My Morning Jacket – Z (ATO Records)
Losing two founding members is usually the funeral call for even the best bands. That said, it’s amazing what this line-up shift, an outside producer and a trip to a new studio away from the familiar setting of their farm studio has done for Kentucky’s My Morning Jacket. The Jacket scored big with their 2003 major label debut, It Still Moves. Filled with Crazy Horse style barnburners and lonesome barstool acoustic numbers, the self-produced Moves signaled the arrival of a serious songwriter in lead man Jim James. Bringing former John Lennon, Pink Floyd, and Radiohead producer/engineer John Leckie, plus a new guitarist and keyboard player together for the follow up seems to have been the smartest move ever. Z is sure to make many year-end top-ten lists, and may be the best rock album of the year.
Z kicks off with the hottest first five in recent memory. “Wordless Chorus” sneaks in on top of a two note affected bass line and some subtle synths. As suggested in the title, the wordless chorus explodes like a reverb-obsessed choir of Southern angels. James’ lyrical voice is bolder than ever, claiming “We are the innovators/ And they are the imitators.” Score one for intelligent rockers everywhere. The song features more intricate, driving percussion elements than found on previous outings, and sees its way out the door with James soulfully howling like Jackie Wilson possessed by Elton John. “It Beats 4 U” slithers on jittery drum fills and spacey keyboard riffs. “Gideon” is like Coldplay after a serious Bourbon binge. Keyboard swells, Edge-like guitars, the big chorus – it’s all there, with an added measure of American soul, and the presence of a passionate pulse. It’s one of the strongest testaments to the sheer power and songwriting chops of the new-and-improved MMJ.
“What a Wonderful Man” is a wild abandon rocker that flexes its instrumental muscles with some big, double guitar riffing right in the middle of the song. The rollicking chorus of praise for some mysterious Messianic figure is both thought provoking and infectious. “Off The Record” rounds out the first five with the most contagious chorus they’ve ever thought up, and a warning not to cross the rough and tumble MMJ. “You’ve got to want to rearrange it/ Keep it off the record/ You’ve got to know that we will change it/ Keep it off the record.”
After 2 1/2 minutes of the tightest, catchiest, most rocking moments on the album, “Record” careens off the road head on into a “Hawaii 5-O” sludge riff, only to drift off into a spacey groove jam. The pace slows a bit with “Into the Woods,” an intoxicating bit of carnival psychedelia. “A kitten on fire/ A baby in a blender/ Both sound as sweet as a night of surrender.” “Anytime” brings back the rock with a driving, straight ahead take on communication troubles. “Lay Low” is a classic Southern Rock workout, with Skynard style harmony guitar parts. “Dondante” closes out Z with an extended dose of slow, haunting rock and roll transcendence. Strong songwriting, a more compelling, detailed sonic approach, and Jim James irresistible, cracked tenor all add up to make Z one of the absolute best listens of 2005. If this barbaric yawp of a rock record is any indication, My Morning Jacket promises to be giving us that elusive combo of important rock music that’s also fun for years to come.