Chicago Show 5/21/04

[newyorkdolls]

Got my pictures and video up for the My Morning Jacket/M Ward show in Chicago on Friday 5/21/04. . .Didn't get that much and haven't had a chance to edit the videos yet, but thought you might enjoy it anyway. You can get there by traveling to my website: http://www.navigatingthegray.com.

Sorry I didn't get more up there, I wanted to enjoy the show!! ;D

[mifune2]

Just wanted to voice my frustrations about the Chicago show and my elation with the St. Louis Show. First let me say that the St. Louis show was one of the best shows I have seen in my life. Not only did MMJ perform and sound very well, Andrew Bird is a brilliant musician and song- writer. The Chicago show on the other hand was simply dreadful. Dont get me wrong I dont blame the band, I'm sure they sounded and played very well. The sound at the Metro was the problem; I dont think it was the venue itself as I have seen dozens of shows at Metro and it has never sounded like the Auditorium Theater but it never sounded like a train wreck either. I tried different places all over; stage right, stage left, dead center, upstairs etc...everywhere I went it sounded like I was in heavy traffic enveloped by those cars with the thumping bass that make the whole car rattle. Honestly if I hadn't paid $17 to get in I would have left after the first song. Sorry if this seems like a tantrum but I think its a drag when a simple thing makes a great band sound like utter shit.

[Garth69]

I hear ya on the bad sound. I wore earplugs for the first couple songs, but it sounded awful. It sounded a little better without them and improved here and there but was overall unacceptable. I'm amazed that somebody didn't say something from the stage. The keys were louder than Jim's guitar, which is a huge loss of power, and the drums didn't sound right at all. And yeah, the bass was out of control toward the end.
However...I must also add that I wasn't entirely impressed with the performance. True, the sound played a role, but there was something missing, and his name is Johnny Quaid. I thought Carl did a fantastic job as an individual, but Johnny had that extra something that made them a great band. And I don't want to be too picky because these guys have set a pretty high standard, but there were a few other cracks in the seams that I noticed. The 'One Big Holiday'
opener was by far the weakest version I've ever heard of that song. Patrick didn't sound like he was warmed up enough and the tempo was a little slow. That's a hard tune to open with.
Still, I had a great time and I loved all the fresh tunes: 'Strangulation', 'How do you know', 'Cobra' (even though it was only a couple minutes worth) and a few others like 'Death is the easy way', 'O the one...' and 'Steam Engine', which had a monumental jam at the end, dare I say similar to the Dead's 'Fire on the Mountain', not a bad thing by any means. So there's my two cents. I'm interested in what you other folks have to say.
p.s. For those who didn't hear, they sold out the Metro, which is a huge step up.

[dwight]

The show was great!
The new players are really adding to the picture.
You can tell Jim is thrilled with the sound.
M Ward playing Harmonica on Death is the Easy Way and singing some back up (save for his goofy demeanor) was awesome. (The guy just doesn't fit on stage w/ the boys - but hey we can just close our eyes).
The one problem - freeking 10 O'clock. Are you shitting me?
We almost didn't get there until 10 thinking they'd come on about 10:30 as per their Shubas gigs.  I'm not sold on the "all ages" deal. Come on!  Is Chicago that lame that the shows gotta be over at 10. Bullshit! Compared to the great town of Louisville, where bars stay open till 4 (6 derby week) and all agest shows have no time limite (that I know of) Chi Town sucks.

PS - Like the new tour bus.  MMJ has graduated to the big leagues!  No more driving the white van I guess.

[newyorkdolls]

Yeah, sometimes the sound in the Metro is not the best. ..the Vic and double door are much better Venues. . .I actually thought that it was a really nice and long set, even with the closing at 10. . .And you're going to compare Louisville to Chicago??? I've lived in both towns and I can say that Chicago would take Louisville any day. . .What do you have there, Bardstown road, where the only decent bar is Cahoots???  And venues, a lot of bands play Jillians, which happens to have the worst sound ever. . .And you can find bars here that are open all night. . .No comparison. . .

[Garth69]

Yeah, I had no problems with the length of the set and the song selection. And I've lived in Louisville as well as Chicago, but I wouldn't put one over the other. Chicago obviously has ten times more fun stuff to do, but I like the laid back KY vibe.
But back to the show...I still thought they were forcing it at times. In the past their energy has been effortless and the tension built naturally, but I sensed that it wasn't coming as easily.
There's two ways to look at it: on one side, obviously dozens more people saw them this time than any other time, hence the sold out show. This is partly due to the radio play and the beer commercial. I knew several people that didn't get in. So on that level, the 'brand name' of MMJ is definitely growing in its visibility. And they'll likely tour for the rest of the flippin' year, so it'll continue to grow.
On the other hand, I still think some time off would've done 'em good. They're perpetuating what they've worked hard to achieve, but I'd hate to see them get burned out even more. I'd honestly like to see Jim tear down the whole works and start over and create something new, but obviously that's not the plan, at least for now.
And I'll say it again, Carl did a great job, but all I could think of was how much strength and intangible energy that John brought to the group.

[dwight]

Dito on the Johnny comment.

MMJ is evolving into something else. It's more Jim now, for obvious reasons. That's fine.  Jim IS My Morning Jacket. There's no secret there.  He's and unbelievable writer and performer.  And, more importantly, he's kept his intregity along the way.  But this is the hand he's been dealt and he's found some great muscians that are adding their own "touch".  Carl's slide work and overall proficiency is very very good. Same goes for keyboard player.

Just can't help but dream about those old shows w/ Johnny and Danny and the whole brotherhood vibe.

One last note. I can totally see Jim forming something new in a couple of years.  He may re-name this band, or go solo for a while, or.. if these guys leave for some reason starting something new.  This guys is 26 years old and in his prime. No substance or alcohol abuse problems. Good family roots. Grounded.  The sky is the limit.

[peanut butter puddin surprise]

It's more Jim now, for obvious reasons

I politely disagree.  I think it's more collaborative, performance-wise, as Carl also sings a mean harmony that wasn't there on the live show in the past.  "Golden", for instance, with full band-what a treat!  

You guys are makin' me sad pining for the old days.  Nothing ever stays the same forever.  I too pine for a Rudyard Kipling MMJ show with 12 people, but that ain't gonna happen anymore.  

After talking with Carl and Bo this weekend, I'm certain they understand the shoes they're filling.  But let's check reality here-they just started playin' in January, not three plus years of nonstop touring, so it's going to take some time to hone the live show to its ultimate sheen as it was with Johnny Quaid.  I dunno, after seeing them on Saturday, I'm convinced that it's all going to be good.  I can't give you any other reasons than the ones I just mentioned, but it just feels right.  

And, again-no bad vibes on Johnny or Danny.  Johnny certainly had an exuburance that will be hard to match...but I think Carl is up to the challenge, and will deliver in spades.

[Garth69]

Well like I said, there are definite good points, but my gut feeling was that something wasn't there. I've got no doubt that their stock will continue to rise, but I just don't want them to paint themselves into a corner and play what people expect to see. That's why I thought they were forcing it a bit, but I'm sure that fighting the bad sound was part of it. I just don't want to see them shaking their hair around and acting all intense without feeling it, just because the packed house expects to see it. Again, I don't want to be negative, but it's up to us hardcore fans to question everything. Personally, I would've loved to see Jim strip everything down and play as a trio, maybe jump around on instruments a bit. Think about how cool that would be, and how much ground he could cover that way. That's why I thought some time off would do some good to regroup and figure out what to do next...instead of hit the ground running with nonstop touring as basically the same entity as before. And not to dis Carl, but he's still basically playing John's parts. I can't say that he's better or worse than John (the vocals were nice), but I can't say he's adding anything that John wasn't doing, other than the vocals.
But one thing's for sure: this monster's gonna grow a lot between now and the end of the year, and best of luck to 'em.

[peanut butter puddin surprise]

Cool.  This is why I love this forum soooooo much.  It's easy to disagree and be civil-something other messageboards just don't have.

You guys rule!  8)

[newyorkdolls]

Yeah, ok ok, Louisville is not that bad. . .I'm a Ballard alum though--See where some of my negativity stems from. . . ;D

I actually knew "Jim James" about 6 or 7 years ago. . .He was the manager of my best friend at a record store and was the only cool manager that would let me come in and talk to my best friend without having to pretend to be a customer. . .I just remember him being so nice and full of energy. . .

After the Bright Eyes tour, he spotted me and actually remembered me. . .We hung out for a bit with those guys after the show and I can tell you, he hasn't changed a bit, he's still the nice energetic and humble person he was back then. . .So that energy and charisma onstage that those guys portray, that's all real and genuine.

I am so happy that they are getting the recognition and popularity they deserve. . .

[ycartrob]

Please cut the analysis of the band! Good grief. Some of the quotes here are ridiculous. Either you like them or you don't, but there's no sense in longing for the "good ol days" or pontificating if Jim James will have a new band, blah blah blah. Just enjoy the music or move on. It's ONLY rock and roll people. Gee wiz, lighten up.

[SMc55]

I hear what you say, but it is a forum, and where better for people to share their thoughts? I'm a relatively recent fan, but have been lucky enough to see the band both before and after the line up change. I like to read the input of people who have known the guys a while, and have may even have met them.

Respect to your views, though  :)

[ycartrob]

I know, but the way some people talk here, it sounds like J Quaid was in the band for 15 years and they recorded 12 albums together and toured non-stop for years. They are a fairly new band. Not every one should be so critical. Just enjoy the music. I mean, I am into all different types of music and bands and MMJ is one of my favorites, but I have a life. I mean, Bill Wyman quit the Stones and life somehow continued...

[PapaJoeBear]

1st of all.... great disscussion starting up here.  The whole new vs. old kind of thing....Kind of wanted to see a show live with the new crew before I made a firm stance on them. I have a show from that short tour they did in the begining of the year with the new guys. But that was too soon to judge.
     So here it goes. I've seen MMJ 3 times. 1st, at the Sasqatch fest at The Gorge last May.  Modest Mouse was playing on the main stage, I'd I just don't dig those guys live at all.  So, curiousity hit when I saw the name My Morning Jacket on the 2nd stage.  Walked over, laid in the grass, taking in the view, and these guys rocked! Didn't know what to make of them. Came home, downloaded a few songs, and a month later I had all the cds.  It became an addiction. Hunting down the EPs.  
I saw them a 2nd time later that year in Seattle.  The show was amazing. Knowing the songs they were playing made it an amazing concert expierence.  The energy was pretty strong; though Danny seemed not totally into it. He seemed really tired. Didn't effect his playing, just his stage vibe, I guess.  I was bummed when I heard that he and Johny were leaving. What was going to happen to the band?!?!
So, I just saw the Seattle show a week or 2 ago. New line-up.  And I have to say.... I think the new guys are AMAZING!  Carl, to me, is an excellent replacement.  The boy can play, and his energy is great! I like he puts kind of his own touches on things here and there.  Little things, but you can notice them.  And with the extra vocals he can provide, that opens up a bunch of songs that you really couldn't do before i.e. cobra.  The new keyboard guy, who's name escapes me, was rockin'. He also kind of puts his own touch on things here and there, and he looked like he was having the time of his life on stage.  He got the crowd clapping the beat during one song; it was fun.
Anyway, so thats my take on the whole thing.  The new guys are great, and I think their future input into the music writing process will give MMJ's room to grow.  I think that the next album will be the album we here thought It Still Moves was going to be, in that it's going to blow up  the band in a MAJOR way.
Or atleast.... that's the way that I see it!
Mad love to all... hope you enjoy whatever show you attend!

 :PJoeBear

[otter]

I was at this show and I'm listening to it as I type this. The sound quality does have issues as it did that night. My guess is that the band would all agree.

Not to say that the performance was lackluster in effort. As we all know they cannot perform those songs (like they do) for an hour and fifty minutes and be slackers. They put good energy into it. However, not all shows are the best show ever, I've learned that over the years. I had a great time despite the sound of the Metro that night.

I think the JQ comments are not totally unfounded, the sound is quite different..Les Paul's have a certain sound. That's not to say Carl isn't good...He is new and finding his way in the group..I can respect that. As time goes on this will all work itself out. I will continue to spend my money and travel to see them whenever possible.

How about big high fives to them for selling the place out. Anyone keeping count on how many of their shows have sold out?

All in all people were into it that night...c'mon it was My Morning Jacket in concert.

[Garth69]

Overall it was a great show, but I have a tendancy to be over-critical sometimes, especially with things I really like. If I get a vibe that something doesn't feel right, I want to explore it and toss it out to see what others think. I don't see the point in the endless 'these guys rock!' postings; they're just not very interesting as most people here know that anyway.
I thought the song selection more than made up for the bad sound, although I'll stand firm that the 'One Big Holiday' opener was the weakest version I've heard. They regained their footing after that slight misstep, however. The highlight for me was 'Steam Engine'. They really stretched it out and took it to some interesting places.
And don't get me wrong about the new guys: they both did super jobs, considering how long they've been around. I'm just very, very partial to John and what he brought to the band. Despite what one post said, even though he wasn't in the band for '15 years' he still busted his ass to build the foundation of what it is now. To me, he was half the band's strength, and a huge part of what made them special. I have no doubt that Carl could add something new to the mix (and I agree there were some slight variations), and like I said before, it's gonna morph into something equally interesting and special.
Speaking of...was 'It Beats for You' the only new song they've been doing? I need to hear it again; couldn't really recall what it sounded like.

[shaun]

I don't think people are being tough on the band...I think you just get a little disappointed whenever you go to a show expecting your favorite band to blow it away and it comes up short for whatever reason....
This happened to me when I seen the Drive By Truckers recently.  I had been to 3 of their shows (2 at Headliners, the best sound, by the way, of any club I've been to) and they were flat out awesome...So I make a special trip out to Denver to see them and they were horrible!!!  Sound was an issue, but also just went through the motions and looked like they were on heroin...
It's unfortunate because the buzz behind them and MMJ are similar, would hate to see either go by the wayside due to "having to be on the road".  I think if you hit a town on any given night, you should give the people that bought your tickets everything you have...

Anyways, I look forward to seeing MMJ for the first time ever in Cincy on June 10th.  Even my wife has recruited 3-4 friends to attend the show!!

[wordawg]

Cool.  This is why I love this forum soooooo much.  It's easy to disagree and be civil-something other messageboards just don't have.

Bugger Off hippy! ;)

[wordawg]

c'mon it was My Morning Jacket in concert.

You got that right, Otter.  
No better place to be, even on a 'bad night'.