http://www.mymorningjacket.com/

For those of you who have an affection for road trips as much as I do, rest assured that My Morning Jacket completely understands. And I'm convinced that is why they exist. But there are some stipulations:

1. The volume must be loud.
2. It has to be fall - Late August through late October.
3. It would be best if you were alone on this journey, but if you happen to be with someone, there is no side conversation going on as you listen. The appreciation level must be on a similar plane.
4. The windows must be down. If it is cool, wear a sweater. That's what they are for.

The list could go on for days, but the most important thing is that My Morning Jacket is a band that makes one realize why one loves music. And for that reason alone, it is okay to listen to this band whenever the heart desires.

The quintet, led by singer/songwriter Jim James, is from Louisville, Kentucky (also comprised of Johnny Quaid - guitar, Two-Tone Tommy - bass, Danny Cash - keyboards, Patrick Hallahan - drums). Flying way below the music radar in the Bluegrass State, My Morning Jacket was able to create music the way they wanted to -- harmonies that fuse with guitars and cymbals creating the most perfect melodies. It's like all those colors blending together in perfect harmony to create that seemless sky just as the sun is going down. Okay, this may be an ode to nature as well as the music of My Morning Jacket, but just seems an ideal connection.

MMJ released their debut CD, the critically acclaimed The Tennessee Fire, in 1999 on Darla Records. They began to pick up some popularity in the States with that release, but gained a considerable following in Europe. Remember learning about the Benelux countries in 4th grade Social Studies? Belgium, the Netherlands... well, they love MMJ and the band has recorded many hours in the logbooks touring there. Who would have thought? MMJ has even been the subject of a Dutch documentary film.

The band's second release, At Dawn, is more of the same, with MMJ delivering high-quality songs drenched with guitar and that voice that hypnotizes. Most recently, It Still Moves, was released in September 2003. The album brings together a dynamic composition of sounds with influences ranging from Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Tim Buckley, and Fred Neil. It's a genuine rock album that isn't afraid of its pop aspects and is ready for some attentive ears to fall in love with it.

Thanks to My Morning Jacket, we can all experience music the way it was meant to be... songs that are written not to a first love or a broken heart, but songs that are in love with music and the power of what can happen as textures and sounds fuse together. It's the sunniest of weather and the most perfect of temperatures driving you along that highway in the middle of October.

-Jennifer McCloskey
09.19.2003