Some string theorist have developed a theory that our universe exists spread across a vast flat membrane, floating peacefully through a gelatinous hyper-dimensional void. Within that void exist countless other universes similar to our own.

It is my own theory that these alternate universes began much like our own, but that their histories diverge from our own at both vital and mundane moments. For instance in one of these alternate universes JFK was never assassinated, therefore sparing the country much of the disillusionment that resulted from the events surrounding his death. In another dimension you don't stop at Starbucks every morning for a caramel macchiato and therefore aren't dreading swimsuit season like you are in this reality.

The most incredible divergence of all, though, happened on a world seemingly no different from our own. In this world southern rockers The Allman Brothers, through some strange cosmic domino effect, became Prince's back-up band.

This bizarre turn of events changed both the musical and socio-economical landscapes of the late 20th century. Fans of widely diverse musical styles were brought together in appreciation for the Purple One and the architects of southern rock. This union ushered in a new age of harmony and musical brotherhood in this parallel universe.

While no such union ever occurred in our reality, our universe sensed the discrepancy and tried to fill the abhorrent vacuum by creating My Morning Jacket.

The Louisville born band is the closest thing to the Allman Brothers backing up Prince that our planet will ever see. And nowhere has this description been more apt than on their latest album, Evil Urges.

Evil Urges continues to prove that My Morning Jacket are greater than their jam-band, hippie-noodler origins. Where their last studio album, Z, showcased the band's ability to mix their southern rock stylings with a more progressive rock vibe, this album shows they can blend their style easily as well with a soulful R&B sound. And since R&B music is all about the hot sexin', MMJ doesn't skimp on the dirty talk. Take for instance these lyrics from the blush-inducing Librarian, "simple little bookworm/buried underneath/
is the sexiest librarian/take off those glasses and let down your hair for me." I'm not going to lie; after hearing those lyrics I headed straight to the library to try and find a hot librarian to stare at. For a report on how that went, google, "Patrick Drury, Lexington Public Library, police reports." It should be the second or third result.

For those philistines in the crowd who may not dig the whole sexy R&B vibe, there are still songs on Evil Urges that hearken back musically to My Morning Jacket's earlier days. The slightly anthemic I'm Amazed could fit easily on the bands break-out album It Still Moves. Likewise, Aluminum Park bears some of the bands earlier trademark guitar sounds. Not to say that they sound stagnant or like throwbacks, but rather they'll tickle the ears of fans who latched onto the bands less experimental days.

Highly Suspicious may be the weakest point on the album. It's obvious the band was having fun recording the song with it's inter-cutting falsetto verses and Cameo-like chorus, but I'm not sure that fun translates completely to the listener. I fear if you're like me, you'll find yourself skipping it altogether more often than not.

The real beauty of any My Morning Jacket album, though, whether it's flirting with prog rock or Prince, is the sheer amount of fun vocalist Jim James seems to be having. Blessed with a distinctive and powerful voice (which he's not afraid to fool around with - see previously mentioned Highly Suspicious), James punctuates his verses with exactly the kind of rock and roll screams and yelps that you know you would totally do too if you were in a band. It's fun and infectious. Like an STD that produces Skittles instead of bumps.

All in all Evil Urges is a very satisfying album. Full of new sounds and interesting tracks, but with a little something there for the less adventurous fans. So thanks to the universe and whatever course correction lead to My Morning Jacket being created. We may never see the Allman Brothers on stage with Prince, but we've got the next best thing. It's nice to see cosmic forces get something right for once!

Labels: playlist

"like an STD that produces Skittles instead of bump". In one turn of a phrase you have just ruined Skittles and the concept of the simile for me for life.

I like the album as well. Stand back, I'm going to try and reclaim the simile; "its like a canker sore that oozes lemonade instead of infected puss."  


I may have ruined Skittles and similes but I like to think I made STD's a little better.

Also, "Infected Puss" was the name of Sara's first dog.  


Best Album of the YEAR so far! And is STD free!  


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