Off The Record Pitchfork review

[doEVILslittle]

i think it's pretty spot on myself....except i looooove me that ambient ending...opinions?

http://pitchforkmedia.com/tracks/05-09-23.shtml#song2

MMJ songs tend to fall into two categories: thunderous, southern-fried epics in the tradition of The Band and Neil Young, or carpetbagger pop gems interested in the So-rock sound for decorative purposes only. "Off the Record" falls into the latter, sprawling across America's musical landscape like a Lewis and Clark expedition while making sure to write home often. The journey begins with a riff pulled from "Hawaii Five-O" before shipwrecking on a joint Strokes/Flaming Lips island party: Think R.E.M., had all members actually grown up in the south. Jim James hedges his cryptic cowl with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and Wayne Coyne euphoria, though sadly the voyage tapers off with jellybean Air "ambience." A brief jamboree or extended solo would've been a more fitting ending to this rugged ditty, but what does my Union ass know? [Adam Moerder]

***1/2

[primushead]

Yeah...sounds like a so-so review.  But what does his union ass know?

[peanut butter puddin surprise]

careful...i'm a transplanted union ass.... ;)

[primushead]

careful...i'm a transplanted union ass.... ;)

Oh, I wasn't trying to offend union asses.  I was just quoting the final line of the review.  I may have a southern ass myself, but i'm okay with union asses too.  And western ones.

[tomEisenbraun]

Especially western ones.

[marktwain]

"southern-fried"

See what I mean?

[doEVILslittle]

"southern-fried"

See what I mean?

yeah i don't get that either...."southern fried" just doesnt synch up when i think of MMJ. just cause they're from the south and write some epic fucking songs doesn't mean they are "southern fried" genres suck...and are a large part of what kills musical taste within the population today

[peanut butter puddin surprise]

wow, that "southern fried" thingy is over-used.

[TheLink]

i think it is a correct review.  not the greatest song ever made, especially by the Jacket.  But, I do enjoy the ending.

[corey]

I personally don't see the Lips connection in this song. I've noticed that JJ can be Wayne-esque in some other tunes, but not this one.

The "southern-fried" tip doesn't apply to this song either.

Just my thoughts.

And be sure that everyone is going to point out that the beginning sounds like "Hawaii 5-0". I don't think there will be a single review that doesn't mention that because all of the critics will think that they are the first ones to notice it.

[peanut butter puddin surprise]

does that mean I can dress up like Jack Lord and call people "Danno" from now on?  :o

[peanut butter puddin surprise]

[peanut butter puddin surprise]

it's like he's sayin'..."come hither"... ;)

[primushead]

And what the hell does this mean?

"...sprawling across America's musical landscape like a Lewis and Clark expedition while making sure to write home often."

I think he's just trying to sound fancy.

[Coltrane]

yeah, but for pitchfork, this IS a glowing review. It pains them so much to like things.

[primushead]

Sad but true.

[Nikkogino]

yeah, but for pitchfork, this IS a glowing review. It pains them so much to like things.

i agree.  they have their head so far up their own asses.  Their moto is "if we hate everything, we will get more credibility."

[doEVILslittle]

And what the hell does this mean?

"...sprawling across America's musical landscape like a Lewis and Clark expedition while making sure to write home often."

I think he's just trying to sound fancy.

it means the boys are testing their limits and experimenting but still sticking to their roots

[MMJ_fanatic]

"southern-fried"

See what I mean?

yeah I don't get people trying to paint these guys with the same brush used with the prototypical "southern rockers". it just doesn't fit for me!

[TheLink]

i think pitchfork likes ceertain stuff and tends to stick with it.   they actually can weed out a lot of shit.  but, i do agree that they sometimes sound like they are tryin to earn college cred from some hip writing teacher with some of their bullshit reviews.  i have actaully thought to send them some reviews, but i am much more straightforward.  as far as H50, aren't most people too young to remember that?  i mean, i am 28, and barely remeber it.  i think reruns stopped in like 1987.  right?  how the fuck does everyone know it.  and, most young fans won't have a clue.  it was a nice steal. ;)