Shaking things up.
Clearly, My Morning Jacket is moving on. Their fifth studio album Evil Urges will take some by surprise, but not long time fans who know the band’s penchant for experimentation. The previously stereotyped “jam-band” from Louisville, Kentucky goes on a genre bending experience, referencing influences as diverse as The Flaming Lips, Prince, Al Green, Wilco, James Taylor and even a little Tone Loc. It is designed for repeated listening with intricate textures and subtle nuances that are not all revealed at first and the unpredictable nature of the song structures make it one of the freshest sounding albums of the year.
Jim James is the chief songwriter, guitarist and vocalist and as the band lays down a series of different rhythms, he displays a variety of ways to use his compelling high tenor. The title song reveals their justification for all this musical role playing within a sexual metaphor when James sings “It ain’t evil if it ain’t hurting anybody.” The band’s most momentous sea change is “Highly Suspicious”, a Funky Cold Medina–like funk rave up with James’ ridiculously high falsetto making you wonder if they are putting you on. The less provocative songs like “I’m Amazed”, “Two Halves” and “Aluminum Park” are like comfort food for lovers of their traditional sound. In between are the silky soul of “Thank You Too!”, the country rock of “Sec Walkin” and the classically tinged love song to a “Librarian.”
Saving the best for last, a melodically beautiful progressive rock anthem “Smokin’ from Shootin” segues into the album’s masterpiece “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2.” The musical theme reverberates with the line “It’s been so long since someone challenged me.” Easily the most anticipated album of the year, Evil Urges challenges expectations like no other album in a long time.
Listen for songs from the album Evil Urges by My Morning Jacket all this week on Paul Shugrue’s new music show “Out of the Box” on Hampton Roads public radio 89.5 WHRV Mon. through Thurs. from 7 to 9 p.m., Sat. afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. and on-demand at www.whrv.org/outofthebox.