As I increasingly embrace my inner crusty old man, I tend to dismiss outright any young group that runs with an esoteric name like My Morning Jacket. Still, it's a little hard to ignore the praise and promotion these spritely chaps are receiving. Is it all just ... hype? eMusic is offering Evil Urges to its subscribers, so I held my nose and hit "download album."
First off, it's well worth reporting that My Morning Jacket is committed to delivering songs that are not just genuinely musical (not something to be taken for granted in the current music market) but catchily so (whaaa?!). The lyrics are pleasant Byronian confections: neither too heavy on the chest-beating, nor too light to float free of their emotional tether, this is a disc worth its (deservedly) hyped summertime release. Amazon, Metacritic.
I felt the same about their last effort - "Z", but have found I don't queue it up that often. Actually, haven't played it after my first two listens.
ReplyDeleteI'll listen to it again and see if it appeals, but isn't it interesting how some albums keep bringing us back, and some don't?
It can be difficult for me to figure out just what draws me to a given record, particularly with the new acts (kids these days). There has to be some sense of fun, or play, though, and Evil Urges certainly has that. Kinda reminds me of Flaming Lips in spots, actually.
ReplyDeleteI can see the Flaming Lips connection. Speaking of new releases that I keep playing over and over check out Luke Doucet's CD Bloods Too Rich. Fantastic Gretch tones and thoughtful song writing push this to the top of my iPod play list. Winnipeg boy makes good! http://www.lukedoucet.com/
ReplyDeleteArgh - you keep making CD recommendations that aren't on the eMusic roster! And they're good! Looks like I'm shelling out more bucks...
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