Jim James - A New Life

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

'Regions Of Sound And Light Of God' won't be the first time that My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James has released tracks outside of his band. A few years ago he released an EP comprising of George Harrison covers, and more recently he appeared (as Yim Yames) on a Woodie Guthrie tribute album. This album will though, mark the first time the singer-songwriter has put out a solo album of his own compositions. It may not come as a big surprise, particularly to those who are already familiar with the record's first single (streaming below), that the sound isn't a huge departure from his day job. It's worth pointing out, however, that My Morning Jacket haven't been ones to stick to a formula anyway.

Perhaps fittingly titled, 'A New Life' goes one better than 'Know Til Now', good as that was, by concentrating more on what James does best. The first minute or so is simply that rich, comforting voice singing over minimal guitar, but it soon changes. Once more instrumentation and experimentation is introduced the song takes on a slightly different persona; somehow it feels more optimistic and the vocals more cosmic as they sing about "stardust". This is psychedelic alt-country sung with passion and produced with ghostly effects that elevate the song to another dimension. This new life sounds very promising.





Jim James' website

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