Next album predictions...

[ItsAllSticky]

Hi all, this question has come up numerous times among my close friends and I thought I'd share my thoughts and get yours:

"Where the hell did Z come from and where are they going from here?"

In my mind, "Run Thru" was the track on It Still Moves that stood out as being really different. I think it was just a little taste of where they were going with Z.  Likewise, I feel "Into the Woods" stands out on Z in much the same way, so perhaps the entirety of the next album will be dark and evil-circusy. <---Not a real word, but I think you get where I'm going. A lot of people seem turned off by "Into the Woods" for the same reasons that I love it.

Anyway, that's all I've got. Just thought I'd put it out there and see what you thought.

-Ian

[The DARK]

Hmmm...I actually think that the new album will be a lot like Wordless Chorus: minimal guitar, prominent keyboards, and driving basslines. Jim has made several references that he's always wanted to make a more stripped-down album, and I get a feeling that this one will be it. Prehaps we may see horn sections, reggae grooves, and more backup vocals to fill in the void left by the guitars; however, he could leave it empty, resulting in a more R&B-type record like he's always wanted to do. I get a feeling that many of us are hoping for a guitar-based record, but I doubt we'll get it.

On the flip side, this album could be like Wilco's A Ghost Is Born: Open, spacey, freeform, and very much like "Into the Woods."  I'd love to see them do a record like that in the near future. But personally, judging from interviews and what I've heard of the new stuff, I think a stripped-down album is in order.  ;)

[BH]

I know it's difficult after only one listen, but I would love to get some input on this subject from those of you that have heard a few of the new songs.   The Rud, etc.

[corey]

Well, keep in mind that those songs could change tremendously once the band gets their hands on them. Seems like I read that Jim usually demos the songs on guitar and brings them to the band.
Think of it like listening to him play "Wordless Chorus" by himself on guitar (on some of the radio performances that he did) and then compare that to the full band version. It's a whole different animal. And I love it.

[Jaimoe]

I wouldn't mind MMJ going in a stripped-down direction, but if they move more towards "Wordless Chorus", I'll be very disappointed. They are at their best and most powerful with vocals accompanied by guitar.

[BH]

Well, keep in mind that those songs could change tremendously once the band gets their hands on them. Seems like I read that Jim usually demos the songs on guitar and brings them to the band.
Think of it like listening to him play "Wordless Chorus" by himself on guitar (on some of the radio performances that he did) and then compare that to the full band version. It's a whole different animal. And I love it.

Excellent point.

[brassmon]

I have a hard time believing that I could be disappointed with anything that this band does, but I can see your point with the direction of Wordless Chorus....  The band is showing their ultimate strength with the vocals of Jim accompanied by the powerful guitar rifts...

but regardless of how I (we?) feel is the best way to go, I think this band is special and they can pretty much pull of whatever they want... they know what they're doing and will not disappoint...

[corey]

Also keep in mind that Jim has referenced soul music a whole lot in the last couple of years. I wouldn't mind hearing something with some soul influence. I'm in the middle of watching a great documentary about Stax Records that was on PBS the other night. Good stuff.

[Jaimoe]

I actually like MMJ/Jim's soul influenced 'flirtations' least of all their musical styles. It's a personal taste thing, but I just can't get enough of those guitars.

[brassmon]

I actually like MMJ/Jim's soul influenced 'flirtations' least of all their musical styles. It's a personal taste thing, but I just can't get enough of those guitars.

I immediately think of the live performances and the many strong guitar rifts and solos...  This is what I want when I see them live - they do it with an intensity that leaves me smiling and FREAKING OUT!!! sorry... got carried away.. but... GUITARS!

[Jaimoe]

I don't mind MMJ going off in different directions on their next album, but if the album's focus centres around soul and r&b more than rock, I'll be really disappointed or even royally pissed-off.

[ratsprayer]

I don't mind MMJ going off in different directions on their next album, but if the album's focus centres around soul and r&b more than rock, I'll be really disappointed or even royally pissed-off.

have you ever listened to the afghan whigs?  they always had a very strong r&b and soul influence in their music, yet it was still walls of guitars and rock 'n fucking roll.  i'm not trying to get off topic here, just saying that i think mmj could easily incorporate heavy influences from other genres and not have it overtake the awesome aura they've always brought to the table.

[Jaimoe]

I'm hoping that they won't depart too much from the sound that got them to this point. Afghan Wigs never really did anything for me, but that's just me.

[ItsAllSticky]

great points all.  

as a guitar player, i'm constantly impressed by both JJ and Carl and don't want that to change. Even if the new album had minimal guitars, their current sound is so well suited to the vast majority of their catalog that I doubt the shows could change nearly as much as the next album has the potential to.  But I look at Jim in (I believe) the same was as the band: I'm signed on to his master plan.  I think they have complete confidence in his artistic abilities. I know I do.  It was never a question of "will i like the new stuff," but "where is he gonna take us next?"

[JohnnyRage]

Wordless Chorus fucking rocks.

Second best song on Z. Ok, maybe 3rd.

[aMD]

I've got to tell ya, I've been thinking a lot about this question and I hace no fucking clue what the next album will sound like.  As Corey mentioned, Jim has spoken about dance and soul music a LOT in interviews lately. but the new songs I heard at the Rud sounded more John Prine then James Brown.  On the other hand, the new song I heard at soundcheck in telluride sounded more like the Who then John Prine and it was full band.

Z definitely took the band in a new direction.  Someone I was talking to in CO said they thought Z was Carl's album and that this album would be Beau's.  I kinda like that theory but I still think every albums is Jim's.

So, in other words, I have no idea. I trust the band's vision though and am pretty sure I will like whatever gets recorded.

[BH]

Also keep in mind that Jim has referenced soul music a whole lot in the last couple of years. I wouldn't mind hearing something with some soul influence. I'm in the middle of watching a great documentary about Stax Records that was on PBS the other night. Good stuff.

This makes me think of the treatment that "They Ran" received on the last tour.

[evilPaauwe]

This makes me think of the treatment that "They Ran" received on the last tour.[/quote]

what is this treatment you speak of?

i too have honestly no idea of what to expect. but i think we can rest assured that we will probably enjoy whatever kind of musical madness they are probably stirring up right now.  
i wouldnt be the least bit surprised if they got into some dance/soul/disco themed stuff.

there are two things that could possibly happen that i would just die for.

-more song(s) with a little reggae vibe to'em.                                AND
-more of carl on sax. that part in dondante is just wonderful.

[.Walt]

what if?, they "pulled out" some crazy guitar work, that nobody expected, that just melted your faces?

what if?,  the drums are so right, you'd have to call your mother collect?

what if?,  the keys are so out there, that you'd feel like you're in another planet?...what if??


i'd buy that!!

[EAZYE]

I just wish this next album would hurry up and get here no matter what direction they take I'm sure we will all enjoy ;)