The Silver Jews’ David Berman took quite a shot at My Morning Jacket during an interview posted today on Sound of the City [via Pipe2k]:
“My Morning Jacket—love the way it sounds. . . until you’re on the subway, and you can concentrate on what he’s saying, and all of a sudden, you’re like ‘Oh my God, this guy had no idea what he was doing, and he was just hoping to get this stuff by without anyone really noticing.’ And he’s done a wonderful job of it, because if you don’t pay attention, you don’t notice these terribly embarrassing things.”
I’ll give Berman the benefit of the doubt because he created the single greatest opening line to an album I’ve ever heard. (Seriously, does it get better than “In 1984 I was hospitalized for approaching perfection”? No, it doesn’t.) But while I guess I understand the point he’s trying to make, I’d love some concrete examples. Better yet, I’d love to listen to Z with him and have him tell me the exact parts he’s describing. I’m sure I can be convinced by a guy who knows music a lot better than I will ever know it. Until then, I guess I’ll just continue to not notice what he’s talking about and let MMJ “get by.”
10 Responses
Welcome back Ace, we sure missed ya!
Ace, how can we miss you if you don’t go away!
ridiculous. utterly ridiculous.
While not speaking for Berman, what I think is that Jim James’ voice (which may currently be the best in R&R) out weighs his lyrical contribution (which is average IMO) I remember being blown away at first listen to Z and then when I actually “heard” the words about masturbating in the shower (Into the Woods) and wanting Ice Cream (What A Wonderful Man) being a bit let down. Still the tone and sound of his vocals (not even mentioning the fantastic music writing) make me over look some odd to bland lyrics. Can not wait for Radio City.
i’m flabbergasted. jim james’ lyrics blow my mind. but i guess i have to listen to what this duchebag has to say since he knows more about music than us. what a crock. it does seem interesting to me that duchebags have a proud history of dogging that which others find to be more substantive and meaningful than the putrid mess only they seem capable of pumping out. it all seems to be some feeble attempt to gain points in the i-talk-about-how-i-don’t-like-what-the-masses-like-and-am-therefore-the-king-of-cool game.
guess what david berman … just because you don’t understand something doesn’t mean it doesn’t mean something. what an idiot.
David Berman is more intelligent than Jimmy James will ever be,and you people are fucking morons for falling for trite lyrics.
And learn how to spell DOUCHE!
Jim James is God, nuff said!
Just thought I’d let y’all know a decade later that this was a very amusing comment section