Release Spotlight: My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
(this album cover is god awful btw)
I have been listening to Evil Urges forever as it’s been leaked for awhile now. Some diehard MMJ fans are pretty upset with the direction that this album takes. It is definitely different from their older material and Jim James has been interviewed far and wide trying to explain why. I don’t really need explanations from Jim James to know what I like and why I like it. So here’s my track by track review of the album.
Track 1: “Evil Urges”
The beginning starts off like an MMJ song should and then you hear Jim James’ falsetto and you’re like “WTF?” I don’t think that it’s a bad thing. A solid song to start the album.
Track 2: “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream (Part 1)”
This track pretty much goes straight into the vocals and kind of sets the scene for you.
Track 3: “Highly Suspicious”
I first heard the live version of this from their ACL performance. At the time, all the MMJ fans were screaming bloody murder. I don’t mind the music so much, but the background vocals are horrendous. I usually skip this one.
Track 4: “I’m Amazed”
At first I was surprised to see this on the Triple A charts, but it actually makes sense. It’s very accessible as far as the TripleA listening audience.
Track 5: “Thank You Too”
This was easily my favorite track on first listen. I think the lyrics got to me more than anything…
Really didn’t think it’s gonna make it
Really didn’t think it’s gonna make it this way
put on my robot face
had my emotions way far away from me
ohhh you really saw my naked heart
you really brought out the naked part
I don’t know what you were doing
I know I just want to thank you for thinking of me
Track 6: “Sec Walkin’”
I have to admit that I don’t usually make it past the first verse because I either go back to “Thank You Too” or skip ahead to “Two Halves”.
Track 7: “Two Halves”
This track is the second of my favorite three tracks. I dig the bridge on this one.
Track 8: “Librarian”
This song is actually a little naughty. Jim James wants to do the nerdy girl? Sign me up.
Track 9: “Look at You”
Another song that leans towards being a love song. Not a bad thing.
Track 10: “Aluminum Park”
This track and the next one are the two songs that kinda rock out.
Track 11: “Remnants”
Definitely more of an old school MMJ sound.
Track 12: “Smokin’ from Shootin’”
The last of my three favorites. “The best love song of the year” was how it was described to me. I have to admit that I was having a bad night and was listening to this while driving home and it made me cry. Lyrics of course:
You never wanted to be committed to the present
You’re too busy believing in the past…
Do you live your life on the road?
Yeah loosing that I’m loving
Asking for nothing
Runnin’ from something that isn’t there
Track 13: “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream (Part 2)”
After the emotional roller coaster that “Smokin’ from Shootin” puts me through, I can barely listen to this one. But when I do, it’s epic.
Track 14: “Good Intentions”
Not really a song - a scream and then “okay cool” and out.
I can’t wait to see some of these songs live. Until then, I’ll just have to be satisfied with keeping the album on heavy rotation.
MMJ - Librarian
