My Morning Jacket - "Z"

All I've heard so far is "Off the Record," with that huge "Hawaii 5-0" riff, but it's incredibly catchy and uncharacteristically upbeat.

That said, I truly wonder how that riff ever made it out of the practice space... unless it's totally intentional, like "let's start the song with the "Hawaii 5-0" theme song and take it from there!

There's what sounds like another homage at the end of the 1st track "Wordless Chorus". A tribute to the squealing of "Bennie, Bennie" from the end of Elton John's Bennie & The Jets.

This record is definitely disappointing me big time (like a lot of releases from artists I love this year, Doves, SFA, etc.). I almost can't listen to it, because it's such a fall from the grace of "At Dawn".

It's just so-so, and so-so isnt' good enough for these guys. They can (and have done) better.

they've still never managed to harness on record the ferocity of their concerts - one of the best live bands around from the two times i saw 'em.

i think what made their earlier records so great, and "It Still Moves" to a slightly lesser extent, was the juxtaposition of Jim James' ethereal, otherworldly vocals with really sharp, punchy rock 'n' roll, classic pop and alt-country.

the music on "Z" however is just as indistinct and out-of-focus as JJ, so instead of an interesting collision of sounds you just get kind of a formless mess. that said, there are a few keepers, #4, #5, and I think it's #8 are pretty excellent.

I'm kind of enjoying this new record - I haven't been a huge fan of the band to this point (save "Mygeetah") but something about the first three tracks here are really doing it for me.

in my opinion songs 4 and 5 are two of the worst things i have ever heard.

most dissapointing record of 2005 so far. i don't like the inclusion of those cheap synths at all

yep, its pretty disappointing except for Lay Low.

the most aptly titled record ever. not that i've heard it but i've heard their last one and can't say i'm excited about a new one.

This actually finally saw release this week and can be found cheap. I have always liked but not loved MMJ. Their cds were too long and too jammy although I love JJ's voice. I actually think this is their best one yet.