As the lead singer and songwriter for My Morning Jacket – one of the most entertaining and consistently quality live bands of the last decade or so – Jim James has kind of seen and done it all.
His band has opened for Pearl Jam, played Coachella and Bonnaroo (their 2008 set lasted four hours), supported Neil Young on an international tour, and packed just about every big room and amphitheater in the US.
So earlier this year James decided to put out a solo record, Regions of Light and Sound of God. It’s in the same vein as most MMJ records, but a little more ethereal and droney; a bit more subdued; and less buzzy guitars. But there’s still James’ trademark tenor howl that cuts through like a reverb-y knife.
Rolling Stone‘s David Fricke had this to say of the record:
“Regions of Light and Sound of God is an eccentric, gently compelling pleasure: George Harrison’s Seventies classic-rock spiritualism reborn in the laptop age with a strong hint of the Roots in the backbeat.”
James brings his throwback shaman act to Liberty Hall this Wednesday for what will surely be a packed house. There are still a few tickets available, including a limited number in GA, so get on it.
You’ve been warned.
Unfortunately I spoke to someone who saw him in St. Louis last weekend with a bad review. Hope the Liberty Hall show is a good one. I’d actually just like to see MMJ there though. That would kick a dog’s ass.
I haven’t listened to this solo record, but for some odd reason and lord knows I’ve tried, MMJ just never really resonated with me. I have the same issue with Radiohead. Nothing at all against those acts as I can see the quality in their music, but as I said, they just don’t click for me. I guess everybody has a few bands or artists like that and those are mine.