Unquestionably, the greatest rock band on the planet right now, My Morning Jacket readies to deliver what is surely to become their quintessential body of work – two discs and a concert film. They contain their most dynamic, otherworldly compositions to date, presented in their finest form. Live. Okonokos is a creative concept conceived by Jim James, and it is as much a question as it is an answer. It is an enigma wrapped around a riddle. Okonokos is whatever you want it to be.
Belying the myth that live albums tend to highlight the disparity between it and its studio counterpart, Okonokos: Double Live Album, mixed by Michael Brauer (Bob Dylan, Coldplay) and mastered by pre-eminent engineer Bob Ludwig, delves into the realm of raw, rich, elevated sound, while proudly staying true to its roots. The treasury begins with “Wordless Chorus,” one of the Jacket’s captivating traditional introductions. A glacially expansive “One Big Holiday” grips you, throws you into a trance-inspiring guitar riff frenzy, quiets down, and leads you through another transcendent moment. The collection continues to mesmerize through the second disc, and closes with a spirited “Mahgeeta."
If you haven't heard these guys, or read about them on a previous post of mine, check out the album when it drops on September 26th.
