Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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75 of 76 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful music that grew on me..., February 9, 2004
I had never heard of this band, and when a friend of mine suggested I buy "It Still Moves". I did, and I was initially unimpressed. I didn't think the musicians were particularly talented,I wasn't sure about the reverb-drenched vocals, and it sounded like more Alt-Country stuff.However, facing a long road trip, I thought it would give me another chance for a listen. It turns out this was a good decision on my part. When I concentrated on what the band was doing in regard to composition and arranging, I realized there were many subtle things happening. It was if every note and every beat served a specific purpose, yet it had a loose, relaxed, rather melancholy feel... The musicians have carefully crafted textures of sound which for me recall summer evenings spent fishing along a shady river, or time spent hiking in the mountains near where I grew up. The music is simultaneously simple and grandiose. The vocal reverb creates a big, full space within the music, and it doesn't bother me that I don't understand the words without a lyric sheet... the entire sound is evocative to me, much like early R.E.M. in the sense that the atmosphere being created might be the greater part of things. (I think MMJ's lyrics are pretty good, by the way.) I couldn't get the CD out of my car stereo, and I listened to it three times in a row. I haven't had a CD I have wanted to listen to continually... for years. In my opinion, the CD has a perfect title. The music tends to give me a sense of inner stillness... but it moves me as well! Time to dash out and buy their other CDs!
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40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best of 2003 - It Still Moves, August 20, 2004
"Sittin' here with me and mine, all wrapped up in a bottle of wine" - so 2003's "It Still Moves" begins, with Jim James's trademark reverberated vocals coming through the speakers like they're being shouted from deep inside a cave or something. The effect is distinct, and very successful, much like this album itself. Like the bear gracing the album cover, this is a mammoth effort: the album clocks in at 72 minutes, and most songs break the 6-minute mark. The result is a listening experience not for those who are easily bored, but rather those who can let the music unfold slowly (and make no mistake, those who do make it through the meandering parts will be richly rewarded in the end).
I actually find the length of the tracks to be one of the record's strongest assets. The balls out jams that end the majority of the songs here show a long lost affinity for the GROOVE. These guys know how to hit on a riff and milk it, and no avenue is left unexplored. There are breakdowns, build-ups, guitar excursions, Memphis horns, and even some synths (on the marvelous "Run Thru"). It's been said that "It Still Moves" plays like a live album, and I couldn't agree more. It is remarkable that the band was able to take the energy and freedom of a live show and put it onto record. For that reason alone, this would be one of the finest records of 2003, but fortunately there are songs to back up the fabulous arrangements. Every song is memorable, and there aren't any throwaway tracks. The ethereal yet soothing vocals dominate spare, rambling tracks such as "I Will Sing You Songs" and "One In The Same". Elsewhere, the guitar takes over and the band rocks up a storm rarely seen since the southern rock heyday of the 1970's ("Mahgeetah", "One Big Holiday"). The lyrics are fine as well, never stepping in the way of the music, never becoming pretentious, and never giving into tired southern clichés. And the music is never obviously derivative: MMJ has definitely fostered a singular style for itself.
The record is an emotional listening experience, and there's a constant thread of melancholy permeating even the most bombastic numbers. It's good late night listening, with the lights dim and your mind clear (or even a little buzzed). Sometimes its hard to take the entire thing in one sitting, but when there's barely any filler, how can length be a downside? This really is great music, and I think this band's stature will grow with time. Definitely the best record of 2003 in my book. If you like great rock music with a little twang, this is really a no-brainer.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
This Album Could Only Have Been Made in the South, November 6, 2003
I heard so much buzz about MMJ that I had to listen to this. Usually, I don't trudge into the record shop and listen free to the CD with headphones, but on this one I did and within seconds I was sucked into the wonderful sound of this band. There are comparisons to everyone under the sun, but MMJ reminds me of vintage Allman Brothers circa 1970/71, hitch-hiking on desolate country roads with a backpack. This album is real Americana roots and is wonderful to hear again. It isn't as commerical as Lynyrd Skynyrd in their heyday, but it is something more deep, dreamy and creamy. Relish the 74 minutes of bliss!
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