My favorite band, My Morning Jacket, released their sixth studio album, Circuital, a few weeks ago. Even before that, the album leaked and the early messageboard chatter was not kind. People seemed to feel that it fell somewhere in between Z and Evil Urges, not very telling considering those are my most and least favorite albums of theirs, respectively. While I could appreciate what frontman Jim James was trying to do on Evil Urges, it simply was not my taste. The messageboard rumblings, however, seemed to suggest that their disappointment was not in Jim's new direction on Circuital, but that it simply seemed short on talent and creativity. The music seemed bland and the lyrics were dull and uninspiring. This was very disappointing to me. EU still showcased a brilliant and ambitious band willing to try new things. Was Circuital showcasing a band that had run out of ideas and passion?
So I bought the album with low expectations. I gave the entire CD several non-stop spins in my car, trying to be objective and listen to it out of context. This is what we do with our favorite bands; give them more chances than we would with anything else. Hey, they've given me a lot of great music so I feel they've earned it. Finally one day it dawned on me: I like it. I really like it.
The opening track, Victory Dance, is kind of weird and cool - two adjectives often associated with MMJ's work. A slow simple beat from the rhythm section that carries on as different elements fade in and out as Jim repeats "Hope to dance the victory dance in the evening's setting sun," at the song's nadir. The title track and Wonderful (the way I feel ) are MMJ at their best - a fun beat that builds and builds but gives Jim's hauntingly beautiful vocals enough space to howl. I particularly love the opening to Wonderful: "It matters to me/ Took a long time to get here/ If it had been easy/ I would not have cared."
Slow Slow Tune provides some space for Carl to shred some tasty licks, but Jim's voice sounds noticeably off on this track. And again, on Holdin' On to Black Metal, he reverts back to that falsetto he used on Evil Urges. This is something that I just don't get. When Jim was born, God grabbed is vocal chords with both hands and gave him the voice of an angel. Jim should never do anything that detracts from that voice. MMJ's earlier sound consisted of Jim's strumming and his soaring vocals, with the band colorfully filling in the empty gaps. Now, I wonder if the problem is that his band mates are too talented. Their sound has changed significantly since Carl and Bo came on for the Z sessions. Jim might feel that keeping them on the sidelines for too many songs is a disservice to their abilities.
As long as Jim's around, I still feel that there is a magic to this band. Like some of the early reviews, I agree that Jim's lyrics on this album have taken a big step back. However, I am comfortable with the fact that this band peaked at Z. I still appreciate what they do and am going to enjoy their slow slow ride into the sunset, dancing the victory dance.
