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!


Best of 2003 - It Still Moves   August 20, 2004
 39 out of 39 found this review helpful

"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 cliches. 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.



More like Morning Glory!.   September 17, 2003
 17 out of 22 found this review helpful

I always worry about albums that I love on the first hearing. They fade quickly, grow to annoy and generally end up in the rack at second hand shop. "It Still Moves" defies this. I have listened to it repeatedly since its release and its stunning. Its difficult to highlight the best parts. ""Dancefloors" feels like the Band but funkier. The first track "Mahgeetah" has more hooks than the Usk Fishing club. One Big Holiday rocks and "Run Thru" is Neil Young but with a decent voice. Indeed Jim James sings brilliantly throughout (talented b*******ds, dont you hate them?) particularly on "one in the same". The only album that has had the same impact is Jeff Buckleys "Grace". Totally different in style and perhaps not quite as original but growing into a very close friend. Finally I also fancy the bear on the cover but thats my problem and I will get over it (with time)

Buy it - "It still moves" blows the brilliant Kings of Leon out of the water. Come on - trust me I'm a doctor


This Album Could Only Have Been Made in the South   November 7, 2003
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

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!


Surprisingly good Southern-tinged Rock   March 13, 2004
 10 out of 12 found this review helpful

Although I tend to be wary of any band that Pitchformedia.com slums for, this one (for 8 bucks) is, for the most part, worth the effort to get to know better. Picking it up totally on a whim and having no real reference point for their sound, I was surprised to find what I suspected wasn't on the album: namely, actual rock music. I have no real fondness for Southern Rock, so hearing those duel Skynyrd guitars slashing around It Still Moves and hearing the lead singer's voice reach quite high levels made me apprehensive at first. But the quality and the complexity of the songs is undeniable, along with Jim James's voice. You would think that coating your voice in blurring reverb on every song would get annoying fast...but somehow it doesn't. Instead, it lends James's voice an eerie lonesomeness and potency that meshes quite well with the music, whether it's the opening, rollicking song "Mageetah" or slower ones like "I will Sing You Songs," which concludes with his wail against a background of simplistic pounding of instruments that is quite effective. No song is shorter than five minutes, which can get a little tiring at times. Somehow, though, each song has a epic quality to it that would be cheated if it had to be shortened. Strands of Southern Rock run throughout It Still Moves, but it doesn't hinder it. Instead, it only informs it, giving the otherwise hard indie rock on display throughout most of the album a looseness to it without being experimental, as most Indie Rock bands tend to succumb too. The length is the only real complaint. But carve an hour out of your day to listen to the continuing improvement of a very promising band. It'll be worth it.