I have been anxious in anticipation for this moment. Abiding through what seemed to be an endless interim between albums, my building tension has been thankfully relieved. Jim James has reached down from the Heavens and placed a gem in my hands as My Morning Jacket has done it again. Two years eight months and six days I have been stranded at sea without a new MMJ studio album. Granted, most of my time in the waiting room was occupied listening to their previous studio work, Z (2005), and a tasty little nugget called the Okonokos Live Album (2006). If it had not been for my witnessing some new material at Coachella 2008, I may have lost all hope, but I knew something exciting was on its way into my headphones.

To tell you the truth, not much, musically at least, gets me more excited than seeing Jim James galloping about the stage in his Skull Boots while reminding everyone why he is such a brilliant musician.

I remain reluctant to brief you on the history or make-up of this band as I do with the newer, more unknown bands I write about, because I feel as though everyone should already know the facts. For the one or two of you that don’t know bout it however, here’s the quick version. My Morning Jacket is from Louisville, Kentucky and has been gracing the world with rock music for ten years now the last five with ATO Records. Jim James (singer/guitarist) and “Two-Tone” Tommy (bassist) are the standing founding members of the band along with Patrick Hallahan (drums), Bo Koster (keyboard) and Carl Broemel (guitar).

See them live. MMJ is one of the top live performing bands that I have ever witnessed. As I quoted a very musically informed friend of mine within my Coachella 2008 review, I shall once more reiterate that statement where he claimed, “Jim James sounds like Heaven”. If you appreciate jam bands, look no further. If you seek stage energy, here it is. If you want to be blown away and re-evaluate your purpose on this earth, see My Morning Jacket live (I’m beginning to sound like James Lipton from Inside the Actor’s Studio).

(photo – Brendan Foote)

Here are some upcoming opportunities.

Right, the new album. Evil Urges (2008). It has a different sound to it, but is blended with the same great MMJ consistency. Some songs are a little more country-ish. Some are, well, let me throw a few down for you so you can judge. After listening, I fully expect you to buy this shee on itunes or Amazon. Enjoy…

My Morning Jacket – I’m Amazed

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My Morning Jacket – Touch Me I’m Going To Scream, Pt.2

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