of discovery, revelation, and ecstatic catharsis.
Their first new music since 2015's Grammy Award-nominated The Waterfall, My Morning Jacket came to life after a nearly permanent hiatus for the band (vocalist/guitar Jim James, bassist Tom Blankenship, drummer Patrick Hallahan, guitarist Carl Broemel, and keyboardist Bo Koster). "We didn't know if we'd make another record again," James admits. "For a long time I was feeling burnt-out, and unsure if I wanted to do this anymore." During that hiatus, James and Broemel each released a series of acclaimed solo projects, while Koster toured the world as part of Roger Waters' band and all members except James played in Ray LaMontagne's band. But after performing four shows in summer 2019 (beginning with two mind-blowing nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre), My Morning Jacket was overcome with the urge to carry on. "It'd been so long since we'd played together, there was that question of 'Is this maybe going to be a wake-up call that it's time for us to move on?'" Blankenship recalls. "But then as soon as we got onstage, it felt like coming home."
That November, My Morning Jacket headed to Los Angeles studio 64 Sound and spent several weeks working on new songs in intentional seclusion. "We've realized that the addition of any one person changes the vibe, so it was just us in the studio the whole time," says James, who produced and engineered My Morning Jacket. "I told everybody to just bring whatever felt comfortable to them, to avoid getting caught up in trying out 80 different amps or 4,000 pedals before we cut a song. I just wanted us to have fun and not get too precious about it." With that first session yielding a bounty of new material, the band returned to 64 Sound the following February and completed the initial recording just a day before the world went into lockdown. "Coming out of those sessions was so illuminating," says Hallahan. "It shined a light on the special energy that happens when it's just the five of us in a room together. It felt like we'd built a fort and we were all playing around in it."
Thanks in no small part to that sense of playfulness, My Morning Jacket harnesses the hypnotic intensity of their live show more fully than ever—a major triumph for a band whose storied history includes a four-hour-long, 35-song, rain-drenched set at Bonnaroo 2008. "For years we've been trying to capture that feeling of the five of us vamping on something with absolutely no road map," notes Hallahan. In channeling that free-flowing spirit, the album imparts countless moments of wild transcendence. "It feels like nowadays everyone's afraid to get raucous or silly, but that reckless explosion of rock-and-roll is something we really try to hold onto," says James.
For all its unbridled joy, My Morning Jacket again reveals the band's hunger for exploring the most nuanced and layered existential questions in song form. To that end, the album opens on "Regularly Scheduled Programming" and its poetic commentary on the impulse to numb out in order to escape a painful reality. "This song really hits home for me after what we've gone through with the pandemic," says James. "But even before then, it felt like so many of us were trading real life for social media, trading our own stories for the storylines on TV, trading our consciousness for drugs. We need to help each other wake up to real love before it's too late." One of several songs featuring the heavenly backing vocals of Briana Lee and Maiya Sykes, "Regularly Scheduled Programming" unfolds as a gloriously spacey number, beginning on a bit of psychedelic poetry ("Diamonds are growing in the garden/Raindrops are filling up the sea") and ultimately building to its resolute conclusion ("One shot at redemption: a mighty and sacred love").
An album that endlessly wanders into new psychic terrain, My Morning Jacket next delivers the mantra-like directive of "Love Love Love," a groove-driven and sweetly euphoric track. "That one's trying to steer the ship away from everything I'm talking about in 'Regularly Scheduled Programming' and speak toward positivity and pure love, finding truth within yourself and in the world around you," says James. From there, the band drifts into the delicate majesty on "In Color," a gorgeously wayward epic graced with a feverish riff that came to James in a dream. "'In Color' is just a simple statement of wishing everyone could agree that difference is what makes life beautiful, and that things look better with all of us here: every shade of the rainbow, every gender and race and sexual orientation," says James. "If you deny that, you're missing out on one of the greatest joys in life: the wonders of what people can give to each other."
One of the most frenetic offerings on My Morning Jacket, "Complex" brings a shred-heavy urgency to James's self-reflection. "In a lot of ways I feel like I'm a puzzle piece that won't fit," he says. "There's so much in life that I can't figure out, like how to make a relationship work or how to make a career work in a way I feel fully satisfied with. 'Complex' is sort of me asking, 'What am I missing here?'" In its convergence of intense introspection and outward-looking inquiry, My Morning Jacket achieves a particularly riveting power on the nine-minute-long "The Devil's in the Details." "That song came from thinking about being an adolescent and growing up at the mall," says James. "It's like this strange in-between place for when you can't quite be part of the world yet — and on top of that there's the horror of the mall and how much of what's sold there is made through slave labor. I wrote that song so that nothing gets resolved; I wanted to leave the listener with an unsettled feeling." At the very opposite end of the emotional spectrum, My Morning Jacket closes out with "I Never Could Get Enough," an otherworldly love song that precisely captures the rapture of infatuation. "I'm really proud of that one; I love that it's a little slow and moody and lets you get lost in it," says Blankenship. "It's like the song's not demanding you to be involved the whole time — you can just let it play and go off into your own world for a while."
For My Morning Jacket, the ability to supply those sublimely dazed moments is closely tied to the uncalculated nature of the album-making process. "Everyone in the room was willing to let the songs come together naturally, which I think allowed for a lot of exploration," says Hallahan. "This is what it sounds like when we get out of the way and let the music go where it wants." And within that surrender is a profound sense of purpose, a commitment to providing listeners with the kind of emotional outlet that feels more essential all the time. "I hope this album brings people a lot of joy and relief, especially since we've all been cooped up for so long," says James. "I know that feeling you get from driving around blasting music you love, or even lying in bed and crying to the music you love. The fact that we're able to be a part of people's lives in that way is so magical to us, and it feels really good that we're still around to keep doing that."
Thanks for putting this up
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Not exactly related, but anyone know whatever happened to that "Throwback" song they played a couple of times about five years ago, including at the Iroquois shows?
Quote from: DaydreamNation on Sep 08, 2021, 12:47 AMAwesome! Thanks for sharing!
Not exactly related, but anyone know whatever happened to that "Throwback" song they played a couple of times about five years ago, including at the Iroquois shows?
it wound up being released on jim's uniform distortion album in 2018.
Quote from: robb on Sep 08, 2021, 06:16 AMQuote from: DaydreamNation on Sep 08, 2021, 12:47 AMAwesome! Thanks for sharing!
Not exactly related, but anyone know whatever happened to that "Throwback" song they played a couple of times about five years ago, including at the Iroquois shows?
it wound up being released on jim's uniform distortion album in 2018.
holy shit I COMPLETELY forgot about that haha. gotta be honest, I listened to that record a few times when it first came out and haven't gone back to it since. Much preferred Eternally Even.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FZuyj_Jp8Qw
Love love love - album version :beer:
Quote from: dookie shoot bandit on Sep 14, 2021, 08:45 AMhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FZuyj_Jp8Qw
Love love love - album version :beer:
It's like Compound Fracture and I'm Amazed had a baby :grin:
I don't know if I love it (bit repetitive) but it's a nice enough song. I feel like it'll make a nice calmer moment during shows following a HEFTY angry jam (Can imagine them ripping the sh** out of Dondante or Picture of You then > into this)
Video is great too. Simple but very detailed and fun to look at!
Here's the video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c-8hD7N2AOE
Don't love either of the first two singles. RSP was better.
Still holding out hope for a great album!
Quote from: gardenparty on Sep 14, 2021, 02:20 PMDon't love either of the first two singles. RSP was better.
Still holding out hope for a great album!
In Color gives me hope! That's the only one of the four we've heard so far that I can safely say I really, really love. Of course you can't fully tell from live recordings but both RSP and LLL sound very similar to their live debuts and performances so :drum:
I feel like Love Love Love and Lucky To Be Alive are very similar in that they start off very pop-y, very repetitive, lyrics are left to be desired, and then for the last 1/2 or 1/3 of the song it's just rip roaring guitar solos that (while great and enjoyable) seem almost out of place, like 2 different songs in 1...just my .02 after a couple listens.
I was at Charlotte when they debuted Lucky To Be Alive, and i was getting somewhat bored before the jam started, so while the jam was face melting, i was almost already kind of annoyed by the song, does that mean it's good or bad? i dunno!!
Love Love Love was fantastic in Atlanta. Great lyrics and had a boogie to it that seems tamped down to a shuffle in the single.
Think I'm going radio silence on the new studio stuff until the album release.
Quote from: unravelled on Sep 15, 2021, 10:13 AMLove Love Love was fantastic in Atlanta. Great lyrics and had a boogie to it that seems tamped down to a shuffle in the single.
Think I'm going radio silence on the new studio stuff until the album release.
that's fare. I will hold further judgement until the album is released as well.
Quote from: MMJTX on Sep 15, 2021, 08:50 AMI feel like Love Love Love and Lucky To Be Alive are very similar in that they start off very pop-y, very repetitive, lyrics are left to be desired, and then for the last 1/2 or 1/3 of the song it's just rip roaring guitar solos that (while great and enjoyable) seem almost out of place, like 2 different songs in 1...just my .02 after a couple listens.
I was at Charlotte when they debuted Lucky To Be Alive, and i was getting somewhat bored before the jam started, so while the jam was face melting, i was almost already kind of annoyed by the song, does that mean it's good or bad? i dunno!!
This is exactly how I feel! It's like these two songs (Love/Lucky) were just built as vehicles for an ending jam. The ending jams are awesome though, I'm just not sold on lyrics/song of the early parts. I was at Charlotte too and was bored and kind of low key really thought the song was a dud until the jam. I am trying to wait to pass judgement to see where they fit in the context of the album.
***2 LP's on 180-gram colored vinyl
***Cloudy blue and cloudy orange colored vinyl
***Deluxe foil gatefold jacket with artwork by Robert Beatty
***24" x 24" circular fold-out poster
***Exclusive to ATO/MMJ online shops
***Custom inner-sleeves with lyrics
***Includes digital download
Includes digital pre-order of My Morning Jacket. You get 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it's released.
digital album releases October 22, 2021
item ships out on or around October 18, 2021
https://mmorningjacket.bandcamp.com/album/my-morning-jacket
Got the above Bandcamp link in an e-mail earlier today for the new album. I already pre-ordered the independent record store version from Guestroom Records in Louisville. I also planned on getting it digitally through Bandcamp, so I can have the FLAC version for download instead of the usual MP3 that comes in most records these days and to have it available through their app. I decided to get the deluxe vinyl for $40 (not including shipping and tax) since it includes the $10 download as part of the overall price. This works for me in that I've got another version of the vinyl on the way, and I get the highest digital version available in FLAC. Just thought others here might enjoy Bandcamp as much as I do and might want to do the same.
thanks for sharing. i love bandcamp. wish the band would sell more of their official bootlegs on the site. seems like easy money for them! lol
Thanks for posting Mr. White, I just may have to get the FLAC version too!
"Complex" is now out on DSPs for those who haven't heard it yet!
Quote from: oistheone on Oct 12, 2021, 04:14 PM"Complex" is now out on DSPs for those who haven't heard it yet!
Which one are you using? It shows up in Spotify when using Sonos but it's not available. It's not in Spotify on it's own, at least that I can find.
Quote from: oistheone on Oct 12, 2021, 04:14 PM"Complex" is now out on DSPs for those who haven't heard it yet!
where?
Quote from: oistheone on Oct 12, 2021, 04:14 PM"Complex" is now out on DSPs for those who haven't heard it yet!
You must be in Europe or Aus/NZ?
Weird!! It is on Spotify and fully playable in Canada. Maybe it's tied to the NHL 22 soundtrack and they're showing some early love to our hockey loving nation?!
At any rate I'm sure it'll drop stateside by Friday as the last single before the album drop. And then the full, fabulous album following only one short week later! Can't wait to hear what everyone thinks!
Quote from: oistheone on Oct 12, 2021, 09:56 PMWeird!! It is on Spotify and fully playable in Canada. Maybe it's tied to the NHL 22 soundtrack and they're showing some early love to our hockey loving nation?!
At any rate I'm sure it'll drop stateside by Friday as the last single before the album drop. And then the full, fabulous album following only one short week later! Can't wait to hear what everyone thinks!
Damn I tried using a Canadian VPN but still no luck.
Quote from: oistheone on Oct 12, 2021, 09:56 PMWeird!! It is on Spotify and fully playable in Canada. Maybe it's tied to the NHL 22 soundtrack and they're showing some early love to our hockey loving nation?!
At any rate I'm sure it'll drop stateside by Friday as the last single before the album drop. And then the full, fabulous album following only one short week later! Can't wait to hear what everyone thinks!
So....how is it?!?
Quote from: CountSA on Oct 12, 2021, 10:37 PMQuote from: oistheone on Oct 12, 2021, 09:56 PMWeird!! It is on Spotify and fully playable in Canada. Maybe it's tied to the NHL 22 soundtrack and they're showing some early love to our hockey loving nation?!
At any rate I'm sure it'll drop stateside by Friday as the last single before the album drop. And then the full, fabulous album following only one short week later! Can't wait to hear what everyone thinks!
Damn I tried using a Canadian VPN but still no luck.
Alright so using a Canadian VPN works on the YouTube link:
https://youtu.be/B1WxPJxx6Dc
Quote from: mkterp on Oct 13, 2021, 10:07 AMQuote from: oistheone on Oct 12, 2021, 09:56 PMWeird!! It is on Spotify and fully playable in Canada. Maybe it's tied to the NHL 22 soundtrack and they're showing some early love to our hockey loving nation?!
At any rate I'm sure it'll drop stateside by Friday as the last single before the album drop. And then the full, fabulous album following only one short week later! Can't wait to hear what everyone thinks!
So....how is it?!?
Not bad but after a couple listens it's my least favorite of the new songs so far. It definitely sounds more like a Uniform Distortion song than MMJ.
Man, this is yet another tune that uses the "let me cover up this mediocre song with some shredding" formula. This ain't looking good.
Quote from: Come Closer on Oct 13, 2021, 11:44 AMMan, this is yet another tune that uses the "let me cover up this mediocre song with some shredding" formula. This ain't looking good.
This album is actually gonna show off their live jamming abilities. I'm so stoked.
Quote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 13, 2021, 11:53 AMQuote from: Come Closer on Oct 13, 2021, 11:44 AMMan, this is yet another tune that uses the "let me cover up this mediocre song with some shredding" formula. This ain't looking good.
This album is actually gonna show off their live jamming abilities. I'm so stoked.
Eh sort of I guess. Like short shreddy jams, not the long form spacey jams that is the real good stuff.
Any way to hear this in America???
Quote from: Come Closer on Oct 13, 2021, 11:56 AMQuote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 13, 2021, 11:53 AMQuote from: Come Closer on Oct 13, 2021, 11:44 AMMan, this is yet another tune that uses the "let me cover up this mediocre song with some shredding" formula. This ain't looking good.
This album is actually gonna show off their live jamming abilities. I'm so stoked.
Eh sort of I guess. Like short shreddy jams, not the long form spacey jams that is the real good stuff.
***SPOILER***
I assure you, "I Never Could Get Enough" more than delivers the spacey jams you crave. Even at 8+ minutes, you won't be able to... get enough. This song sounds like a cosmic cocktail of "Only Memories Remain" and "Steam Engine", tossed in a blender with some ice and the sublime vocal phrasing of "Circuital". MAJOR jam vehicle contender!!!
Complex reminds me a lot of Remnants. But it almost sounds like a demo or something from Uniform Distortion.
I think this is definitely going to be an album that will click for people in a live setting. Which in itself can be a pretty magical thing. This is going to sound like Jacket Blasphemy but I didn't like Mahgeetah, Dancefloors or Evil Urges until I heard them live. I'm on the fence with most of the stuff we've heard of this album so far but I know they all have the potential to blow my head off live. I don't like the studio version of Love Love Love but I like the recording from one of the recent shows. They all have that potential!
Any rumblings on a European tour for 2022? I've already started putting money aside so I can do multiple nights this time :cheesy:
Just got confirmation that the vinyl has shipped. :thumbsup:
Now... what are the odds it comes earlier than release date :cheesy:
Or on release date for that matter
Quote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 14, 2021, 07:26 PMJust got confirmation that the vinyl has shipped. :thumbsup:
Now... what are the odds it comes earlier than release date :cheesy:
Or on release date for that matter
You live in US? I ordered right when the pre-order went live and I have nothing. Exciting stuff.
Quote from: Nikkogino on Oct 14, 2021, 08:49 PMQuote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 14, 2021, 07:26 PMJust got confirmation that the vinyl has shipped. :thumbsup:
Now... what are the odds it comes earlier than release date :cheesy:
Or on release date for that matter
You live in US? I ordered right when the pre-order went live and I have nothing. Exciting stuff.
Yes, US
We shall see 🤞
Quote from: oistheone on Oct 13, 2021, 08:03 PMQuote from: Come Closer on Oct 13, 2021, 11:56 AMQuote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 13, 2021, 11:53 AMQuote from: Come Closer on Oct 13, 2021, 11:44 AMMan, this is yet another tune that uses the "let me cover up this mediocre song with some shredding" formula. This ain't looking good.
This album is actually gonna show off their live jamming abilities. I'm so stoked.
Eh sort of I guess. Like short shreddy jams, not the long form spacey jams that is the real good stuff.
***SPOILER***
I assure you, "I Never Could Get Enough" more than delivers the spacey jams you crave. Even at 8+ minutes, you won't be able to... get enough. This song sounds like a cosmic cocktail of "Only Memories Remain" and "Steam Engine", tossed in a blender with some ice and the sublime vocal phrasing of "Circuital". MAJOR jam vehicle contender!!!
This is exactly what I'd want to hear. Have you listened to the whole album, and if so, any more tidbits you can share? I believe you had a nice preview of some Waterfall 2 tracks shortly before release...
Quote from: mkterp on Oct 14, 2021, 09:36 PMQuote from: oistheone on Oct 13, 2021, 08:03 PMQuote from: Come Closer on Oct 13, 2021, 11:56 AMQuote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 13, 2021, 11:53 AMQuote from: Come Closer on Oct 13, 2021, 11:44 AMMan, this is yet another tune that uses the "let me cover up this mediocre song with some shredding" formula. This ain't looking good.
This album is actually gonna show off their live jamming abilities. I'm so stoked.
Eh sort of I guess. Like short shreddy jams, not the long form spacey jams that is the real good stuff.
***SPOILER***
I assure you, "I Never Could Get Enough" more than delivers the spacey jams you crave. Even at 8+ minutes, you won't be able to... get enough. This song sounds like a cosmic cocktail of "Only Memories Remain" and "Steam Engine", tossed in a blender with some ice and the sublime vocal phrasing of "Circuital". MAJOR jam vehicle contender!!!
This is exactly what I'd want to hear. Have you listened to the whole album, and if so, any more tidbits you can share? I believe you had a nice preview of some Waterfall 2 tracks shortly before release...
**MORE SPOILERS BELOW, PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!**
"Least Expected" is straight-up COOL! Sounds like the band was listening to "Like An Inca" off
Trans or absorbing a lot of Steely Dan while recording. Suuuuuper smooth (almost exotic?!) groove with a great pace and unlike anything in their catalog. Might be my favorite track! Bo's keys are damn VIBEY, and this is sure to be a sick groover live! Bo is all over this album actually, and his growing prominence is probably my favorite part of this latest MMJ era.
"Penny For Your Thoughts" fucking RIPS. Huge anthemic energy right outta the gate! Sounds downright jubilant. And joins "Gideon" and "Smokin from Shootin" in the pantheon of all-time great Jim screams. Killer ending that'll spark a lot of joy and have a ton of hands in the air when played live!!
I will also add that the vocal effects/processing/mixing/distortion on Jim's vocals mentioned previously up thread are all over the album, but he sounds so comfortable and happy that you can't help but get sucked in. You can tell he's not taking himself too seriously here and I swear you can actually hear him smile through some of his phrasing. The band as a whole sounds fiiiiinally relaxed in studio and that adds to the charm of the whole album. Nothing sounds too forced.
On the flip side, I don't quite know what to make of "The Devil's In The Details". It's going to divide a lot of people I'm sure. I believe it is the only song in recorded history to make direct lyrical mention of Stranger Things and Sephora before going into a dissonant jazz jam. There's some downright spooky instrumentation throughout -- the devil is in this one indeed!
Anyway, I've probably said too much, but at least half of these tracks are gonna SLAY live and to me, that makes this album a wild success. The album has some of their wildest recorded jams EVER and these are the STUDIO versions! Can't wait till they're all unleashed on stage!
LETS GOOOOO
I'm surprised we are 5 days out and it hasn't leaked yet, at least that I'm aware of.
Thanks for sharing those spoilers, oistheone. So pumped for Friday.
Quote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 14, 2021, 07:26 PMJust got confirmation that the vinyl has shipped. :thumbsup:
Now... what are the odds it comes earlier than release date :cheesy:
Or on release date for that matter
Anybody else??? I can't take it any more!!!
Quote from: searchinbig on Oct 19, 2021, 11:23 AMQuote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 14, 2021, 07:26 PMJust got confirmation that the vinyl has shipped. :thumbsup:
Now... what are the odds it comes earlier than release date :cheesy:
Or on release date for that matter
Anybody else??? I can't take it any more!!!
I don't have a shipping confirmation yet.
Quote from: Hennings on Oct 19, 2021, 11:30 AMQuote from: searchinbig on Oct 19, 2021, 11:23 AMQuote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 14, 2021, 07:26 PMJust got confirmation that the vinyl has shipped. :thumbsup:
Now... what are the odds it comes earlier than release date :cheesy:
Or on release date for that matter
Anybody else??? I can't take it any more!!!
I don't have a shipping confirmation yet.
Big tease anyway. Package still sitting in Tennessee saying "Almost Ready"
Quote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 19, 2021, 12:22 PMQuote from: Hennings on Oct 19, 2021, 11:30 AMQuote from: searchinbig on Oct 19, 2021, 11:23 AMQuote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 14, 2021, 07:26 PMJust got confirmation that the vinyl has shipped. :thumbsup:
Now... what are the odds it comes earlier than release date :cheesy:
Or on release date for that matter
Anybody else??? I can't take it any more!!!
I don't have a shipping confirmation yet.
Big tease anyway. Package still sitting in Tennessee saying "Almost Ready"
Same
Shipped for me. Getting delivered Saturday
Looks like it is out in the wild. Vinyls on turntables per someone on the Facebook fan club.
Can't wait to hear what y'all think! The more I listen to it, the more I think this might be my favorite MMJ album since Z!
Ooooof I can't wait to listen!
Just fired it up. There's really not much better than the feeling of getting a new album from your favorite band.
Quote from: CountSA on Oct 21, 2021, 09:45 AMJust fired it up. There's really not much better than the feeling of getting a new album from your favorite band.
Halfway through and I'm loving it. Feels so much different from their other albums and I like that.
Just wrapping up my second listen.
I cant formulate an opinion that will have any legs to it quite yet. Also need to hear more of these live before the final verdict can be rendered. But...i do know one thing: its not the album i was hoping they would make. I was hoping for the love child of ISM and Z. They gave it the self title so i assumed that it would be a portrayal of [what i think of as] their true essence.
Instead, it feels like a collection of semi-related new directions and ideas. That can still be great, i just wish they would have named it more aptly. Or.. maybe they decided that the essence of Jacket IS exploration and discovery and im just clinging to the past.
I do know this: if they decide to keep making music together, its always going to be worth listening to and i will always root for them.
Quote from: Stevie on Oct 21, 2021, 10:32 AMOr.. maybe they decided that the essence of Jacket IS exploration and discovery and im just clinging to the past.
I would go with this. Jim, like most musicians, is interested in trying new things, and I would imagine that just going back to impersonate previous albums is not what the band is interested in doing. I think this album breaks new grounds and rarely calls back to previous mmj albums, while paying homage to the genres/artists that have influenced them. I hear some old Jacket in here, but I also hear some Uniform Distortion and especially some Eternally Even on many tracks. I feel like this is a band produced album that blends so much of what makes MMJ who they are.
https://wfpk.org/2021/my-morning-jacket-day-october-22nd-and-a-chance-to-win/ (https://wfpk.org/2021/my-morning-jacket-day-october-22nd-and-a-chance-to-win/)
"In celebration of their long-awaited new full-length, we'll play entirely My Morning Jacket and related projects on release day! Tune in Friday, October 22nd from 8 am till 5 pm to hear album tracks from the past, side projects, Jim James produced artists and of course, lots of songs from the brand new self-titled release! Then, Laura Shine will play the Top Ten Most Requested MMJ songs for the Friday Ride Home from 5 – 6 pm, so keep an eye on WFPK socials to make your request!"
We love WFPK Radio Louisville - best radio station around and one of the best ever!
From the moment I heard Complex, I conjured a theory of its origin -- this is the full band swing at Jim's Uniform Distortion mindset. I've since read a few album reviews linking this record to Jim's second solo outing -- and some acknowledgments on this site from fans -- citing the striking Uniform Distortion link. UD, to me, is incredibly underrated and has always sounded like a bastard MMJ album. The fact that the band performed Throwback before Jim took it solo lends credence to the fact that the songs seemed so suited to the full band, and only Jim could tell us whether those songs on UD were initially meant to be part of a My Morning Jacket record. Maybe the guys weren't in a good place collectively to do it at the time, or perhaps they were too burnt out from touring to fire up the jets so soon. In any case, it makes for a good discussion in the wake of what we're hearing now.
I was struck reading Steve Hyden's interview with Jim looking back at past records in which James said he and the band found the roots to their rejuvenation when they stopped saying "yes to everything" ... which, of course, is the title of one of Uniform Distortion's best confessional songs. And of course, with this record and the accompanying tour, it feels like a rebirth in which they are doing it their own way for the most part -- self-producing the songs, limiting the tour stops, playing varied sets, staying energized, basically clearing the decks for a fresh approach. It may be one of the reasons they did not choose to put a title on the album. Because it really does feel like a new beginning.
If this record leads to a new, improved appreciation of Uniform Distortion, I'll be all for it. Jim's first and third solo records clearly sounded like solo projects, but UD is different. It just feels like it should have been an MMJ effort, and hopefully it isn't lost to its solo presentation. The band has no shortage of songs to play during future shows, but it would be great to hear a nod or two to UD in future band sets -- Throwback, for sure, but also maybe No Secrets, Yes To Everything and others. The reason is simple: Many of them fit alongside the new material.
For now, I very much look forward to hearing the rest of the new album. I attended MMJ's Greek Theater show in Berkeley and it was resplendent. And while I place it in the context of the entire catalog, I won't forget to include Uniform Distortion. It's obviously too much a part of the big picture to ignore. Its messages might have ultimately saved the band from a permanent breakup. That notion alone makes it essential.
Least Expected is ridiculously amazing, and I haven't seen any reviewer really talk about it.
The FOMO is real right now! Gonna be hard to focus at work tomorrow! Luckily I can listen to music while I work. Just hope no one around me is expecting a conversation because it ain't happening.
I love Jim mimicking the RSP "had enough!" line with the backing vocals on I Never Could Get Enough.
Hoping this hits streaming sites at midnight tonight UK time! Gonna be firing up my dry vape for sure. My first listen to TW2 was on a 420 cloud and it was bliss. Hoping to recapture that atmosphere :bath:
Quote from: Nikkogino on Oct 21, 2021, 11:10 AMLeast Expected is ridiculously amazing, and I haven't seen any reviewer really talk about it.
That track clicked immediately for me! Mentioned it on the previous page -- might be one of the coolest grooves MMJ has ever recorded?!
Quote from: Stevie on Oct 21, 2021, 10:32 AMJust wrapping up my second listen.
I cant formulate an opinion that will have any legs to it quite yet. Also need to hear more of these live before the final verdict can be rendered. But...i do know one thing: its not the album i was hoping they would make. I was hoping for the love child of ISM and Z. They gave it the self title so i assumed that it would be a portrayal of [what i think of as] their true essence.
Instead, it feels like a collection of semi-related new directions and ideas. That can still be great, i just wish they would have named it more aptly. Or.. maybe they decided that the essence of Jacket IS exploration and discovery and im just clinging to the past.
I do know this: if they decide to keep making music together, its always going to be worth listening to and i will always root for them.
I think it's been said pretty clearly by Jim and the band that the reason for choosing to self-title this album is that this is a new beginning for the band, like most bands naming their first album self-titled, and with the reinvigorated Jacket, this is a coming out party for the new Jacket.
I'm sure a lot of fans are hoping for the band to get back to ISM or Z sounds as so many people became fans around that time, but it's been stated, and pretty clearly a "new" band altogether, and from their live shows already this year, they are crushing it and i'll take it.
As someone who has always wanted more "live show jamming" on record, which has been pretty limited on the past handful of albums, I am pleased. They really let these songs breathe and don't cut them off before the song is ready to let her rip. That was my biggest gripe with Circuital...I am a happy dude.
Quote from: diddy57 on Oct 21, 2021, 11:08 AMFrom the moment I heard Complex, I conjured a theory of its origin -- this is the full band swing at Jim's Uniform Distortion mindset. I've since read a few album reviews linking this record to Jim's second solo outing -- and some acknowledgments on this site from fans -- citing the striking Uniform Distortion link. UD, to me, is incredibly underrated and has always sounded like a bastard MMJ album. The fact that the band performed Throwback before Jim took it solo lends credence to the fact that the songs seemed so suited to the full band, and only Jim could tell us whether those songs on UD were initially meant to be part of a My Morning Jacket record. Maybe the guys weren't in a good place collectively to do it at the time, or perhaps they were too burnt out from touring to fire up the jets so soon. In any case, it makes for a good discussion in the wake of what we're hearing now.
I was struck reading Steve Hyden's interview with Jim looking back at past records in which James said he and the band found the roots to their rejuvenation when they stopped saying "yes to everything" ... which, of course, is the title of one of Uniform Distortion's best confessional songs. And of course, with this record and the accompanying tour, it feels like a rebirth in which they are doing it their own way for the most part -- self-producing the songs, limiting the tour stops, playing varied sets, staying energized, basically clearing the decks for a fresh approach. It may be one of the reasons they did not choose to put a title on the album. Because it really does feel like a new beginning.
If this record leads to a new, improved appreciation of Uniform Distortion, I'll be all for it. Jim's first and third solo records clearly sounded like solo projects, but UD is different. It just feels like it should have been an MMJ effort, and hopefully it isn't lost to its solo presentation. The band has no shortage of songs to play during future shows, but it would be great to hear a nod or two to UD in future band sets -- Throwback, for sure, but also maybe No Secrets, Yes To Everything and others. The reason is simple: Many of them fit alongside the new material.
For now, I very much look forward to hearing the rest of the new album. I attended MMJ's Greek Theater show in Berkeley and it was resplendent. And while I place it in the context of the entire catalog, I won't forget to include Uniform Distortion. It's obviously too much a part of the big picture to ignore. Its messages might have ultimately saved the band from a permanent breakup. That notion alone makes it essential.
Completely agree!!! UD is amazing and ridiculously under rated and Yes to Everything is my favorite and would destroy in a MMJ setlist.
Quote from: Nikkogino on Oct 21, 2021, 01:28 PMAs someone who has always wanted more "live show jamming" on record, which has been pretty limited on the past handful of albums, I am pleased. They really let these songs breathe and don't cut them off before the song is ready to let her rip. That was my biggest gripe with Circuital...I am a happy dude.
Which is ironic considering Circuital was recorded almost entirely live. They were live, but super tight on those recordings. Cool they are letting loose on this.
Quote from: justbcuzido on Oct 21, 2021, 02:23 PMQuote from: Nikkogino on Oct 21, 2021, 01:28 PMAs someone who has always wanted more "live show jamming" on record, which has been pretty limited on the past handful of albums, I am pleased. They really let these songs breathe and don't cut them off before the song is ready to let her rip. That was my biggest gripe with Circuital...I am a happy dude.
Which is ironic considering Circuital was recorded almost entirely live. They were live, but super tight on those recordings. Cool they are letting loose on this.
Yeah...some of the songs on there could have slayed. Imagine out of my system but with a jam at the end.
This is exactly what I wanted. So good! Some of the best studio songs they've ever put out.
Can we all agree that the singles selection was horrible? So many better tracks to hype the album. I like all 3 songs released, but all work within the context of the album and none of the 3 are standouts. Least Expected or Penny for Your Thoughts would have been much better choices.
Quote from: Nikkogino on Oct 21, 2021, 03:16 PMCan we all agree that the singles selection was horrible? So many better tracks to hype the album. I like all 3 songs released, but all work within the context of the album and none of the 3 are standouts. Least Expected or Penny for Your Thoughts would have been much better choices.
Agreed 100%
Grrr I'll join you all tomorrow in my thoughts.
Two things ive noticed:
Compound Fracture vs. Love Love Love: both the 2nd song on the album, both have practically the same drum pattern (from my untrained vantage point)
Only Memories Remain vs I Never Could Get Enough: so many simularities. The overall vibe of the song. Jim's echoing vocals
I doubt any of this was intentional but its interesting to me. Jim has gone to that soft closer a lot lately. I dont hate it!
Quote from: Stevie on Oct 21, 2021, 04:50 PMTwo things ive noticed:
Compound Fracture vs. Love Love Love: both the 2nd song on the album, both have practically the same drum pattern (from my untrained vantage point)
Only Memories Remain vs I Never Could Get Enough: so many simularities. The overall vibe of the song. Jim's echoing vocals
I doubt any of this was intentional but its interesting to me. Jim has gone to that soft closer a lot lately. I dont hate it!
Oh yeah big time, I swear he does the Memories solo note-for-note for a second there haha. I love it
omg... anyone have any interest in helping an impatient guy out. Have a night in with the kids with not a lot going on and can't take all the listening that is happening.
If you have iTunes you can switch countries from the bottom right corner of the home page. I switched to Australia where the album is now available and listened to the previews. Couldn't stop myself. I'm now very, very excited to hear the full album. Least Expected sounds like no other Jacket song, yet somehow still sounds like a Jacket song! It sounds SO euphoric and warm and I think I might die of happiness when I hear the full thing :cheesy:
Devil's In The Details, Out of Range and I Never Could Get Enough also sound very "different" in a very, very good way. The previews are telling me that this album's strength is going to be in the softer, more experimental tracks
On my third run through this morning.
This might be one of their best efforts from a start to finish perspective in well, forever. Long time fan, and reader of this forum but only just signed up. Had to join to share my thoughts. Their time away really has led to some of their most inspired stuff. I hear heaps of Uniform Distortion and even Eternally Even in parts but with the backing of the whole band.
Vinyl is in transit from the US to Aus, hopefully it'll arrive soon.
I was so excited by the teasers from Waterfall II last year and while it was high on my rotation list, just wish they had released it earlier cause my expectations were too high based on what Jim had said way back around the time Waterfall was released.
The singles released to date had me pumped but unsure of what to expect.....they definitely undersold the album but show just how diverse the whole thing is.
Devil's in the Details is def Jim's attempt to make an Ambulance Blues type track.
Loving it more and more with each listen. I reallyyy like Out of Range. The last 3 songs are so so good. I'm a happy camper.
And I finally got that old time feeling! :cool: :cry: :beer: :cool:
First full listen done and I have to say Out Of Range is an early favourite of mine too! Also really digging Lucky To Be Alive.
Definitely the start of a new era for the band. There's an effortlessness to every single song. They sound relaxed, happy and charged up!
The Devil's In The Detail is not what I was expecting at all. With 9 minutes I was expecting some kind of epic musical journey but it's an odd, eerie meandering but still kind of wonderful experience. I don't hate it. I'm intrigued by it
Anyone else hearing How Could I Know/Oxen in that leadup in Out of Range?
Quote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 21, 2021, 09:09 PMAnyone else hearing How Could I Know/Oxen in that leadup in Out of Range?
Yes, was going to bring that up. I totally hear it.
i tripped to this album last night..... i have seen the crimson ghost....i live the love
Quote from: Nikkogino on Oct 21, 2021, 09:23 PMQuote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 21, 2021, 09:09 PMAnyone else hearing How Could I Know/Oxen in that leadup in Out of Range?
Yes, was going to bring that up. I totally hear it.
Completely hear it, so glad others picked that up too. "Out of Range" is one my favs along with "Least Expected". As others have said this album has such a live arrangement feel to it. Listening with good headphones the album's production is very crisp too.
CHIMMJFAN
Anyone else dreaming of Only Memories Remain>Never Could Get Enough>Knot Comes Loose?
Quote from: roffrs on Oct 22, 2021, 02:23 AMAnyone else dreaming of Only Memories Remain>Never Could Get Enough>Knot Comes Loose?
Ooo that would be nice. I was thinkin,
Thin Line -> Still Thinkin -> Out of Range.
I'm a sucker for that beachy psychedelic sound.
This is really really great. They sound incredibly loose and happy. Of the ones being mentioned a little less I am really really digging Least Expected.
I don't know where this will ultimately slot into my rankings of their studio work, but I do expect the songs to be my favorite additions to their live show in YEARS.
My one fatal mistake with this album has been how much I've played the version of In Color from forest hills in the run up to the album release. Right now I much prefer that recording to the studio version :cry:
It may join the list of Jacket songs (Spring, Smokin from Shootin, First Light, amongst others) that really burst open on stage more than anything
Quote from: MOWJO8185 on Oct 22, 2021, 06:59 AMThis is really really great. They sound incredibly loose and happy. Of the ones being mentioned a little less I am really really digging Least Expected.
I don't know where this will ultimately slot into my rankings of their studio work, but I do expect the songs to be my favorite additions to their live show in YEARS.
I was so into this song right away. I can hear Jim tapping into that Marvin Gaye sound and spirit on it.
I need to sit with the record a bit more (3 spin min) but I am so happy for the band to have this record out after how close they came to possibly NOT making another record.
Quote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 21, 2021, 09:09 PMAnyone else hearing How Could I Know/Oxen in that leadup in Out of Range?
Could this be why the song has a "part 2" in its name? Kinda like "this song is called out of range but it's a sequel to How Could I Know." I may be reaching here but the band had to have noticed the similarity in that lead up.
Quote from: Nikkogino on Oct 22, 2021, 10:42 AMQuote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 21, 2021, 09:09 PMAnyone else hearing How Could I Know/Oxen in that leadup in Out of Range?
Could this be why the song has a "part 2" in its name? Kinda like "this song is called out of range but it's a spiritual sequel to How Could I Know." I may be reaching here but the band had to have noticed the similarity in that lead up.
Only have listened to it once so take that for what it's worth...
I love the jamming on the record - it definitely has been sorely missed. I love the little idiosyncrasies you hear on this record - Jim really seems to be a complete studio wizard at this point. I just really feel that his lyrics leave something to be desired, to say the least. There were more almost cringe worthy lines than beautiful or unexpected lines, at least that I heard during my first time through. Still definitely dig the feel and vibe to the songs though. SHould rip live of course
I am loving it so far. I try not to take my first couple passes too seriously. Just put it on in the background while getting some work done until songs catch my attention. There are some that I think will definitely grow on me. I can say there are none that I outright dislike like on some previous albums (I'm talking about you, 'Climbing the Ladder")
Just keeps getting better with every listen.
They literally just picked the three shortest songs as singles. Penny would've been the best lead single but they would've had to trim it. I'm glad they didn't.
The "Had enough" bookends are so nice. I personally love the lyrics on here. I know a lot of people are wanting some obscure kitten on fire/baby in a blender lyrics but I like he straight forwardness here. Least Expected has great lyrics, I also love Never in the Real World.
This will probably end up being my favorite studio album.
Hey All.. Sitting at work and I just got notified my pre-order of the vinyl w/ digital download delivered to my house.
How does the digital download work? Is it a code that comes with the actual album? I haven't received any kind of email or anything.
Signed,
not very patient and getting kinda figity!
Thanks
Quote from: kotchishm on Oct 22, 2021, 10:47 AM(I'm talking about you, 'Climbing the Ladder")
That song is awesome.
Quote from: atk1 on Oct 22, 2021, 10:56 AMHey All.. Sitting at work and I just got notified my pre-order of the vinyl w/ digital download delivered to my house.
How does the digital download work? Is it a code that comes with the actual album? I haven't received any kind of email or anything.
Signed,
not very patient and getting kinda figity!
Thanks
yes it's likely a code and a web address to go to. You'll download the MP3 or whatever format to your computer, then you can upload to iTunes or Google Play or whatever to stream on your devices. Or you can burn it to a CD
Quote from: Nikkogino on Oct 22, 2021, 10:56 AMQuote from: kotchishm on Oct 22, 2021, 10:47 AM(I'm talking about you, 'Climbing the Ladder")
That song is awesome.
Agreed- I'm gonna be getting DOWN for that one in Chicago.
So far i am blown away. I didn't expect to like this album so much, as others allude to the singles weren't the strongest choices- but this might be the most cohesive album in years, and the diversity of sound this band is capable of is just so refreshing- a song like " least expected" as no precedent in their catalogue.
The album moves together well- RSP is a great opener- and " can't ever get enough" is an awesome closer.
I'm blown away by " never in the real world" such a fun song.
More thoughts later- but I am VERY happy with MMJ 3.0
The only sad thing about the new album being out now is I think it makes it incredibly unlikely for Still Thinkin to make its live debut. Really didn't expect that to be the red-headed stepchild of Waterfall 2, that end jam is tasty.
Quote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 22, 2021, 11:08 AMQuote from: Nikkogino on Oct 22, 2021, 10:56 AMQuote from: kotchishm on Oct 22, 2021, 10:47 AM(I'm talking about you, 'Climbing the Ladder")
That song is awesome.
Agreed- I'm gonna be getting DOWN for that one in Chicago.
I know, I know. Unpopular opinion lol. It just always felt like a lesser version of "Devil's Peanut Butter" from the Z sessions. Can't shake the comparison in my head. Not sure why
the acoustic part on I Never Could Get Enough with the electronic siren-ish sounds...Jim is in his bag on the production.
Quote from: roffrs on Oct 22, 2021, 02:23 AMAnyone else dreaming of Only Memories Remain>Never Could Get Enough>Knot Comes Loose?
For me it would be " the first time" > " never could get enough> first time
I usually don't comment on the studio albums, but I just wanted to say this. I like/love the new album a lot, but I am not a fan of Jim's recent "fuzz-tone" on some of his vocals as of late. "Penny For Your Thoughts" is a good song, but I find it a bit ... distracting. The over-driven, fuzzy, distorted, over-blown, staticy, rough sound is annoying to me. I like the smooth and simple and crisp approach to vocals instead. I don't like it all that much on his solo albums and don't want it on the MMJ albums. But hey, that's just me, I guess.
After one listen to it on my way to work, I like "I Never Could Get Enough" the most. I love this band and all they do and can't wait for my upcoming show in St. Louis in 11 days!!!
Quote from: roffrs on Oct 22, 2021, 02:23 AMAnyone else dreaming of Only Memories Remain>Never Could Get Enough>Knot Comes Loose?
Hahah
I keep wanting to start singing Knot Comes Loose when I Never Could Get Enough starts!
I'm so in LOVE with Never in the Real World!!!
I feel like it's the only song where there really unleash Patrick.
That jam at the end is something special
I can imagine for future live shows, that the bell ring after the first verse will be like the bird screech in Off the Record
Quote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 22, 2021, 12:57 PMI'm so in LOVE with Never in the Real World!!!
I feel like it's the only song where there really unleash Patrick.
That jam at the end is something special
I can imagine for future live shows, that the bell ring after the first verse will be like the bird screech in Off the Record
Totally agree! Had in my notes after the initial listen "Never In The Real World -- Pat bringing some fuckin' HEAT on this one!!!"
Quote from: oistheone on Oct 22, 2021, 02:29 PMQuote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 22, 2021, 12:57 PMI'm so in LOVE with Never in the Real World!!!
I feel like it's the only song where there really unleash Patrick.
That jam at the end is something special
I can imagine for future live shows, that the bell ring after the first verse will be like the bird screech in Off the Record
Totally agree! Had in my notes after the initial listen "Never In The Real World -- Pat bringing some fuckin' HEAT on this one!!!"
They unleashed it live in Seattle, it blew me away how good it was. I couldn't wait to hear it on the album, and it does not disappoint. I'm in love with the entire record, Penney for Your Thoughts is such a retro sounding song that I like a lot too.
Listening to the album for the 1st time now and Never in the Real World seriously affected me. I was bawling like a baby towards the end.
I don't post a ton in here but had to get my thoughts out!
Like most Jacket albums, this has a mix of tunes I immediately dug on the first listen, and some that will surely be slow growers after multiple listens and after appreciating within the context of the full record. I liked knowing going in that this was all them - no other help or influences in-studio. We're getting it exactly how they wanted it. It's something I've missed a bit on the last few albums. Stuff has been pretty cleaned up and packaged almost too nicely and sometimes I just want the raw, over-cranked shit from these boys which we get here a bit. Seems like maybe leftover attitude from UD, which I dig. This also shows up in the track lengths. They aren't sacrificing pacing and structure to make something fit the neat, 4-minute package, and it's refreshing to hear. It gives me ISM tingles.
Initial track thoughts:
RSP: Good Opener. Like it more in the context than I did as a single.
LLL: Not a bad tune, but I kinda yearn for something bigger and badder here coming off track 1. I DO like that they don't skimp on the scorchy solo stuff on the back half. I feel like if this tune was on Waterfall, they might have left that out.
In Color - I kind of get what I wanted here, though. Goddamn, this song rules. And I love it so early on the record. This is just a perfectly-crafted Jacket tune. Not rushed, great build. I like that they went with sort of a retro MMJ vocal effect too. That organ + The guitars just fully cranked on that long solo crescendo. Love it all. Maybe closest they've come to replicating their live sound. This is a beauty.
Least Expected - I don't initially like this as much as some others seem to. I suspect this will be a slow grower for me. It's fun, and a little different. Groovy bass stuff on here and kinda gives me Moody Blues-ish/Marvin Gaye vibes. This is one where the lyrics get a tad on-the nose and preachy for my taste, but it fits the song's vibe for the most part.
Never In The Real World - This song is really fun. I was surprised to see not many people mention this one at all. It's one of my faves on the album. Love the melody and the slightly wacky Jim on this one. It's in their The Who-adjacent realm. Kind of reminds me of what I always wished "Outta My System" was. The full band coming in at 1:04 made me smile more than any other moment on the album. It's just fun. And again, they don't end it too early, they give that fun riff the time it deserves at the end.
The Devil's In The Details - Not my cup of tea. It's unfortunate 'cuz I saw 9 minutes and was very intrigued. But it's fairly meandery and a little try-hard. The lyrics get kind of cringey on this one with the mention of "Stranger Things" and "Sephora." I appreciate the bizarre, jazzy ending a little but overall may be one I end up skipping.
Lucky To Be Alive - Another fun one. The jammy back half of this saves this one for me and vaults it into something more interesting than a Climbing the Ladder, for example.
Complex - Good straight forward rock tune. Kind of a Remnants/Highly Suspicious hybrid. Could see this one coming to life live.
Out Of Range - Solid, mellower number a la slow tune. This is one that's different but so very MMJ at the same time and it fits where it needs to fit, but ultimately doesn't move the needle much for me.
Penny For Your Thoughts - Another solid one. I get I'm Amazed vibes from this. I think they go a tad heavy on that UD vocal fuzz effect here. Makes some of the lengthier Jim yells sound odd.
I Never Could Get Enough - Cousin of both "Knot Comes Loose" and "The First Time." This type of number is becoming a closing staple for them and I don't mind. A mellow, patient fade into the sunset works for them, especially on this record. I enjoy the thematic callback/juxtiposition to RSP with the "Had Enough" echoes under the chorus. I also like the rare acoustic, almost Spanish-sounding solo wanderings (En La Ceremony style) before letting Bo kinda glide out on that synth wave.
Overall, this record made me (and should make most fans) very happy. It really does feel like a full-on goulash of all the styles they've previously fucked with across their whole catalog, while somehow fitting as its own cohesive collection. These guys continue to do what they want, innovate, and switch things up while still maintaining the sounds and style that made people dig them to begin with.
I love reading everyone's takes on the album :thumbsup:
Penny For Your Thoughts gets better with every listen. I want to like The Devil's In The Details, creepy meandering lo-fi indie is totally my ballpark (huge Beach House fan) but I've already skipped it once or twice. I might come to appreciate it but I'm really in a place right now where I love chaotic, BUSY songs. This album has PLENTY of that so it's no loss!
My ears are slowly adjusting to the studio version of In Color. But it does miss one thing and that's Jim yelling IN COLOR like he does live instead of the whisper on the album. The song needs it. Especially later on during the key change and last chorus.
Quote from: Lucius on Oct 22, 2021, 03:23 PMI love reading everyone's takes on the album :thumbsup:
Penny For Your Thoughts gets better with every listen. I want to like The Devil's In The Details, creepy meandering lo-fi indie is totally my ballpark (huge Beach House fan) but I've already skipped it once or twice. I might come to appreciate it but I'm really in a place right now where I love chaotic, BUSY songs. This album has PLENTY of that so it's no loss!
My ears are slowly adjusting to the studio version of In Color. But it does miss one thing and that's Jim yelling IN COLOR like he does live instead of the whisper on the album. The song needs it. Especially later on during the key change and last chorus.
Dude, I'm with you. I wish it had the yell on the record version. Same with "Never in The Real World." I kept waiting for the up-an-octave chorus scream and never got it. Ah well.
2 listens. which means a lot of album-flipping. i'm too lazy and spoiled by modern tech to be getting out of the recliner every 12 minutes. :tongue: sure wish my record store vinyl came with a digital download. can't import vinyl into i-tunes.
i'm digging the first few songs, haven't warmed up to that middle run of devil's in the details, lucky to be alive.....then complex is a pretty good rocker.....and out of range (part two, that is).
penny for your thoughts is great. don't hate the closer, nice song, but could do with something a bit more feisty for a change.
don't really get the need for the altered vocals. what's the added value? there are times when it's just annoying and hard on the ears.
really good effort overall. maybe best since evil urges, imho. can't wait to hear these songs live in chicago :beer:
We were able to listen in full today in the car while returning from fall break and first impression is Bo got some serious PF/Richard Wright chops from his time touring with Roger Waters that are loud and clear on this album.
Love the album's jammy feel and can't wait to hear it live and in person!
This album is SO GOOD. I'm so happy!
I feel MMJ have made a better album than Waterfall I or II and an LP that has more intriguing ear candy than CIRCUITAL but is it better?
I don't know and I'm not gonna really compare records. What I wanna discuss is what the band has accomplished here.
1/1/18.
Chels and I are in Denver, it's 430am and we're about to get on a 730am flight after the NYE show, and following three nights of bliss, she asked me "do you think we've seen their final American shows and 4th to last show ever?"
I said I'm not sure.
She asked "they'll probably never make another album".
Sadly, knowing what we knew was going on at the time, I agreed.
It was a sorrowful moment but a powerful one, too. Then I realized the power they've had on my life, and being able to see such special shows, I felt lucky.
Just under 4 years later and here we are....MMJ have not only reconvened in the coolest way possible, they've made an album that's not just some songs to tour behind, a product to sell.....this is art.
MMJ is an album with many moods, while some have dubbed WATERFALL II their Houses of the Holy, this could pass as well.
RSP seems more anthemic now, it takes its place at the front....doesn't totally move me but I love it live.
LOVE LOVE LOVE is one i didn't get. Couldn't stand. Now I'm kinda digging its poppy bliss. Still a song I would pass for others
IN COLOR standing tall as a studio version is a mighty success. They're able to nail the key changes, haunting vocals, guitar shreddery....it's all here. Not a stark difference to the incendiary Forest Hills debut. While I joke about the song's "tears of a liberal" message (one i agree with obviously), Jim's lyrics are able to take a song that could really be ridiculous with ultra literal spoonfed references etc....no....Jim delivers universal magic. The guitars scald and cook, Bo's a funeral Bernie Worrell here. Drums from Patrick are nuts.
LEAST EXPECTED is one of the least discussed songs coming into the release and yet I find it to be a really cool mix of Just one Thing and Still Thinkin mixed with something new and all its own. I love it.
NEVER IN THE REAL WORLD: I wasn't a fan of this...seemed like a plodding, Dylan-esque outcry of cruising chill. Now, I hear the defined beauty in those chorus guitar harmonies or the Excalibur greatness of Tom's subtle melodic pulls. This song becomes a weird jammed out Americana ruckus that I very much appreciate.
THE DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS was one i had heard a slight portion of a while back and had no clue what it was, where it came from or what the fuck was going on. I still don't know who sent it. 0 posts on MMJ. net weird. Either way, I knew it was gonna be one of the coolest MMJ tracks in a long time, purely due to the experimental push here.
This song doesn't really ascend or descend it just continues and revolves and i love that. Some of the lyrics are kinda clunkers....talking about drafting people to war (which hasnt happened since the early 1970s) and a repeated mantra of the shopping mall eroding our culture....and now even the mall can't stand on its own....now, even the mall is a dead place of lost souls.....the emptiness of the song is its strongest point. This one will keep working on all of us.
LUCKY TO BE ALIVE....I dig the vibe, but not the melody. Great to see the old style of sad or dark lyrics combined with a happy melody but it's too circusy. That final part is a great jam, but what the hell is it there at the end for? Odd but ok, I'll take it and run.
COMPLEX is most MMJ fans least favorite of the album, and while it may be one of mine too, I must say it's stuck in my head.
OUT OF RANGE PT. 2 has some of Jim's greatest vocals on record. I really love this one. One of my favorites here.
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS is one of the best pure rockers the band has ever committed to wax. I LOVE IT. I love the way the distortion on Jim's vocals brings out a kind of crazed fury that Jim can't naturally bring out, due to him being such a nice guy and all.
Blistering guitars, great chorus, the right lyrics, Tom and Carl in sync, Patrick beastagod....what more could a guitar-swilling Jacket fan want?
I JUST COULD NEVER GET ENOUGH was one i fell in love with quick. It spoke weird languages to me. Now, I find myself a little disappointed by its emptiness. It deserves a waterfall to fall down and then a ladder to climb back up....but it stays in somber tones and mystery, languid and minimalist. I keep going back and forth on this song. It is yet to fully reveal itself.
The album is still working its magic.
Give it as much time as the band gave us in making it.
If these songs deserve patience, well then i can't think of a better compliment on day one of a new Jacket release.
I love the vocal effects btw. Love it.
The reverb returning is huge. Huge. HUGE. It's how Jim is meant to be heard.
ISSUES:
-Not even close to enough moments to showcase Patrick on drums
-Not enough Carl moments, even the guitar is very Jim-Centric.
- More songs: album needed one more dark rager
-the band are still yet to really go for it in the case of putting their live sound to record. This is as close as they've come though
All in all.....WHAT A DAY.
YOUR THOUGHTS??????
Well, i'm a bit conflicted. I've listened to the new one about 5 or 6 times now and i thought i really liked it..
I threw a round of disc golf today after work, came home, had dinner, had some red wine, and then i popped on Waterfall 2 just for fun. I haven't listened to it in months. Loved it when it first came out. I also thought.. it may be fun to combine all the songs from WF2 and the self titled on a spreadsheet and then rank them to see how things stack up..
I'm not saying this to rain on anyone's parade, but there's a cohesive spirit on WF2 that seems to be missing on the new one. I know this is subjective, but when i listen to WF2 i just feel exactly how i want to feel. It scratches an itch on my soul. As a result, my rankings are pretty lopsided.
Then again, the WF2 is much more fresh momentarily. I also haven't listened to the new one while in the midst of the warm wine cocoon where everything is perfect and tomorrow's headache is still very far from reality. I owe it one more shot. Back to back.
I'll report back with my findings and the rankings that no one asked for.
Lonndown27, I think you missed the point or meaning of the "draft ... war" part of The Devil's In The Details". It goes, "Send the children off to War, drafted by poverty. The Senator's son is safely sound asleep. Ah, but let us forget the War and buy something pretty. Change the channel, create illusion of real safety. ...". I'm sure he's speaking about the way Society has brainwashed all of us (most of us) into forgetting we are currently conducting Warfare on many, many foreign lands and peoples around the World and killing innocents in the process (daily). It's common knowledge these days that the US Military is primarily made up of people who had little to no other opportunities in life and saw the Military as a way out. The following line of the song is mocking the upper crust or the elites of Society ... a (Senator's son) would never let their own become a common "grunt" in the Army or a "deck ape" in the Navy, just to go off to War and die a commoner's death (the Navy's where I spent most of my 20s - from 1987 to 1993) mainly because I too was trick-fucked by Society into believing that that was my only way out after I failed at my first attempt at college (wasting money my family didn't really have to waste). ... Let's just do some channel surfing instead of thinking about life's tragic inequities and the damage done to the poor of our Nation and of the World by our lifestyle.
Not mad or upset with you Lonndown27. I'm just pissed at the World in general these days.
Enough of my shit ...
Love the song.
Listen to the Music.
Music Heals
Quote from: Mr. White on Oct 22, 2021, 09:17 PMLonndown27, I think you missed the point or meaning of the "draft ... war" part of The Devil's In The Details". It goes, "Send the children off to War, drafted by poverty. The Senator's son is safely sound asleep. Ah, but let us forget the War and buy something pretty. Change the channel, create illusion of real safety. ...". I'm sure he's speaking about the way Society has brainwashed all of us (most of us) into forgetting we are currently conducting Warfare on many, many foreign lands and peoples around the World and killing innocents in the process (daily). It's common knowledge these days that the US Military is primarily made up of people who had little to no other opportunities in life and saw the Military as a way out. The following line of the song is mocking the upper crust or the elites of Society ... a (Senator's son) would never let their own become a common "grunt" in the Army or a "deck ape" in the Navy, just to go off to War and die a commoner's death (the Navy's where I spent most of my 20s - from 1987 to 1993) mainly because I too was trick-fucked by Society into believing that that was my only way out after I failed at my first attempt at college (wasting money my family didn't really have to waste). ... Let's just do some channel surfing instead of thinking about life's tragic inequities and the damage done to the poor of our Nation and of the World by our lifestyle.
Not mad or upset with you Lonndown27. I'm just pissed at the World in general these days.
Enough of my shit ...
Love the song.
Listen to the Music.
Music Heals
Couldn't agree me more, these lyrics stood out to me on first listen, very powerful IMHO. I imagine "senator's son" is a nod to Fortunate Son (probably already pointed out, haven't read the entire thread).
Still in the afterglow of my first listen. This is a special album. Really captures the magic of their live shows.
Quote from: Stevie on Oct 22, 2021, 09:03 PMWell, i'm a bit conflicted. I've listened to the new one about 5 or 6 times now and i thought i really liked it..
I threw a round of disc golf today after work, came home, had dinner, had some red wine, and then i popped on Waterfall 2 just for fun. I haven't listened to it in months. Loved it when it first came out. I also thought.. it may be fun to combine all the songs from WF2 and the self titled on a spreadsheet and then rank them to see how things stack up..
I'm not saying this to rain on anyone's parade, but there's a cohesive spirit on WF2 that seems to be missing on the new one. I know this is subjective, but when i listen to WF2 i just feel exactly how i want to feel. It scratches an itch on my soul. As a result, my rankings are pretty lopsided.
Then again, the WF2 is much more fresh momentarily. I also haven't listened to the new one while in the midst of the warm wine cocoon where everything is perfect and tomorrow's headache is still very far from reality. I owe it one more shot. Back to back.
I'll report back with my findings and the rankings that no one asked for.
Glad someone else loves WF2 like I do. It really just clicks for me and I always want to listen to it. It is 4th best to me (after At Dawn, ISM, and Z) but I find myself going back to it more than any other album as of late. I am really enjoying the new S/T album, but the urge to throw on WF2 has already hit me.
Quote from: Nikkogino on Oct 22, 2021, 09:54 PMQuote from: Stevie on Oct 22, 2021, 09:03 PMWell, i'm a bit conflicted. I've listened to the new one about 5 or 6 times now and i thought i really liked it..
I threw a round of disc golf today after work, came home, had dinner, had some red wine, and then i popped on Waterfall 2 just for fun. I haven't listened to it in months. Loved it when it first came out. I also thought.. it may be fun to combine all the songs from WF2 and the self titled on a spreadsheet and then rank them to see how things stack up..
I'm not saying this to rain on anyone's parade, but there's a cohesive spirit on WF2 that seems to be missing on the new one. I know this is subjective, but when i listen to WF2 i just feel exactly how i want to feel. It scratches an itch on my soul. As a result, my rankings are pretty lopsided.
Then again, the WF2 is much more fresh momentarily. I also haven't listened to the new one while in the midst of the warm wine cocoon where everything is perfect and tomorrow's headache is still very far from reality. I owe it one more shot. Back to back.
I'll report back with my findings and the rankings that no one asked for.
Glad someone else loves WF2 like I do. It really just clicks for me and I always want to listen to it. It is 4th best to me (after At Dawn, ISM, and Z) but I find myself going back to it more than any other album as of late. I am really enjoying the new S/T album, but the urge to throw on WF2 has already hit me.
I will need a little bit to digest this album
But I definitely put Waterfall 2 up there as well!!
Ttf means a lot to me so will always be way up there
Z is everything to me
At dawn and ISM are just complete perfect albums
So with that said albums 1-4 will always remain 1-4 in my world.
But after that... I feel like evil urges, Circuital, WF 2, and this new album will make there rounds as 5-8 in different parts of my life.
(As much as I like certain songs, WF 1 will still remain last in my book)
Just wanna say again that I personally love the vocals and effects on this. I was telling a friend that it's like the opposite of most bands, where they studio version is THE clean and perfect version. With Jacket these songs are gonna sound even cleaner live. I like the distortion and effects in the studio. I think it goes so well with Jim's voice. Can't wait to listen again this morning!
I Love This Record So Freakin Much!! Epic......Masterpiece
Seriously....just mind-blowing
Thoughts after 6 listens:
I believe this is the best studio testament to who this band is.Bands often talk about wanting to capture their live energy in a studio release; I truly believe that they succeed with this album, perhaps more so than any other release I can think of ( certainly among the " jam" bands).
As far as the songs go I think there at least 3 that you could make a strong argument could be included in " 20 best Jacket songs" ( understanding that list would be highly subjective); In Color, Least Expected and Never in the Real World.
Not a stretch for me to say that this is their best record since Z- and after another year or two worth of spins I may rank it even higher!
Lyrically I like Jim's work throughout- we see his signature style of simple writing that packs a philosophical/spiritual punch- and I really like the stream of consciousness beat vibes of Devil in the Details.
If someone had never heard My Morning Jacket this record would be a great introduction- making the self tittle perfect <3 :headphones:
After way too many listens, Out of Range is my favorite track.
I thought it was sequenced pretty well given what they included, but I think my ideal tracklist would be something like
RSP
Least Expected
In Color
Real World
Details
Lucky
Penny
Out of Range
Enough
The 90s Karaoke Machine vocal effect on Never In The Real World has really grown on me. Wasn't keen on that song at all when we just had the live recording but - I get it now. I think a subtle horn section during the tail end of the song wouldn't have killed it though! Nothing extravagant, just some padding.
Just figured what else I Never Could Get Enough reminds me of. Ready To Be Called On! (Which I know isn't a fan favourite but I actually really like)
I can honestly say there's not a single song I strongly dislike on this record. Our boys did good. A few songs would have benefitted from Jim singing in more than one octave but I know come the live shows all hell is gonna break loose.
Broken record alert but I don't care - any murmurs on a European tour yet?!
Quote from: Lucius on Oct 23, 2021, 03:52 PMThe 90s Karaoke Machine vocal effect on Never In The Real World has really grown on me. Wasn't keen on that song at all when we just had the live recording but - I get it now. I think a subtle horn section during the tail end of the song wouldn't have killed it though! Nothing extravagant, just some padding.
Just figured what else I Never Could Get Enough reminds me of. Ready To Be Called On! (Which I know isn't a fan favourite but I actually really like)
I can honestly say there's not a single song I strongly dislike on this record. Our boys did good. A few songs would have benefitted from Jim singing in more than one octave but I know come the live shows all hell is gonna break loose.
Broken record alert but I don't care - any murmurs on a European tour yet?!
I thought the same thing with Ready to be Called On! Good call.
And yeah, Never in the Real World is a favorite of mine. So good. Just brings the feels. So simple but it hits me just right. That tension/release at the end is bliss.
Quote from: Lucius on Oct 23, 2021, 03:52 PMBroken record alert but I don't care - any murmurs on a European tour yet?!
I hope you guys get a tour soon, but they gotta get back to Louisville first! :drum: :beer: :rolleyes:
OK, so now that I've heard it a half-dozen times, I'm singing all the "in color" parts in falsetto out loud. I could be wrong, but I think this is going to become a trend at shows.
Long time lurker on these forums, been a Jacket fan for years, but something about this album made me want to sign up and share in the fun.
Tl:dr this shit slaps hard
I haven't felt this way about an MMJ album in a long time. I can rank my fav albums but that might be pointless, needless to say this one is way up there. Saying all that, what the hell were they thinking releasing RSP and LLL as the singles? I was actually ready to be disappointed by this newest effort based on those singles (I still pre ordered everything and got a tour poster for my guitar room). Complex was interesting and is actually an earworm for me after a couple of listens, but there are so many hits on this album it's weird they didn't go with any of them as promos.
RSP: Cool opener, definitely not a single, works way better in the context of an album though
LLL: this one made me nervous, I was not a fan at all when it came out. Seems like it was written to play on fallon or something. Will probably be in a commercial. It has grown on me a little, but after 5 album spins, I still skip it.
In color: this is what I'd consider a "classic" MMJ song. good buildup, great solos, the whole band working together, nice message. I thought this would be my favorite but this album keeps giving.
Least Expected: what a soulful tune! this is what I think Like a river was trying to be, but for me the funk and real 70's vibe makes this song. Idk why but I feel like it could be a doobie brothers or steely dan track, and I mean that as a complement.
Never in the real world: this is a good, solid song. I can't tell exactly what it reminds me of just yet. Kind of captures the same energy as "makes no difference" in their live shows. Doesn't stick with me, idk why, but maybe will on future listens.
DITD: Usually I like it when songs build and blow up, but this one really does it for me. The slow, meditative meandering pace captures a feeling of melancholy and hopelessness I feel about the world sometimes so perfectly. Yes the lyrics are on the nose, but I think it totally works. Do I wish we would get some lyrical poetry like steam engine? Of course, but I'm not complaining that much.
Lucky to be alive: I thought I would absolutely loathe this song (I hated climbing the ladder), but this all feel so tongue in cheek I think the upbeat tune works with the saltiness of the lyrics. I do have a soft spot for some wacky songs in their catalogue though (peanut butter pudding surprise...) and this feels like it scratches that itch. Also, the end jam is super out of place but so welcome, honestly it rocks. Can't wait to see what they do with that live.
Complex: Reminds me of remnants but better. I really dig this tune, and the repetition of "you get what you pay for" really hits for me. I've been mouthing this line to myself since it came out.
Out of range: I tried to listen to "How could I know" and connect the dots between these two songs like some people have been saying, but I don't get the connection. Though, Im hearing some of the "ready to be called" on from the DBC soundtrack on this one, but better. Absolutely love it.
Penny for your thoughts: another solid jam. MMJ doing what they do best. Sounds like it could be a cover at times. Also feel like there is some ready to be called on DNA here.
INCGE: I'm not a huge fan of these slow and earnest songs (i.e. slow slow tune, Only memories, etc) but this is a nice closer. Probably not my fav on the album, but of the slow closers, this is my favorite.
I know WF2 is really loved on this forum, but to me it really did feel like a collection of b-sides except for Feel You, and that was mainly for the godly riff. So glad we have a fresh, awesome album. So grateful to this band for keeping it real after so many records.
Well, I'm super glad i didn't read all of this before I dove in to this album with both feet finally this morning- and I still love you all.
I have to agree with the person that said, 'mind blown'. I am super loving this and as I told a friend earlier, 'this is the album I needed when I needed it most..'
I have not found anything to dislike- what can I say? I'm easy. I just can't wait to hear all of these songs live and have loved the teasers we've had so far. I was only at Troutdale and Bend, but I have to say this album is an absolute monster.
Been a long while since I've posted but this album calls the need to do so. So my take after several listens, here is a Penny for my Thoughts...
The album is absolutely fantastic. Not really a weak point in the album. There are some golden MMJ tracks on this album. My favorites are RSP, Least Expected, Never in the Real World, and In Colors. My only complaint is I wish that they ended the album on In Color. I like Never Could Get Enough but seems like a weak song to end on. The best part of this album which makes it rank up in the top three jacket CDs is that they let the jams breath. The last several albums have cut some songs way too short before playing them fully out. That's not trashing on the previous few albums but it feels much more like they are at their roots but mixed in with some of the sounds of new.
Anyways, I'll say this. It is an album that I think it will grow more and more on me as time goes on but for the time being I'm Lucky to be Alive.
Gave the album its first listen on shuffle and I'm just here to say Penny For Your Thoughts flows amazingly into In Color. I was debating maybe making my own version of the album with either Complex or Penny as track 3 because I feel like there's a gap there! So there we go
Jim said "rainbow" is a song, it's definite a lib's tears song....
What's funny about this (to me) is that the song seems to be about acknowleding & appreciating nuance (from Webster: a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound) and it gets interpeted as literally as one could as some sort of sonic analog to the Crying Lib Meme. I feel its a message to all who take part in political discourse (of which nearly every aspect of life is viewed through now) to recognize that it's rarely, rarely a cut and dry, black and white issue and once we do that, we can start to have real conversations and maybe enact change on the much more prevalent commonalities each of us share as humans. If that's tears of a lib...then hand this guy a tissue.
Quote from: mmmja on Oct 24, 2021, 11:45 AMI know WF2 is really loved on this forum, but to me it really did feel like a collection of b-sides except for Feel You
glad to see i'm not the only one. WF2 simply struck me as a collection of songs from those sessions that weren't good enough to make the cut for WF1.
been hoping these new tunes push most WF2 songs off the chicago setlists. but then again it's good to have designated bathroom songs. :beer:
W2 felt like b sides in the sense that it wasn't cohesive. And I agree they're not songs that translate well live for the most part. That said, I still think it's a darn good listen all things considered. I'm not sure b sides from the s/t sessions would be as strong tbh.
Quote from: mmmja on Oct 24, 2021, 11:45 AMSaying all that, what the hell were they thinking releasing RSP and LLL as the singles? I was actually ready to be disappointed by this newest effort based on those singles (I still pre ordered everything and got a tour poster for my guitar room). Complex was interesting and is actually an earworm for me after a couple of listens, but there are so many hits on this album it's weird they didn't go with any of them as promos.
Look at the track lengths. They literally just picked the three shortest songs, the only ones that are really appropriate length for radio.
Penny For Your Thoughts would've made the best lead single IMO, but they would've had to trim it.
So nice to see all the love for this album.
He may not have the standout solos like Slow Slow Tune, but Carl is actually ALL over this album. Classic Carl sounds in Least Expected especially. He is going to tear these songs up live, I cannot wait.
Quote from: slappymoe on Oct 25, 2021, 04:18 PMQuote from: mmmja on Oct 24, 2021, 11:45 AMI know WF2 is really loved on this forum, but to me it really did feel like a collection of b-sides except for Feel You
glad to see i'm not the only one. WF2 simply struck me as a collection of songs from those sessions that weren't good enough to make the cut for WF1.
been hoping these new tunes push most WF2 songs off the chicago setlists. but then again it's good to have designated bathroom songs. :beer:
Quote from: Come Closer on Oct 25, 2021, 04:59 PMW2 felt like b sides in the sense that it wasn't cohesive. And I agree they're not songs that translate well live for the most part. That said, I still think it's a darn good listen all things considered. I'm not sure b sides from the s/t sessions would be as strong tbh.
I feel like this is all just in your heads. If the band called these 10 songs something other than "2" and told you all they were brand new songs, more people would be gushing for them. And to say this album isn't cohesive but WF1 is...with Big Decisions sitting there (disclaimer: I love big decisions but it has no relation to songs like Like a River). I feel like WF2 is extremely cohesive, and the songs are top tier. It is a perfect chill out record. And to say the WF2 songs don't translate to the live setting is so wild to me. Feel You and Wasted are amazing live.
Sorry for the rant. I just don't get the hate. WF2 is amazing.
All I can say is I hope to god there is a My Morning Jacket II.
Quote from: C.S. on Oct 25, 2021, 09:32 PMAll I can say is I hope to god there is a My Morning Jacket II.
At Dawn 2 would be nice.
I get the sense (and I'm way over simplifying here) that they had more of a gameplan with this record and there wouldn't be a bunch of usable leftovers, where The Waterfall sessions was more throwing stuff at the wall. That was all I meant by that. More ideas from The Waterfall Sessions if I had to guess.
I like W2, I just think relative to W1 it's poppier and less conducive to rocking out, not that everything has to rock out live. And the beginning feels similar, but that back half feels a little bit all over the place with the puzzle pieces not fitting great to me. And I never said W1 was cohesive, but I do think it flows better than 2.
Quote from: Come Closer on Oct 25, 2021, 10:16 PMI get the sense (and I'm way over simplifying here) that they had more of a gameplan with this record and there wouldn't be a bunch of usable leftovers, where The Waterfall sessions was more throwing stuff at the wall. That was all I meant by that. More ideas from The Waterfall Sessions if I had to guess.
I like W2, I just think relative to W1 it's poppier and less conducive to rocking out, not that everything has to rock out live. And the beginning feels similar, but that back half feels a little bit all over the place with the puzzle pieces not fitting great to me. And I never said W1 was cohesive, but I do think it flows better than 2.
I hear you. I just defend that album because I think it is stellar material being passed off as leftovers/b-sides. I put some of the songs (Wasted, Feel You) up there with some of their best, especially when it comes to jamming live. It's also probably their best weekend driving album. Take that album to the road and see what I mean.
W2 does have Feel You, Wasted and Run It which I consider to be 'top tier' Jacket. But the rest ranges, for me, from 'I have to be in the mood for it', to 'skip like I skip Into The Woods'. I much prefer W1, because it's brighter, much more alive and intriguing musically. I don't think songs like Spring & In Its Infancy get nearly enough love. W2 could have been trimmed down into an EP. Its highs are equal to W1 but its lows... as I said, are equal to Into The Woods!
Both records would have benefitted immensely by being produced like the new album though. Imagine a studio version of Spring that rocks out as much as the recent live versions *drools*
I believe that Run It is quickly becoming one of their best live songs akin to Bermuda Highway, Circuital, Golden, etc, not one of the rocking songs but one of their best "damn this is a beautiful song" and it's been SOOOOO good live
Anyone else hear "I eat from the bum of your pant."
Quote from: Nikkogino on Oct 25, 2021, 09:25 PMI feel like this is all just in your heads. If the band called these 10 songs something other than "2" and told you all they were brand new songs, more people would be gushing for them........Feel You and Wasted are amazing live.
just not a great album, imo, regardless of name. and aside from the fine ending jam, which they can tack onto the end of any tune, i think wasted is a lousy song. but to each his own.
apologies for the hijack. now back to your rsp.
So can someone please remind me when was "My Morning Jacket" recorded? Was it fall of 2019?
How long were they in the studio and which one did they record in?
Thanks!
Iirc they wrapped it up in march 2020 pretty much as the world was shutting down. All in LA I believe.
If I personally had to rate the songs on the new album it would be as follows:
1. Least Expected
2. In Color
3. Never in the Real World
4. Out of Range
5. I Never Could Get Enough
6. Lucky to be Alive
7. Penny for Your Thoughts
8. Complex
9. Regularly Scheduled Programing
10. Devil's in the Details
11. Love Love Love
For WF2, it definitely felt more of a bunch of b-sides but I'm ok with that. And to be fair, we haven't gotten a tour from that album and as we all know, you can really elevate your appreciation for an album or song when they slay it live. For example, I really liked the song Climbing The Ladder but hearing it at Santa Barbara live stood out and they crushed it.
For ranking the songs on MMJ for me:
1) In Color
2) Least Expected
3) Never in the Real World
4) Regularly Scheduled Programming
5) Lucky to be Alive
6) Penny for Your Thoughts
7) Out of Range
8) Love Love Love
9) Complex
10) Never Could Get Enough
11) Devil in the Details
Of course, it might change tomorrow but that's the order I'm at this far.
I've enjoyed S/T a lot thus far. Jim's recent lyrical direction has not been my favorite at all-a lot of that "mystical" earlier MMJ feel is gone when the lyrics are as direct as they are here. That's fine, and I'm happy that Jim feels comfortable being this honest about his thoughts and feelings, it's just not my favorite thing to listen to.
Way too early song rankings:
Out of Range Pt. 2
In Color
Never Could Get Enough
Devil's In the Details
Complex
Least Expected
Never in the Real World
Penny for Your Thoughts
Regularly Scheduled Programming
Love Love Love
Lucky To be Alive
Finally got to listen several times intently with headphones on. All I can say is wow!!! I'm probably an outlier here, but the combination of the studio work, loose jams, direct lyrics, and general rambunctiousness has put this at the top of my MMJ albums, certainly my release day favorite. That could change over time but I don't see myself ever getting tired of this album. And I don't dislike any tracks on it. You can feel the "liveness" to it from the get go.
I'm speechless... and honestly, surprised how much I love it. Someone talk me down a bit cuz I feel like I'm fanboying to the extreme. But jeez.... I thought we had heard the last of the band 2 years ago and now it feels like MMJ 3.0 was just released into the wild.
I'm so happy right now.
Quote from: bhyman on Oct 26, 2021, 06:38 PMFinally got to listen several times intently with headphones on. All I can say is wow!!! I'm probably an outlier here, but the combination of the studio work, loose jams, direct lyrics, and general rambunctiousness has put this at the top of my MMJ albums, certainly my release day favorite. That could change over time but I don't see myself ever getting tired of this album. And I don't dislike any tracks on it. You can feel the "liveness" to it from the get go.
I'm speechless... and honestly, surprised how much I love it. Someone talk me down a bit cuz I feel like I'm fanboying to the extreme. But jeez.... I thought we had heard the last of the band 2 years ago and now it feels like MMJ 3.0 was just released into the wild.
I'm so happy right now.
Agree with ....every....single...word...of your post.
I won't rank songs or care about providing a critique right now. Way too fresh and I'm way in love with record. I'm glad to read everyone else's thoughts though.
I'm just going to let this one simmer on a low boil for the foreseeable future.
Quote from: ChiefOKONO on Oct 26, 2021, 11:44 AMSo can someone please remind me when was "My Morning Jacket" recorded? Was it fall of 2019?
How long were they in the studio and which one did they record in?
Thanks!
Recorded at 64 Sound in LA
In Feb/March of 2020
Mentioned by the band that they finished recording, ate dinner, and members flew back to their respected homes, and 2 days later the world shut down
Loving the album. Way too early rankings, but for me the album will sit closer to the bottom. In Jacket terms, though, that isn't a bad thing. Their catalogue is just so stacked to me.
At Dawn - 10
ISM - 10
Z - 10
Tenn Fire - 9
Waterfall 2 - 8
Waterfall 1 - 8
Evil Urges - 7.5
MMJ - 7.5
Circuital - 7
i feel comfortable enough already to say I enjoy it more than both Waterfalls, Circuital and EU. A clear tier down from the remaining catalog slotting somewhere behind Z probably. I think the comment about the combo of studio work, loose jamming and rambunctiousness is a great way to put it. There's obviously some direct lyrics and themes that weren't part of previous albums because it involves a lot of contemporary topics and I don't think Jim's previous lyrical styles would have suited them for the album they needed to make.
A friend and I were discussing our rankings and I just came to the conclusion that I can't do it! The only take I have is this; when trying to reduce the album down to my favorites, the only ones I don't consider are Complex, LLL, and RSP. Maybe unfair because I've had longer to sit with them but also when they were released I didn't immediately love them like the other tracks. So it's those three tied for second place, then an eight-way tie for first place.
As far as albums...
My Morning Jacket / Z
The Waterfall 2
Circuital
The Waterfall
Evil Urges
Won't rank the Quaid albums in there, just different beasts. I honestly couldn't decide between putting Z or MMJ first. Unpopular, I know Z is one of the untouchables, but I see myself going back to MMJ more (talking the studio album itself). It's all arbitrary though - ask me again tomorrow. I really like their entire catalogue. They struck gold with this new album though, and I hope (and assume?) that self-producing will be the norm from here on out.
Long time MMJ fan here. My first show was in 2004 at the Roxy and have poured over every album since. I loved/love Waterfall II and felt it was their most cohesive and satisfying record since Z although I regularly spin all of the albums in between.
I'm struggling to fully connect with S/T. I enjoy the gusto on the jams, the tone of the guitars and don't at all mind the vocal effects. A few of the melodies are too simplistic and aren't made up for even with the amazing payoffs at the end.
Right now the songs I am digging most are:
Love, Love, Love
In Color
Least Expected
Penny
I Never Could Get Enough
Never in the Real World is climbing and Devil in the Details is great, just not going to be a go to listen for me.
I'm going to keep trying, this is just initial feelings.
Quote from: Hatfield on Oct 27, 2021, 03:41 PMLong time MMJ fan here. My first show was in 2004 at the Roxy and have poured over every album since. I loved/love Waterfall II and felt it was their most cohesive and satisfying record since Z although I regularly spin all of the albums in between.
I'm struggling to fully connect with S/T. I enjoy the gusto on the jams, the tone of the guitars and don't at all mind the vocal effects. A few of the melodies are too simplistic and aren't made up for even with the amazing payoffs at the end.
Right now the songs I am digging most are:
Love, Love, Love
In Color
Least Expected
Penny
I Never Could Get Enough
Never in the Real World is climbing and Devil in the Details is great, just not going to be a go to listen for me.
I'm going to keep trying, this is just initial feelings.
What about Out of Range?
I don't usually do "reviews" of MMJ albums, I just listen and love. However, I thought I'd add a little to what some have already said. I did mention not really liking Jim's vocal effects on "Penny For Your Thoughts", but I do love the song. I just wish the vocal effect hadn't been so much. Maybe just a little of it would have made me less put off by it. I don't know. I still love the song. I think I like "In Color" and "I Never Could Get Enough" the most of all the songs. I've listened to it several times every day since last Friday. My wife worked night shift on Sat. & Sun., so I had ample time and opportunity to crank it up on several stereos throughout the house ... ALL NIGHT LONG!!! Had a real good time and feel a strong connectedness to it. Since I also have it on my Bandcamp account, I can play it on demand on my phone, so I do every time I take a break at work. I'm still listening to live MMJ a lot (some of the recent tour Taper Audio of new shows) and some other bands but mostly MMJ. I think the album is strong and stands on its own. I think anyone who is unfamiliar with the band would probably be pretty impressed if given the time and proper volume/headphones to listen to the album all the way through a couple of times without interruption. I always become more accustomed to any album with multiple listens, but this one started falling in place and felt comfortable to me real quickly.
Long Live The Jacket!
I don't know why but every time I hear "Least Expected" I think of this and crack up to myself :grin:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jDdSQlCbJ90
Quote from: dookie shoot bandit on Oct 28, 2021, 09:22 AMI don't know why but every time I hear "Least Expected" I think of this and crack up to myself :grin:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jDdSQlCbJ90
HaHaHa now that's funny, thanks for sharing! :beer:
Never in the Real World is my favorite so far! Love the "huh" part right before the solo can't wait to hear it live :cheesy:
After a few more listens, S/T has come together a lot more for me. I went from thinking Love, Love, Love was the weaker version of Compound Fracture to seeing and hearing it's brilliant cohesion. The way that song works into the jam is what sets MMJ apart from the rest.
RSP is a perfect album opener and I really like the pointed lyrics.
In Color is everything you want in a Jacket song.
Least Expected is more of what I was hoping for with this record. Kind of like the way Waterfall sounded so different and new, yet clearly MMJ. I've never heard them cover this ground and I love it. Does anyone else hear a similarity between Least Expected and Dylan's "Dead Man, Dead Man" from Shot of Love?
Never in the Real World is the song that really came up in the last week. It might be my favorite on the album and that is saying something.
I'm still not loving Lucky, Complex or Out of Range which is a bummer. However, Penny for your Thoughts>Never Enough is an amazing ending. Penny for Your Thoughts feels like Aluminum Park, First Light and the Rolling Stones had the perfect baby.
This one is a grower. I can't wait to see these songs live!
Quote from: Hatfield on Nov 01, 2021, 02:13 PMAfter a few more listens, S/T has come together a lot more for me. I went from thinking Love, Love, Love was the weaker version of Compound Fracture to seeing and hearing it's brilliant cohesion. The way that song works into the jam is what sets MMJ apart from the rest.
RSP is a perfect album opener and I really like the pointed lyrics.
In Color is everything you want in a Jacket song.
Least Expected is more of what I was hoping for with this record. Kind of like the way Waterfall sounded so different and new, yet clearly MMJ. I've never heard them cover this ground and I love it. Does anyone else hear a similarity between Least Expected and Dylan's "Dead Man, Dead Man" from Shot of Love?
Never in the Real World is the song that really came up in the last week. It might be my favorite on the album and that is saying something.
I'm still not loving Lucky, Complex or Out of Range which is a bummer. However, Penny for your Thoughts>Never Enough is an amazing ending. Penny for Your Thoughts feels like Aluminum Park, First Light and the Rolling Stones had the perfect baby.
This one is a grower. I can't wait to see these songs live!
Agree with most of what you said, but Out of Range is probably my favorite.
Loving the album more with each spin. Certainly a couple I could do without but I'm really loving Never in the Real World and In Color from the first listens. Others are growing on me.
Please, Lord, deliver us a beastly version of Never in the Real World in Chicago :cheesy:
I know this is the letting songs breathe album, but I think some of the supporting cast could've been trimmed a bit. I would like Out of Range more if it was about 45 seconds shorter. Penny and Lucky could probably use a haircut too.
It's really blowing my mind that there isn't more gushing over this one. 10/10 album of the year for me.
Quote from: GO4IT on Nov 03, 2021, 10:58 PMLoving the album more with each spin. Certainly a couple I could do without but I'm really loving Never in the Real World and In Color from the first listens. Others are growing on me.
Please, Lord, deliver us a beastly version of Never in the Real World in Chicago :cheesy:
Thank you, Lord
Quote from: C.S. on Nov 04, 2021, 05:48 PMIt's really blowing my mind that there isn't more gushing over this one. 10/10 album of the year for me.
Oh I'm still gushing, don't worry
Not sure if you're talking about gushing here or gushing everywhere, but I really think it would've been better received if they trimmed it down. Not that I care about Pitchfork in the least, but I don't think it's a coincidence that they trashed Evil Urges and s/t and were favorable towards Circuital and The Waterfall. I don't think their albums should be more than 50 mins now that they're not doing the slowcore/post rock influenced thing and Jim isn't churning out songs like he was early on.
Quote from: RobRoy286 on Nov 06, 2021, 09:13 AMQuote from: C.S. on Nov 04, 2021, 05:48 PMIt's really blowing my mind that there isn't more gushing over this one. 10/10 album of the year for me.
Oh I'm still gushing, don't worry
It's been on repeat for the last three days. Musical crack. I loved WII when it released, still do, but it continues 2010-2015 with a few twists. This is a brand new, thrilling landscape.
I'm only lukewarm on one song here, Lucky. First half just sounds too pop formulaic and simplistic for me - for a Jacket song, to be clear. Still fun, light years better than the typical formula, and no one adds that cool, keys/guitar laden outro to a song like they do.
Penny is my choice for best song here, In Color a close second. That could change after more plays, considering I was negative on Love Love Love the first three plays, and now can't get it out of my head. I get a strong Velvet Underground vibe in Penny, and Bo's organ is straight outta 70's classic/Wakeman prog rock. Out of Range - love it. I think Carpet Crawlers every time it starts. Someone on this forum is going to get that reference. Lol
The range of song styles, done so well, is breathtaking. Even a little Jazz! Patrick and Tom are amazingly accomplished at laying down so many diverse rhythms to build on.
correct me if I'm wrong, but we don't have live debuts of Devil, and the closing three tracks? I love those last 3 songs. Was Least Expected just debuted in Chicago?
Least Expected was debuted in St. Louis. Penny has been played 2 or 3 times. Devil in the Details, Out of Range pt2, and Never Could Get Enough haven't been played yet.
Quote from: parkervb on Nov 10, 2021, 09:44 AMcorrect me if I'm wrong, but we don't have live debuts of Devil, and the closing three tracks? I love those last 3 songs. Was Least Expected just debuted in Chicago?
As much as I like Devil for what it is and the potential it could have live, would I prefer a 15 minute version of this song over, say, a Phone Went West, Dondante, Steam, or War Begun. Hell no.
Quote from: CountSA on Nov 10, 2021, 09:59 AMLeast Expected was debuted in St. Louis. Penny has been played 2 or 3 times. Devil in the Details, Out of Range pt2, and Never Could Get Enough haven't been played yet.
Quote from: parkervb on Nov 10, 2021, 09:44 AMcorrect me if I'm wrong, but we don't have live debuts of Devil, and the closing three tracks? I love those last 3 songs. Was Least Expected just debuted in Chicago?
i hope Never Could Get Enough doesn't go the way of Only Memories...
Are there any recordings of Only Memories out there where the crowd doesn't talk through it? Such a pretty song and I love the way it builds up live but I've never managed to find a taping where I'm not sitting there thinking "shut up shut up SHUT UP" about the crowd :undecided: :grin:
Was reallyyy hoping to hear Out of Range in Chicago.
The songs I did hear were amazing. In Color is an instant classic.
Quote from: Lucius on Nov 10, 2021, 04:42 PMAre there any recordings of Only Memories out there where the crowd doesn't talk through it? Such a pretty song and I love the way it builds up live but I've never managed to find a taping where I'm not sitting there thinking "shut up shut up SHUT UP" about the crowd :undecided: :grin:
I'd track down these versions to start:
2015 KCRW The Waterfall show
2015 Masonic Auditorium, San Francisco Night 2
2015 One Big Holiday Night 3 (my personal favorite)
2016 Austin City Limits
2017 One Big Holiday Night 3
2018 One Big Holiday Night 3
I do not recommend the 2015 Red Rocks version. It was sandwiched into Steam Engine, and you really miss out on getting the real OMR experience.
i love the 2015 masonic version of only memories. just killer.
Two things I love about Never In The Real World...
That opening riff reminds me of the opening of Sturgill's cover of 'The Promise'.
The huge way the band comes in about one minute into the song. Love that with headphones on.
Quote from: sillyboob on Nov 10, 2021, 06:02 PMQuote from: Lucius on Nov 10, 2021, 04:42 PMAre there any recordings of Only Memories out there where the crowd doesn't talk through it? Such a pretty song and I love the way it builds up live but I've never managed to find a taping where I'm not sitting there thinking "shut up shut up SHUT UP" about the crowd :undecided: :grin:
I'd track down these versions to start:
2015 KCRW The Waterfall show
2015 Masonic Auditorium, San Francisco Night 2
2015 One Big Holiday Night 3 (my personal favorite)
2016 Austin City Limits
2017 One Big Holiday Night 3
2018 One Big Holiday Night 3
I do not recommend the 2015 Red Rocks version. It was sandwiched into Steam Engine, and you really miss out on getting the real OMR experience.
That Steam > Only Memories > Steam if it's the same one I remember was a painful listen. What was shaping up to potentially be an all time great Steam ruined by a few minutes of the crowd talking through OMR right in the middle of it :cry: why do people feel the need to have full blown conversations at concerts? It really infuriates me! :angry: That San Fran version is great though. Why didn't they think to build the song up like that in the studio?
Back over in "Self Titled" land. I was with a friend recently and during a Spotify Shuffle 'Love Love Love' came on and the friend LOVED it. Have also witnessed a couple of celebs I follow on Twitter post it. She's got appeal that one!
Quote from: Lucius on Nov 12, 2021, 04:21 AMQuote from: sillyboob on Nov 10, 2021, 06:02 PMQuote from: Lucius on Nov 10, 2021, 04:42 PMAre there any recordings of Only Memories out there where the crowd doesn't talk through it? Such a pretty song and I love the way it builds up live but I've never managed to find a taping where I'm not sitting there thinking "shut up shut up SHUT UP" about the crowd :undecided: :grin:
I'd track down these versions to start:
2015 KCRW The Waterfall show
2015 Masonic Auditorium, San Francisco Night 2
2015 One Big Holiday Night 3 (my personal favorite)
2016 Austin City Limits
2017 One Big Holiday Night 3
2018 One Big Holiday Night 3
I do not recommend the 2015 Red Rocks version. It was sandwiched into Steam Engine, and you really miss out on getting the real OMR experience.
That Steam > Only Memories > Steam if it's the same one I remember was a painful listen. What was shaping up to potentially be an all time great Steam ruined by a few minutes of the crowd talking through OMR right in the middle of it :cry: why do people feel the need to have full blown conversations at concerts? It really infuriates me! :angry: That San Fran version is great though. Why didn't they think to build the song up like that in the studio?
Back over in "Self Titled" land. I was with a friend recently and during a Spotify Shuffle 'Love Love Love' came on and the friend LOVED it. Have also witnessed a couple of celebs I follow on Twitter post it. She's got appeal that one!
That Steam/Memories/Steam/Phone run is one of my favorite recordings ever! Different strokes I guess.
That 2015 Red Rocks show was my first time at Red Rocks, in the moment i remember kind of being bummed they stuck it in there during my first Steam Engine as well. but now i love it and listen to it often.
I love the idea of it but it's the crowd talking throughout the OMR segment that bums me out. Stuff like that really grates on me. If they've done it more than once there's every chance I'm talking about a taping from another night though!
Quote from: MMJTX on Nov 12, 2021, 10:09 AMThat 2015 Red Rocks show was my first time at Red Rocks, in the moment i remember kind of being bummed they stuck it in there during my first Steam Engine as well. but now i love it and listen to it often.
That was my first Red Rocks as well. I too was (and still am) bummed about the shortened version of Only Memories Remain, especially after the stellar spaced out version at One Big Holiday. I even split the song into two separate files, with the truncated OMR first, then I combined the two Steam parts into one track as the next song. I'm weird, what can I say.
All that being said, what an epic first Red Rocks show! Was absolutely exhausted after flying in from LA that day, then the epic 28 song set. Caught Alabama Shakes with the Drive-by Truckers two nights later.
Quote from: sillyboob on Nov 12, 2021, 04:57 PMQuote from: MMJTX on Nov 12, 2021, 10:09 AMThat 2015 Red Rocks show was my first time at Red Rocks, in the moment i remember kind of being bummed they stuck it in there during my first Steam Engine as well. but now i love it and listen to it often.
That was my first Red Rocks as well. I too was (and still am) bummed about the shortened version of Only Memories Remain, especially after the stellar spaced out version at One Big Holiday. I even split the song into two separate files, with the truncated OMR first, then I combined the two Steam parts into one track as the next song. I'm weird, what can I say.
All that being said, what an epic first Red Rocks show! Was absolutely exhausted after flying in from LA that day, then the epic 28 song set. Caught Alabama Shakes with the Drive-by Truckers two nights later.
Haha that's awesome! Ya me and a buddy decided last minute to go, flew up the day of the show from Houston and caught the red-eye back home after the show, was awesome, we had a blast.
Quote from: C.S. on Nov 04, 2021, 05:48 PMIt's really blowing my mind that there isn't more gushing over this one. 10/10 album of the year for me.
I'm gush gush gushing from B'ham. I absolutely love it. I believe it's a classic My Morning Jacket album that occupies a somewhat unique place in their catalog. I keep describing this album as MMJ at their most organic. It just feels so loose, natural and yet very cohesive as a whole!!!
Quote from: Robert Cannon on Nov 14, 2021, 02:13 PMQuote from: C.S. on Nov 04, 2021, 05:48 PMIt's really blowing my mind that there isn't more gushing over this one. 10/10 album of the year for me.
I'm gush gush gushing from B'ham. I absolutely love it. I believe it's a classic My Morning Jacket album that occupies a somewhat unique place in their catalog. I keep describing this album as MMJ at their most organic. It just feels so loose, natural and yet very cohesive as a whole!!!
Put me in the gushing category. I'm even coming around on Lucky to Be Alive. I had a huge moment with that song while running on the trail yesterday (really some amazing moments with most of the album), but the sentiment in Lucky to Be Alive hit me for the first time.
There is so much more to this record that I want to dive into and dissect, but the main feeling now is how incredible it SOUNDS. Their best produced record.
Quote from: Hatfield on Nov 15, 2021, 02:07 PMQuote from: Robert Cannon on Nov 14, 2021, 02:13 PMQuote from: C.S. on Nov 04, 2021, 05:48 PMIt's really blowing my mind that there isn't more gushing over this one. 10/10 album of the year for me.
I'm gush gush gushing from B'ham. I absolutely love it. I believe it's a classic My Morning Jacket album that occupies a somewhat unique place in their catalog. I keep describing this album as MMJ at their most organic. It just feels so loose, natural and yet very cohesive as a whole!!!
Put me in the gushing category. I'm even coming around on Lucky to Be Alive. I had a huge moment with that song while running on the trail yesterday (really some amazing moments with most of the album), but the sentiment in Lucky to Be Alive hit me for the first time.
There is so much more to this record that I want to dive into and dissect, but the main feeling now is how incredible it SOUNDS. Their best produced record.
Totally agree about the great production.
This song finally clicked for me in Chicago!!!
https://archive.org/details/mmj2021-11-06.leary/mmj2021-11-06.vwmule.t03.flac
I didn't want to like Lucky to Be Alive but it wore me down. Quite often atm I'm finding myself wandering around singing "lucky, luuuuuccckkkkkeeeeeehhhh, lucky to be alive" in my head, sometimes out loud :grin:
Bottom of my list currently is Complex. I still like it, not a bad song, just not a standout to me. Maybe it'll hit me live. Whenever that might be :tongue:
Quote from: Lucius on Nov 17, 2021, 10:18 AMI didn't want to like Lucky to Be Alive but it wore me down. Quite often atm I'm finding myself wandering around singing "lucky, luuuuuccckkkkkeeeeeehhhh, lucky to be alive" in my head, sometimes out loud :grin:
Bottom of my list currently is Complex. I still like it, not a bad song, just not a standout to me. Maybe it'll hit me live. Whenever that might be :tongue:
My very young kids love it. Worried they will go to school and say "I'm lucky to be alive."
After about a month of listening if I only have time in the car for 3 songs they're likely to be:
" In Color" " Never in the Real World" and " Out of Range"
The album is a masterpiece in their catalogue- I still think the most representative of their live sound of any of their studio efforts.
" Complex" is really growing on me- I would have ranked this towards the bottom a month ago, but goddamn it gets in my head a lot- and might be the most " radio" friendly of the album iMO.
Quote from: shumatec1012 on Nov 30, 2021, 09:40 PM" Complex" is really growing on me- I would have ranked this towards the bottom a month ago, but goddamn it gets in my head a lot- and might be the most " radio" friendly of the album iMO.
I was really good live too. A cool black & white alternating light thing, it was kinda mesmerizing, at least it was from the cheap seats in the balcony in NOLA.
Happy first Birthday to "Self Titled" !!
What are our thoughts one year on?
The main thing for me - is that some of these songs (Especially Least Expected & Love Love Love) have grown into really great live moments ~ not that I've had the pleasure of hearing them in person yet ~ and the band sound they've been having a blast on stage this 'era'. So it's a thumbs up from me. Even though they skipped touring this side of the world.
What about you guys, Has it grown on you, has it shrunk on you?
Quote from: Lucius on Oct 22, 2022, 08:18 AMHappy first Birthday to "Self Titled" !!
What are our thoughts one year on?
The main thing for me - is that some of these songs (Especially Least Expected & Love Love Love) have grown into really great live moments ~ not that I've had the pleasure of hearing them in person yet ~ and the band sound they've been having a blast on stage this 'era'. So it's a thumbs up from me. Even though they skipped touring this side of the world.
What about you guys, Has it grown on you, has it shrunk on you?
I agree that some of the songs slay live. Loved hearing Least Expected on tour, and there are a handful of others I love. With that said, it is tied with Circuital as my least favorite album.
Love the album as much as I did day 1. As someone said earlier it's just so organic. Love that they kept some jams and solos on the songs, as the previous albums felt a little neutered in that regard.
Favorites:
Out of Range
Real World
RSP
Quote from: RobRoy286 on Oct 22, 2022, 09:14 AMLove the album as much as I did day 1. As someone said earlier it's just so organic. Love that they kept some jams and solos on the songs, as the previous albums felt a little neutered in that regard.
Favorites:
Out of Range
Real World
RSP
I definitely agree with this point. I do like how they leave the jams in, versus stripping them in the studio. It definitely helps certain songs go from good to great (Real World, Lucky, In Color). My problem is, with the exception of maybe Out of Range, there is something missing that I can't put my finger on. I also think the album could have benefitted from losing 1 or 2 tracks...I know, it'd only be 9-10 tracks, but I think it would be more focused. This is my same criticism of Evil Urges.
The record is intriguing because it delivers at times with the "live feel" and then at others completely abandons that for some of their most synthetic sounds since Evil Urges, but that album had 90% masterful songwriting, only Librarian and Two Halves really suck.
But MMJ as an album was disappointing to me because I'm waiting for the band to really get heavy on record again, not just a dash of guitar but a great dark epic.
The song In Color for instance..."I wish we would all agree" on peace and love or anti racism like Jim, of course we agree. I love the song but the platitudes ring empty when it becomes sloganism instead of writing about unspoken feelings and capturing that vibe with great music behind it.
In color is one of the best on the album, alongside Never In the Real World, Penny for your thoughts (a masterpiece), Least expected, I could never get enough (a song that could've taken us on a ride but never gets out of neutral).
Misses are Lucky despite its epic jam which should've just been its own song, Complex, love love love, Jim as a hippyhipster Joel Osteen in a Michael Jackson grunt voice...weird.
I really like Out of Range and Least Expected but once again, too mellow. No rock and roll.
RSP is alright.
Devils in the details....man I love it, I am disappointed by it and I worship its mystery all at the same time I find it corny as all hell and the lyrics a little ridiculous at the moment he's trying to make points about our eroding culture.
Jim can do better as a songwriter. I don't expect him to write melancholic songs like he did in their heyday again, I get they're older and in a new direction and luckily dont repeat these sounds.
Still, I sometimes feel MMJ could've been a serious monster and instead is too mellow.
Quote from: Lonndown27 on Nov 17, 2022, 03:37 AMThe record is intriguing because it delivers at times with the "live feel" and then at others completely abandons that for some of their most synthetic sounds since Evil Urges, but that album had 90% masterful songwriting, only Librarian and Two Halves really suck.
But MMJ as an album was disappointing to me because I'm waiting for the band to really get heavy on record again, not just a dash of guitar but a great dark epic.
The song In Color for instance..."I wish we would all agree" on peace and love or anti racism like Jim, of course we agree. I love the song but the platitudes ring empty when it becomes sloganism instead of writing about unspoken feelings and capturing that vibe with great music behind it.
In color is one of the best on the album, alongside Never In the Real World, Penny for your thoughts (a masterpiece), Least expected, I could never get enough (a song that could've taken us on a ride but never gets out of neutral).
Misses are Lucky despite its epic jam which should've just been its own song, Complex, love love love, Jim as a hippyhipster Joel Osteen in a Michael Jackson grunt voice...weird.
I really like Out of Range and Least Expected but once again, too mellow. No rock and roll.
RSP is alright.
Devils in the details....man I love it, I am disappointed by it and I worship its mystery all at the same time I find it corny as all hell and the lyrics a little ridiculous at the moment he's trying to make points about our eroding culture.
Jim can do better as a songwriter. I don't expect him to write melancholic songs like he did in their heyday again, I get they're older and in a new direction and luckily dont repeat these sounds.
Still, I sometimes feel MMJ could've been a serious monster and instead is too mellow.
This is well thought out and well written. I enjoyed reading it. I agree with some things. Anyway, I would say S/T is my favorite album from the Bo & Carl er. I loved it on the first listen (smiled ear to ear the whole way through) Was driving home last night in the dark and it was hitting Hard.....so many peaks and valleys and jams and subtleties and visuals. Sprawling....Exciting....POSITIVE....LOVELY.....I FREAKING LOVE IT!! Very Favorites: In Color, NITRW, Penny, damn...all of them. I will say, I get a little confused about Least Expected, it seems like there are 2 completely different song ideas lyrically being presented together and I'm not sure if I'm missing a bigger picture. Thoughts?