The Evolution of My Morning Jacket: A Live Experience Like No Other
My Morning Jacket, a band that needs no introduction as a live powerhouse, celebrated 20 years of their iconic album 'Z' at the Brooklyn Paramount. But here's where it gets controversial: is there anything new to uncover about this legendary act? As someone who witnessed their live show for the first time, I was about to find out.
Let's start with the basics. The audiovisual spectacle was top-notch. Jim James, the charismatic frontman, seamlessly transitioned from graceful choreography during the opener 'Wordless Chorus' to intense guitar shredding in 'Anytime'. Carl Broemel, a utility wizard, transformed into a calm saxophonist for the album's finale, 'Dondante'. And Patrick Hallahan's snare hits sent shivers down the spine. But this is the part most people miss: the true magic of My Morning Jacket lies beyond the standard review.
As I reflect on the show, I can't help but think about the impact of 'Z' and how it has evolved over the years. In a post-social media world, where genre boundaries have blurred, 'Z' felt like a bold pivot back in the early 2000s. It marked a shift from their rootsy, jam-band sound to a more psychedelic, synth-driven direction. A move that earned them the now-familiar comparison to Radiohead.
The psychedelic journey of 'Z' proved influential, not just for My Morning Jacket, but for an entire generation of artists. Acts like Sturgill Simpson, Big Thief, and Kings of Leon followed a similar path, embracing a more cosmic sound as they progressed. 'Z', along with Wilco's 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot', became a blueprint for this artistic evolution.
What made the live performance of 'Z' so captivating was its contextual and thematic depth. The album's morphing sounds, when experienced live, felt like a response to the chaos of modern history. Jim James' words, though seemingly vague and shamanistic, carried a powerful message of peace and love in a time of rising authoritarianism. A reminder that amidst fear and turbulence, flexibility and harmony are essential for survival.
As the band transitioned into their second set, it became evident that My Morning Jacket's identity is a prism of many facets. The encore, 'Magheeta', blended the cybernetic freakiness of 'Z' with the band's unique brand of accessibility. Even the oddity, 'The Devil's Peanut Butter', felt like a fusion of their pre- and post-'Z' eras. The giant stuffed bears, an onstage staple, served as a reminder of their artistic journey, blurring the lines between genres and embracing elasticity.
My Morning Jacket's live performance was a celebration of their evolution, a testament to their ability to adapt and thrive. It left me with a deeper understanding of 'Z' and its place in music history. So, if you're a fan or simply curious, I urge you to experience My Morning Jacket live. Their upcoming tour promises more fullZ performances, and you won't want to miss it.
Get your tickets now and join the My Morning Jacket family for a night of musical magic!
My Morning Jacket Setlist:
Z:
- Wordless Chorus
- It Beats 4 U
- Gideon
- What a Wonderful Man
- Off the Record
- Into the Woods
- Anytime
- Lay Low
- Knot Comes Loose
- Dondante
Chills:
- Where to Begin
- Half a Lifetime
- The Devil's Peanut Butter
- Squid Ink
- Wasted / En La Ceremony / Wasted
Encore:
- Tropics (Erase Traces)
- Smokin' From Shootin'
- Die For It
- Mahgeetah
