Woody Fuller came out of the My Morning Jacket set last week full of awe for the great live band. It is hard to deny. But when I asked him what he thought of the band on record, he was less thrilled.
That's my take as well.
Except for the awe inspiring Evil Urges, MMJ are not in the same league on their albums.
On first listen, Circuital is a difficult though sometimes lovely album, the title track is a bit of a smasher. I know I said it sucked but I am not sure why I said it sucked. It is a terrific track and may well end as one of the best of the year. But some of the other stuff left me shrugging, there is something slight and simulatenously self-important about the album.
It is neither running in place nor moving forwards. I remember hearing MMJ covering "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You" at the "I'm Not Here" tribute show a coupla years ago and nearly falling out of my seat with excitement. This ain't that. . Playing excellent, voices fine, songs… not always there. I could be wrong but ona guess? Grade: B