Customer Reviews: Read 80 more reviews...
 The Golden Rule: Listen to an Album (at least) 3 Times Before U Form an Opinion January 7, 2009
J. White (dallas, tx)
You Form an Opinion!!!
Wow, I stumbled across this site by googling lyrics to "Evil Urges" and "Look at You", and read this review and laughed. I don't agree with what the comments "stop imitating neil young" (of whom i love) and "Listen to all their older albums NOT THIS ONE". This album has many great elements that some others don't, albeit a couple of tracks like "Two Halves" and "I'm Amazed" are a bit too poppy for me on the first listen, and "Highly Suspicious" is very Prince, but as for ALL of the other tracks on this album are easily 5 stars for they're soothing themes and addictive solace lyrics and melody. "Librarian" and both versions of "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream" give me that feeling of uncertainty about my currant relationship....as if there could be a perfect fit somewhere. without boring you with personal blabber....unfortunately i am labeled a music quite often and give this one a first listen and was slightly disappointed but came back with a couple more listens and can't listen to anything else for the past 3 weeks! THIS ALBUM ROCKS AND IS ADDICTIVE!!!! Jim James is one of my Hero's! PLUSS AS A BONUS TO BUYING THE WAX YOU GET A FREE STAMPED CD!!!!
p.s. it's a 4.5 Stars for me but gave it 5 Stars to objectively make up for the Neanderthal that gave this album 1 star.
 ocs anyone? January 4, 2009
S. Hanley (us)
Just a note, does anybody else think 'Two Halves' sounds EXACTLY like Ocean Colour Scene (U.K. Trad Rock Band)??
Band in transition November 24, 2008
TC
I think this album is a thoughtful and passionate one delivered w/ confidence from a band who is stretching its musical palate. Much like Wilco did with their disc "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot", MMJ is declaring that their interests are, and will most likely remain, in flux. They will not simply be thought of as a sweet new twist on southern rock. True, this is not the first time they have indicated that and delivered on it, but this is a more realized package in that respect. In fact, James' falsetto vocal deliveries and the musical distinctions between the 3 opening tracks leave you wondering if the more traditional MMJ sound is gone for good. Track 4 answers that question with a no, and throughout the cd, their more hallmark qualities surface. But what I love about the album is that, while not perfect by any means, it establishes MMJ as a band on an artisitic mission....still hungry. I believe it sends a signal that interesting things are in store.
I am not comparing them to the Beatles per se, but think about how fans must have been feeling when "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver" ushered in the latter half of their career together, or when U2 released "Unforgettable Fire"...or when the Clash released "London Calling." (OK wait, it's nowhere near that good!) But simply put, it is exciting to hear a band making it clear that is not going to rest on its laurels and still has a sense of both experimentation and musicality.
Worth a listen.
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