After reading and hearing some pretty mediocre reviews and Laura telling me she hated the new album, I thought I'd try and defend My Morning Jacket's new album Evil Urges.
I have to admit I'm probably a little biased. First, once I decide I like a band I tend to give them an extremely long leash. My ears get a little less critical. Second, my first two listens to Evil Urges were during my private morning time with Noli during my paternity leave. In fact, the "Facebook" photos from a couple of posts ago most likely were taken with Evil Urges playing in the background. Let's just say I was in a good place.
Here's my secret to enjoying the album: skip the first 3 songs. Just delete them from your ipod. Two of these songs, Evil Urges and Highly Suspicious, were the first singles I had heard before I got the album. Jim James' Prince impersonation does not work.
But after those tracks, I still think the album is pretty good. The fourth trck, I'm Amazed, might be one of my favorite MMJ songs. (It was probably helped because it followed such an awful song.) Thank You Too! and Sec Walkin both have a smooth, 70's AM radio vibe. In fact, Thank You Too! even has a little Eagles feel to me. Woops, probably shouldn't have included that in a defense of the album, but I have a soft spot for the Eagles thanks to my dad.
Another MMJ favorite of mine is Look at You, a great song for those of us that love Jim James' voice. The chorus reminds me of a church worship song in the best possible way. (Is this the worst defense of an album ever?)
Then there are a few tracks that have that unique MMJ take on southern rock as well (Two Halves, Aluminum Park, and Remnant). I also like all the places that Smokin from Shootin goes.
The album as a whole gets a B-. Ignoring the first 3 tracks, a B+.
