I agree with you that it's a companion to Evil Urges, an album that I like a lot. However, I'm not into it. It's not MMJ's fault. It's me. I'm just not into this kind of music right now. I'm really not feeling indie-whatever-you-want-to-label-it right now all together.

On the way home from work, VU - Sweet Jane came on the radio and it's the first song I've truly enjoyed in months. Can't remember the last time I listened to a song and wanted to listen to it again immediately. It's odd to me a song (however great) that I've heard a billion times is the freshest thing I've heard recently.

i have to say i enjoy this record more than any previous MMJ...ive never been a big fan, but this one has gotten more than a few spins these last two weeks

Yeah, I've been grabbing new music lately, but not much is grabbing me. And, frankly even some pretty generic stuff has been on spin. I think the chaos of summer [unusually bad right now] and overdrive on music intake has just peaked.

I know what he's talking about but it's a fluid thing. Some would be horrified to know that I've really only spent time with about 4 or 5 2011 releases so far. The rush of new music (availability speaking) can be overwhelming sometimes. I know I'm guilty of grabbing a ton of stuff and then never getting around to hearing it. I simply burn out on searching new stuff sometimes. Other times I'm obsessed with searching it out.

Sometimes the best finds just happen organically. For example: in a bar that FU Dave was spinning at last weekend and he played "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People. Hadn't heard it or the band and now can't stop listening to it.

I actually really love this record and think it is there best since "It Still Moves". The last 2 have just been too all over the place. While still stylistically diverse it plays as an album really well and I actually enjoy hearing it all the way through which is more than I can say for alot of new music these days.

Google up that Cowboy Junkies play Vic Chesnnut. Thank me later.

so as predicted, the live show definitely brings out the best in these new tunes. i actually really liked "First Light", and "HOTBM" was an all out anthem. but shit, this stuff still PALES in comparison to when they bring out "Honest Man" or "Strangulation", or the fucking 20 minute version they did of "Dondante". just insane, best version of this song i've heard yet. anyways, incredible show, don't miss it when it comes to your town, etc etc. close to three hours of just rocking-the-fuck-out without letting up. for my money, the best live show going these days. of course Red Rocks + a cool breeze would make even the most average performer seem epic.

the setlist and a coupla pics (not mine):

Victory Dance
Circuital
Off The Record
I'm Amazed
Gideon
Lay Low
Outta My System
Wonderful
The Bear
Steam Engine
First Light
Honest Man
Golden
Slow Slow Tune
Dondante
Smokin From Shootin
Run Thru
Strangulation
Touch Me Pt. 2
Mahgeetah

Wordless
Black Metal
Anytime
One Big Holiday

Awesome. I am so pumped to see them in my own town in less than two weeks - I've always had to drive several hours to see them. I doubt they will play for 3+ hours in Charlotte on a Sunday night, but I'm hoping for at least a solid 2 hours with a set mixed up from what I saw at Bonnaroo

Got my tix for Sunday's show here. Anyone else going? I will be Middle Front Section (2), halfway back