My Morning Jacket have been one of the true pioneers in alt music for much of the past 25 years. They've repeatedly shown a psychedelic-tinged, rock, and at times Americana infused vibe that simply draws in listeners. They have achieved a dedicated following in the community and carved out a special place among alt bands in part due to their complex songwriting, evolving sound, and unforgettable live shows. The Louisville five-piece are back with their tenth studio LP, is and are busy with a tour accompanying the album as well. Typically opting to self-produce, the band took a twist this go around and recruited multi-GRAMMY award winning producer Brendan O'Brien (known for his work with Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam) to help out in bringing everything together. The album was for the most part recorded in Los Angeles at Henson Recording Studios.
Before approaching O'Brien, the band completed two long songwriting sessions and came out with over 100 demos in place! However, front man Jim James expressed in a press release that when he met with O'Brien, he decided to write even more music for the LP. It should be noted that James did not abandon the demos he wrote before meeting with O'Brien, but rather the two worked to incorporate them into new music compiled by the band.
With the background all set, let's talk about this thing! First off, you know that My Morning Jacket is one of my legitimate favorite bands of all time. So when I heard they were doing a new album, I jumped at the chance to review it (as always, big ups to my friends at Big Hassle!). The LP clocks in at ten songs with a good mix of offerings throughout. There are some songs that make you move in ways that only My Morning Jacket can. That is to say, My Morning Jacket is not a jam band in any way, but they have an almost cult-like following that is similar to the way that fans love the Grateful Dead and Phish. My Morning Jacket has capitalized on this through the release of some terrific live albums highlighting different points in their career.
With all that said, "Every Day Magic" is one of the first songs that on my initial listen that I found myself just compelled to move. I was swinging my feet as James sings playfully as he dalliances on the fun chorus. I would be remiss if I didn't discuss their initial single "Time Waited". A track that features James' signature vocals with a delightful piano accompaniment that breaks out at the chorus as a truck rock ballad. This song as I sat with it, had me reflecting on my mortality and my existence and place within the cosmos (as all good My Morning Jacket songs do!).
The album also features a great acoustic number titled "Beginning with the Ending". What I particularly love about this one is that it's mostly acoustic, but it is accompanied by some guitar highs that dance lightly on top of the melody. James' vocals get involved in the game as well as it all sits over a gentle flowing drum beat that serves as the backbone for the whole thing. is also includes "Lemme Know" which is a quintessential rock song that has some fantastic guitar and call and response vocals. It is a bit of a slow burner that peaks at the chorus in just the best way. In short, highly recommend this one.
All in all, is represents another entry into the band's growing catalog that I'm sure enthusiasts of My Morning Jacket will love. However, it doesn't take itself too seriously or is too far out there that it isn't accessible for new fans. So whether this is your first go-round or your a regular in this space, is simply hits the mark.
Rating - 5/5
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