Entropy sucks. Like many epically mind-blowing acts before them (Dylan, Radiohead, Twisted Sister), Jim James and the boys know that it’s all about the progress. Each album - handcrafted, dipped in southern ether and marked with an MMJ decal - has been an evolution…dare I submit a revolution(!) in musical stylings and fidelities and insanely awesome levels of reverb. Obviously, I wouldn’t have begun this hastily written album-retrospective if that weren’t also the case on the June-to-be-released Evil Urges. But the magic in this case doesn’t necessarily lie in the new and varied sounds (of which there are many) - it’s in the method they’re presented.
I’ve already heard a lot of grumbling and griping about this record and I need to make clear that I’m not out to change any minds. People may not like the new (read: scary and uncomfortable) sounds they hear, but I hope they see the beauty in its layout and execution. I mean for fuck’s sake people, the first track is called “Evil Urges,” the last track is “Good Intentions”, and right smack-dab in the middle is a song so suspiciously titled…wait for it…”Two Halves.” If that doesn’t immediately give you some semblance of an idea as to what these guys have planned for you, then just stick with the older albums and live on - blissfully ignorant. The two parts have vastly different themes – one half for those ready for progress, one for those who want some classic MMJ and an entire album for anyone ready to try both.
The “Evil Urges” half of Evil Urges is the part I’ve seen taking the biggest beating at the hands of the interwebs crowd. The overall sound here, if there even is such a thing, is undoubtedly a departure from past MMJ records. The opening track is a piano-filled groove with James stretching his falsetto damn near its limits. It reminds me a bit of Phish, but I say to anyone who finds that as stomach-churning as I did: If I can get over it, you can too. “Highly Suspicious” is the track getting the most attention. Most comparisons I’ve seen have been to Prince, but it always makes me think Zappa. The first half of the album is undoubtedly a bit weird all the way through. “Thank You Too” is some strange, obsessive love-fest and “Sec Walkin’” sounds like easy country circa 1980, but with highlights like “Touch Me… Pt. 1” and “I’m Amazed” I find it entirely enjoyable.
By the time I end up hitting the “Good Intentions” half of the album, I’ll admit that I’m ready for some classic MMJ guitar and drums-driven rock. The highlights here are thick: Librarian is a Golden-ishly intimate acoustic track with James’ classic croon finally up-front and center, “Remnants” is the hard charging rock song, a la “One Big Holiday”, and “Smokin’ From Shootin’” is an awesome slow-builder. Start to finish, the “Good Intentions” half of the album doesn’t have a weak moment on it.
When you add this ridiculously good, amazing accessible second half with the strange, quirky and dare-I-say experimental first half, you’ve got a pretty epic album on your hands. For those wary of the new album, prepare yourselves. Word on the street is that Jim James has picked up beatboxing. Entropy be damned.
Label: ATO
Release date: June 10, 2008
2 Comments »
Everything that guy just said is bullshit.
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Comment by your mom — April 30, 2008 @ 10:50 am
you are correct, son - the 2nd half of this album is indeed awesome.