My Morning Jacket Delivers

Well, I have been wearing a groove in MMJ's new disc. Not sure you can still stay that since it really applied to the vinyl days but you get the point.

I was a late comer to the MMJ party wagon. My wife on the other hand was into them immediately. We saw them open for Joe Henry in a small bar called Phoenix Hill here in Louisville right as a small buzz was being generated about MMJ. We were there to see Joe Henry and as this hippy band with the really hairy lead singer ran through its set all I could think about was, "OMG, the lead singer is going to fall off the stage!"

More buzz followed as did more CDs but I just could not embrace them like other folks were. That is until I saw them play a Thanksgiving show back in Louisville a few years ago. That's when I got it. The show was amazing and to play in front of a hometown crowd made it even better. But I digress.

Evil Urges is the first MMJ album that I took to immediately. It's mix of styles and rhythms work - somehow. The album blends everything from Prince-Cameo-Country-Pop and flows effortlessly much like Jimmy James. He is able to coax more style and flavor out of his voice than you can imagine. From the strong opening track (Evil Urges) to I'm Amazed, this CD just keeps getting better. While the sound experiment that is Track 13 is not my favorite, it still fits.

I am sure by the time they play their August 16th show back in their hometown these songs will have been fully road tested. I can't wait.

peace.