Way back before I shit the bed and left the blogging world for a bit, I was anxiously awaiting the release of MMJ's new album, Evil Urges. Needless to say, once it finally was released I loved it just as much as I do the rest of their back catalog. Here was my initial reaction / rough review upon the first spin of Evil Urges:1)Evil Urges
Zeppelin circa houses of the holy, no reverb on the vocals at all, the backing string arrangement that starts swelling is a killer way to go into the breakdown, definitely hear zeppelin influences.
2)Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Part 1
Upon initial reaction, this hits me much the way Into the Woods first took me; it sounds completely out of left field and not like the jacket I’m used to. Then again, these are the songs that seem to reveal more of themselves each time you listen to them. It also shares some lyrics with "Touch Me Part 2" which is pretty sweet and great for adding to the whole overall album feel/journey.
3)Highly Suspicious
I know this tune has been getting a lot of mixed reactions but I have to say I’m all for it. With Jimmy and his Sexual Prowl Falsetto he croons the verses with, the mischievous laugh and the deep thunderous voice in the background right before the first breakdown, singing about peanut butter pudding surprises (or is that Pulitzer prizes?)The general outrageousness of it, how long Jim holds that one note right before the solo, speaking of which, it itself is incredible.
4)I’m Amazed
Wow. If there was a tune of theirs I could see being played all over the radio this summer it would be this one; probably their first all out, perfectly orchestrated pop tune. Although the lyrics are clearly more in-depth than what you’d regular hear on the radio, no tear stains on guitars here.
5)Thank You Too
Jim mentioned that during the creation of the album he was listening to a lot of soul such as Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield, etc, and those influences are all over this gem. It also seems like somebody got themselves a new main squeeze. Jim definitely knows how to write a great love song. I could even hear this played at weddings. It’s classic jacket, with an added string arrangement that truly brings it to another level. Think "Just One Thing".
6)Sec Walkin’
More classic MMJ; this could fit on anything from Tennessee Fire up to Evil Urges. Actually, this could fit on anything from Harvest to Sky Blue Sky. With that being said, even though the song starts in Nashville, it takes a side trip to Detroit before ending back down south.
7)Two Halves
Pretty sweet harmonizing, almost beach boyish at some parts. And Jim holding another note for a ridiculously long time, I think I counted 18 seconds?
8)Librarian
Now this is a beautiful song. Another amazing string arrangement, an excellent narrative as well (off the top of my head I can’t really remember Jim having many of those). But yes, any band would be lucky to write a song this beautiful. I can’t help but come back to thinking Jim must have found himself a special muse while writing a few of these songs.
9)Look at You
First song that I’m not really digging, it’s a little too preachy for my likings as well as a little too plain.
10)Aluminum Park
After slowing it down for a few songs, they kick it back into high gear with this rocker. Sounds like "What a Wonderful Man" but more fleshed out.
11)Remnants
Holy shit... who is this? I guess when you tour with Pearl Jam some of their greatness rubs off on you. Keeps the rocking going that was started with "Aluminum Park". It’s an all out onslaught from beginning to end.
12)Smokin’ From Shootin’
More of that classic jacket. It’s got it all, from insightful lyrics to an arrangement that’s restrained in all the right spots, but continues building up to an emotional tipping point, and then to a release that just blows you away no matter how many times you listen to it. Think the ending of "Lay Low"; the ending of "Phone Went West".
13)Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Part 2
I can’t even begin to describe this. It’s not like anything they’ve ever done before. It’s another knock out ending to a MMJ album that can rightfully proclaim its place alongside "Dondante". This last two song sequence brings the jacket to the level Radiohead is on, dare I say maybe even higher. If you thought the envelope was pushed with Z; you ain’t heard nothin’ yet.
Hopefully that lil' review will whet your appetite for the time being. Stay tuned, as in the future I will post both my Best Albums Of 2008 list as well as my love letter to the greatest place on earth: Bonnaroo. Until then, keep it fresh like Tupperware.
